Childcare Unlocks Education and Employment Opportunities for Winnipeg Parents

In Winnipeg's priority community schools, parents childcare with adult learning or full-time work. Among parents with kids under 12, many resort to evening classes or drop out entirely. This initiative from the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg aims to change this by pairing adult learning opportunities with before and after-school childminding to boost adult learner attendance, so they can complete their Grade 12 education and find meaningful employment.

Parents get access to vocational training paths including Parent Mentorship, childcare and trades like baking, while children enjoy play-based care from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., freeing up caregivers for education or employment. Pilots show strong results with most graduates hired, and childcare enabling more than 80% attendance for the parents.

By equipping parents for education and employment success, the Northpine Foundation investment in this initiative powers impact on multiple level, for parents, children, families as well as employers and the community at large.