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By Regan Tate

New program to provide job seekers access to child care in Medicine Hat

Mar 29, 2023 | 1:16 PM

Medicine Hat, AB–There is a new program to help parents with young children expand their employability.

Offered through the YMCA of Medicine Hat, the HOW Child Care Program (Employment Services and Hours of Work Child Care) is designed to help residents access child care while they look for a job. “For many people, lack of access to child care is their largest barrier to finding and retaining employment,” said Jodie Engbert, Director of Employment Services.

The program will provide job search assistance and child care to eligible parents of children aged 0 to 6 out of the YMCA John Millar Child Development Centre. The hours are 7am to 9pm, Monday through Friday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

“At the YMCA, we know that when everyone has access to meaningful job opportunities, the whole community wins. With this program, we are responding to community need by removing that barrier directly,” added Engbert.

Financial assistance may be available for parents participating in the program.

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Right now, the program is still in its initial launch mode with 10 of 16 childcare sports available.

Families who would benefit from this program should reach out to employment@medicinehatymca.ca and arrange to meet with an Employment Advisors who will discuss their needs and begin the program intake process.