Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore:

Transcription

1 Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore: Perspectives of Parents from the District of West Vancouver Prepared by: Denise Buote, Arbor Educational and Clinical Consulting Inc. Prepared for: The District of West Vancouver, North Shore Neighbourhood House, and North Shore Community Resources April P a g e

2 Contents Executive Summary... 3 Introduction... 5 Snapshot of the District of West Vancouver... 6 Community Feedback Process... 6 Parent Survey Results... 7 Survey Participant Background... 7 Parent Ratings of Aspects of Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore... 8 Key Findings from Parents Appendix A: EDI Results for North and West Vancouver School Districts C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

3 Executive Summary From January to March 2013, service providers and parents were invited to provide feedback on their perceptions of child and family friendliness on the North Shore as it relates to children ages As part of this process, 372 parents from the District of West Vancouver gave their feedback via an online survey. Key findings from parents in the District of West Vancouver include: There are play areas and parks that are well-maintained in West Vancouver; however, there is a need for the creation of more parks with play equipment for a range of ages. There are upgrades to parks needed in some areas (e.g., Ambleside). Additional factors that would enhance the play areas and parks are covered areas that offer protection from the sun and rain, safer routes to parks, and stroller accessible trails. Overall there exist welcoming places in West Vancouver where parents of young children can meet one other. The creation of more child and familyfriendly coffee shops and restaurants would be welcomed by parents. Greater programming in the evenings and on the weekends, more multifamily and multi-generational activities, as well as access to drop-in childcare would enhance family support services. There is a range of early learning and childcare programs in West Vancouver that are of high quality. Challenges for families include access to some highly desirable programs due to limited spaces and the high costs of programs. Some transportation issues appear to be in need of significant attention. The biggest area of need was the creation of sidewalks in many areas in which there are currently none. Additional challenges are limited access to adequate bus shelters, safety concerns at school drop-off and pick-up zones and frequency of speeding by drivers. Overall, health services are seen as a relative strength on the North Shore. As in the rest of B.C., there are challenges with having access to a regular family doctor. Recreation and community services are seen as quite strong in West Vancouver with a wide variety of programming available. In particular, library services are perceived to be very strong. Enhancements to these services would include more programs that allow children to explore their own and different cultures as well as more availability of programs that quickly fill up at the recreation centres (e.g., swimming). While some local businesses have made efforts to make their business more child and family friendly, there is room for growth in this area. Paying attention to aspects such as adding features that make shopping with a small child easier would be welcomed by parents (e.g., parking for parents with young children, having free play areas in all malls for children, etc.). Parents experiences in the workplace vary a great deal with respect to how supportive they experience employers 3 P a g e

4 to be as they negotiate work-life balance. Many parents indicate that they do not work on the North Shore. Overall, parents are content with their housing situation. Approximately onethird of parents indicated that they do not live within a 10 minute walk of an elementary school. Based on the results of this survey, the District of West Vancouver is heading in the right direction in order to enhance factors that would make the community more child and family friendly. While some of the factors in need of attention require considerable financial investment and planning, others may be easier to implement through some changes in programming, enhancing transportation features, and public education around simple strategies that organizations and businesses can undertake to create an environment that is perceived to be child and family friendly. 4 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

5 Introduction In October 2011, the North Shore Congress, a forum of elected and appointed public officials, endorsed the Child and Family Friendly Community Charter. This Charter was in large part developed in response to data gathered through the Early Development Instrument (EDI) that indicated that a sizeable percentage of children on the North Shore are vulnerable as they enter Kindergarten (See Appendix A for an overview). The Charter outlines key actions to be undertaken on the North Shore in order to support the healthy development of young children and families. One of the action items of the Charter is: The North Shore Congress agrees to promote child friendly communities. In order to begin to examine the perceptions of the degree to which the North Shore is experienced as child and family friendly, it was decided community feedback was needed, both from parents and child and family service providers. 1 Given the significant differences in developmental needs across childhood and adolescence, this consultation focused on child and family friendliness as it relates to children ages Funds to undertake this work were raised at the Municipal level. The North Shore Neighbourhood House in partnership with North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral were asked to provide leadership for the project. This report focuses on the feedback gathered from parents in the District of West Vancouver. What is Child and Family Friendliness? It is a city s commitment to fulfilling children's rights to: Influence decisions about their city Express their opinions on the city they want Participate in family, community and social life Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse Walk safely in the streets Meet friends and play Have green spaces for plants and animals Live in an unpolluted environment Participate in cultural and social events Be an equal citizen of their city with access to every service, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, income, gender or disability from: 1 Results of consultations with service providers are available in a separate report. 5 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

