Description

In 2023, 62% of children with long-term conditions or disabilities were in child care.

72% of parents of children with long-term conditions or disabilities in child care reported that the child care arrangement used was the best fit for their child.

35% of children with long-term conditions or disabilities in child care who were using support services or therapies were receiving at least some of those services at their child care arrangement.

Areas where children with long-term conditions or disabilities in child care most commonly needed extra support

• Social interaction: 32%
• Managing behaviour: 30%
• Learning: 30%

52% of parents of children with long-term conditions or disabilities reported difficulty finding a child care arrangement.

Most common impacts on parents of difficulty finding a child care arrangement:

• Changing their work or study schedule: 40%
• Working fewer hours: 36%
• Paying more than they wanted to: 33%
• Postponing their return to work: 33%

Most common difficulties experienced by children with long-term conditions or disabilities at their main child care arrangement:

• Participating in activities: 35%
• Inadequate access or lack of access to therapeutic services within child care: 29%
• Negative attitudes toward them: 19%

Source: Statistics Canada, Survey on Early Learning and Child Care Arrangements – Children with Long-term Conditions and Disabilities, 2023.