This article appeared in the Sou'wester on September 9 2020 Early learning and child care are a cornerstone in Manitoba today. Residents of River Heights reach out to me on a regular basis regarding the various difficulties they face. Access to this service is vital when both parents are working and child care is needed for people to have jobs and for our economy to flourish. For example, as children in Manitoba begin returning to school, access to child care is essential for teachers. If teachers cannot access the child care needed to work, the result is a shortage of teachers. Quality in child care and early childhood education is as important as quantity. Consistency in child care providers helps with the attachment of children. This, plus consistency in the emphasis on education, helps a child’s development and their readiness for school. Though play is an essential part of a child’s ability to enjoy an experience in child care, it is also an oppo...