6 Snapshot of the District of West Vancouver The following is based on Statistics Canada 2011 Census data: Total population: 42,695 Number of children ages 0-6: 2,025 Number of children ages 7-12: 2,810 Number of children ages 13-19: 4,105 Percentage of the population ages 0-6: 4.7% Percentage of the population ages 7-12: 6.6% Percentage of the population ages 13-19: 9.6% Community Feedback Process Based on the Making your Community More Child and Youth Friendly: Focusing on the Early Years document, 2 survey items and rating scale, a parent survey for the current project was developed. While most items were taken directly from the document, some items were added and others adapted in order to best fit this project. The parent survey consisted of 52 items. Survey participants were invited to make additional comments after each section of the survey. The following child and family friendliness areas were of focus: Parks, fields, and open spaces Family support services Early learning and childcare Transportation Health Services Recreation and Community Services Workplaces Local Businesses Elementary schools Housing Parents were invited to complete an online survey from January to March A link for this survey was sent to service providers in order that they could pass the information on to the parents with whom they worked. The survey was also advertised through the North Vancouver and West Vancouver School Districts, and a link for the survey was put on the North Shore Neighbourhood House and North Shore Community Resources websites. 2 Society for Children and Youth of BC (2010). Making your Community More Child and Youth Friendly: Focusing on the Early Years. 6 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

7 Parent Survey Results Survey Participant Background A total of 372 parents from the District of West Vancouver participated in the online survey. 69% identified English as their first language; 8% identified English and another language as their first languages; and 23% identified another language other than English as their first language. Parents were asked to indicate the age ranges of their children. While 372 parents completed the survey, several parents had more than one child. 636 children and youth in the distinct age categories were reported on this survey Ages of Children and Youth (n=636) 33% 29% % 17% 16% 0 Birth to two years Three to five years Six to nine years Ten to twelve years Thirteen to eighteen 200 Number of Years Living on the North Shore (n=371) 51% % Less than 6 months 5% 6 months to 1 year 12% 1 year to 3 years 11% 3 years to 5 years 6.5% 5 years to 7 years 13.5% 7 years to 10 years More than 10 years 3 Parents may have more than 636 children and youth in their care as parents may have more than one child in a given age category. Parents were not asked to report the number of children in each category. 7 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

8 Parent Ratings of Aspects of Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore 4 Note: When ratings of strongly agree and agree are combined and result in 80% or more of ratings, percentages are bolded and enlarged. Parks, Fields and Other Open Spaces Our Community has Disagree Not Sure play areas and parks that are well maintained. (n=362) 35.5% 53.5% 9% 2% spaces that have been designed to keep children away from traffic (e.g., there are fences, sidewalks, bushes etc. between play areas and traffic). (n=359) routes to the places (e.g., local park) that children and their parents/caregivers regularly go that are well marked, well lit and safely designed. (n=359) trails and natural areas nearby that are accessible with strollers. (n=357) seating in all parks, close to play areas, where parents/caregivers can see their children s play and safety. (n=356) natural shade or manmade cover that allows children and their parents/caregivers to be out of the direct sun while they play outside. (n=358) covered areas for children to play under when it is raining. (n=356) 22% 59% 17% 2% 12% 53% 32% 3% 14% 47% 24.5% 14.5% 19% 61% 16% 4% 13% 51% 29% 7% 4% 16% 72% 8% Key changes in parks, fields and other open spaces which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore 5 : More covered areas so children can play when it is raining and when it is sunny out More enforcement of dog etiquette (e.g., picking up after dogs, keeping dogs on leash) More playgrounds with equipment that accommodates a range of ages More bike paths More sidewalks through the District of West Vancouver Better lighting on streets and in parks 4 For the parent survey results, confidence level is 95% with margins of error of +/- 4 for all survey items except items in workplaces. In the workplaces section, there was a significant number of parents who responded not sure and therefore margins of error are not calculated. 5 Changes listed in this report are the ones most cited in the comments section on the survey. 8 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

