By Liam Verster

Child Care

Day care services now available for AHS employees in Grande Prairie

Mar 25, 2020 | 2:51 PM

Several day care centres in Grande Prairie have been selected to specifically support families working for Alberta Health Services.

Stepping Stones Day Care Society is one of those that has been selected to support AHS employed families with day care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Director of Stepping Stones, Gladys James, says the service is specifically meant for Alberta Health Services staff, and they will be screening the applicants to make sure they are supposed to be receiving the child care service.

“When we receive a phone call from families, we of course find out who they’re employed with, and how they got our name, to ensure that we’re not skipping the queue. We want to support the families who we’ve been mandated to support.”

She says she’s not worried about people seeking child care despite not being employed by AHS.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“I’m hoping the community at large will ensure that we support those we need to support. We all know we need support of our hospitals, our doctors, our nurses, our clinics, and I think as a community at large we all appreciate that, and we don’t anticipate any problems.”

She adds they will also verify an applicant’s employment, to ensure Stepping Stones is providing day care services to the right people.

James says because these families are working on the front lines, and are more at risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, they have put extra health and safety measures in place.

“When our children enter our centre, we are checking their temperatures before they even enter the facility. So upon entry, we’re ensuring nobody has any fevers. In addition to that, we’re also checking our staff, to ensure that when they come in in the morning they to do not have a fever. We are using disinfecting wipes, we’re using hand sanitizer, our staff are disinfecting throughout the day, before transitions and after transitions. So, everybody is going above and beyond to ensure everybody stays well and healthy.”

The selected day care centres are now open and ready for eligible AHS employed families to apply for child care services. Stepping Stones can care for 24 children under the age of six at their West side location (formerly the Parent Link centre), and already have one child signed up.

James adds that it’s an honour to be chosen to provide child care to the people working on the front lines, and that they are ready to help and support the people who are helping the public during this health crisis.