Amend Alberta's Child Care Licensing Regulation (AR 143/2008)

The Issue

The existing provision allows individuals to work with children in a child care setting before their background checks are finalized. This creates a potential risk to child safety, even under supervision.

Our Request

We respectfully request that the Government of Alberta:

• Amend Section 25(2) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation to require that all staff and volunteers complete and submit their criminal record checks, including vulnerable sector searches, prior to commencing any role in a child care setting.
• Ensure enforcement and compliance measures are in place so no individual has access to children—supervised or otherwise—without a cleared criminal record check.

Why This Matters

• Enhanced Child Safety: Requiring that all individuals working with children have completed background checks prior to commencing employment significantly reduces potential risks.
• Consistency: Aligning child care regulations with those in other sectors, such as education, where background checks are mandatory before volunteering or employment, ensures uniform standards of child protection.
• Public Trust: Alberta parents and guardians need assurance that all staff and volunteers in child care settings have been thoroughly vetted to maintain trust in the system.

Personal Note

As an Alberta parent, I discovered this oversight firsthand at my child's before-and-after school care program. I believe all parents deserve peace of mind knowing that those who care for their children are fully screened.

By signing this petition, you stand with Alberta parents in demanding immediate legislative action to protect our children and uphold the highest standards of child care safety.

Thank you for your support regarding this very important issue.