9 Family Support Services Our Community has welcoming places where parents of young children can meet each other (e.g., coffee shops, restaurants, parks). (n=349) activities for multi-family and multi-generations that promote the concept of it takes a village to raise a child. (n=347) programs and services that are scheduled at times that work for parents and caregivers. (n=349) drop-in and occasional childcare at times that are convenient for parents and caregivers. (n=344) Disagree Not Sure 21% 57% 18.5% 3.5% 13% 43% 31% 13% 17% 57% 18% 8% 13% 44% 17% 26% Key changes in family support services which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: More programs in the evenings and weekends for working parents and their children More programs for pre-adolescent and early adolescent youth More places for teens to gather More drop-in child care (including evenings and weekends) Extending drop-in child care beyond 2 hour limit More opportunities for the community to come together More child and family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops etc. Early Learning and Childcare Our Early Learning and Childcare Services have Disagree Not Sure a range of services that meet both children s and parents 13% 49% 14% 24% needs, including services appropriate for children of different ages, cultures, and special needs. (n=341) childcare programs that allow children to start at flexible 9% 32% 20% 39% times during the day. (n=340) services that encourage parents to drop in any time (i.e., an 8.5% 34% 21.5% 36% open door policy). (n=340) a wide range of activities for children of all abilities. (n=340) 14% 50% 14% 22% information for parents on choosing childcare/education services. (n=340) 13% 44% 18% 25% Key changes in early learning and childcare which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: More affordable childcare More spaces for childcare (ages 0-5) 9 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

10 Recreation and Community Services Our Recreation and Community Services have Disagree Not Sure 35.5% 59% 4% 1.5% staff and facilities that are welcoming to parents and their children. (n=331) drop-in facilities for families with young children. (n=331) 22% 51% 7% 20% a balance among the types of programs offered (e.g., skill 29% 57% 9% 5% development, competitive vs. non-competitive, nature programs, arts and crafts, sports). (n=330) programs for children that provide opportunities for them to 12% 34% 16% 38% discover their own and other cultures. (n=330) involvement of children in community festivals and events. 25% 61% 6% 8% (n=328) public library spaces designed to meet the needs of children, 42% 51% 4% 3% such as areas for reading aloud and using computers. (n=329) literacy programs for young children. (n=330) 26% 45% 5% 24% Key changes in recreation and community services which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: Elementary Schools More availability of programs that quickly fill up Our Elementary Schools Disagree Not Sure are welcoming to parents. (n=338) 44% 46.5% 6.5% 3% have parent advisory committees that have a real voice in school matters. (n=338) encourage parents of preschool-aged children to be involved in their activities when appropriate. (n=338) have transition programs for children who will be entering school in September. (n=337) 38% 44% 8% 10% 24% 39% 12% 25% 17% 34% 18% 31% Key changes in elementary schools which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: More involvement of parents in PAC committees which may require PAC meetings to be scheduled in the evenings to allow for working parents to attend Increase in comprehensive transition programs for children entering Kindergarten 10 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

11 Transportation Our Community has Disagree Not Sure bus shelters that are easily accessible, stroller-friendly, and 13% 47% 25% 15% provide shelter from rain, wind etc. (n=335) public transportation that is stroller-friendly. (n=333) 11% 40% 11% 38% safe routes for children to walk to school (e.g., walking 7% 31% 55% 7% school bus programs, safe and accessible walking paths). (n=336) safe drop-off and pick-up areas around school sites. (n=335) 11% 50% 35% 4% Key changes in transportation which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: Creation of sidewalks where there currently are none 6 Bus shelters that protect one from the rain etc. Enforcement of bylaws and traffic laws at school drop-off and pick-up zones Traffic enforcement with regards to speeding throughout the community, including school zones Health Services Our Health Services have friendly staff who are welcoming towards children.(n=328) include doctors, dentists, and public health offices that have things to make children and parents feel at ease (e.g., play areas, toys, age appropriate reading material etc.) (n=329) Disagree Not Sure 19.5% 62% 7% 11.5% 18% 60% 11% 11% Key changes in health services which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: Easier access to GPs 6 Comments about inadequate sidewalks were numerous. Some parents indicated that due to the absence of sidewalks, children could not walk to school so parents drove them all the way which then created issues at the schools with excessive cars trying to navigate the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. 11 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

12 Housing My home has easy access to outside so that children can play outside. (n=328) is within a 10 minute walk to the nearest elementary school. (n=328) Disagree Not Sure 50.5% 40% 9% <1% 43% 31% 26% 0% has natural light coming in from the outside. (n=328) 56% 41% 2.5%.5% has enough space for the family. (n=327) 52.5% 40% 7%.5% is a safe place for my family. (free from mould, toxins, well built etc.) (n=326) 52% 40.5% 5.5% 2% is in a community in which children are welcomed. (n=325) 46% 45% 6.5% 2.5% Workplaces on the North Shore Our Community has Disagree Not Sure employers who pay a living wage (minimum of $19.14 an 2% 13% 20% 65% hour). (n=328) employers who abide by the labour code. (n=329) 6% 26.5% 6.5% 61% employers who provide information and support in finding 3% 11% 16% 70% childcare. (n=328) employers who have good parental leave policies. (n=329) 3% 17.5% 10.5% 69% employers who promote, allow or support job sharing and 2% 14% 15% 69% flexible working hours. (n=327) employers who provide information and support on 3% 8% 18% 71% parenting issues (e.g., on-site educational workshops). (n=328) employers who allow parents to bring their children to work 1.5% 7.5% 20% 71% (e.g. in the cases of emergency as well as for learning purposes). (n=328) employers who hold family events. (n=327) 3% 14.5% 13.5% 69% employers who support community programs for children and youth. (n=324) 3.5% 19% 11.5% 66% Most parents indicated that they do not work on the North Shore and do not have an awareness of what the current situation is in regards to employers. 12 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

13 Local Businesses Our Community has things that make shopping easier for parents with young children (e.g., play areas, designated parking for those with young children, shopping carts with child restraint harnesses). (n=329) local businesses that support community initiatives to enhance child friendliness. (n=326) Disagree Not Sure 12.5% 57% 25.5% 5% 15.5% 53.5% 16% 15% Key changes in local businesses which parents would like to see happen on the North Shore: Free and spacious play areas in all malls More parking designated for pregnant women or parents with young children 13 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

14 Key Findings from Parents Aspects of Child and Family Friendliness that are in Need of Attention on the North Shore The following aspects of child and family friendliness were perceived to be in need of attention on the North Shore: Top Priority from the Perspective of Survey Participants based on more than 50% of participants giving the item a negative ( disagree ) rating. Covered areas for children to play under when it is raining. Safe routes for children to walk to school (e.g., walking school bus programs, safe and accessible walking paths). Second Highest Priorities from the Perspective of Survey Participants based on more than 30-39% of participants giving the item a negative ( disagree ) rating 7. Routes to the places (e.g., local park) that children and their parents/caregivers regularly go that are well marked, well lit and safely designed. Activities for multi-family and multi-generations that promote the concept of it takes a village to raise a child. Safe drop-off and pick-up areas around school sites. Third Highest Priorities from the Perspective of Survey Participants 8 based on more than 25-29% of participants giving the item a negative ( disagree ) rating. Natural shade or manmade cover that allows children and their parents/caregivers to be out of the direct sun while they play outside. Bus shelters that are easily accessible, stroller-friendly, and provide shelter from rain, wind etc. Things that make shopping easier for parents with young children (e.g., play areas, designated parking for those with young children, shopping carts with child restraint harnesses). 7 Note that there were no survey items for which 40-49% of participants gave a negative ( disagree ) rating. 8 26% of parents indicated that their home was more than a 10 minute walk to the nearest elementary school. Whether this is a large concern for parents, given that many children are cross-boundary, would require further examination. 14 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

15 Aspects of Child and Family Friendliness that are Strengths on the North Shore The following aspects of child and family friendliness were perceived to be very strong (more than 80% of the parents agreed or strongly agreed with the item) on the North Shore. Items with a * indicate that 40% or more parents strongly agreed with the item. Parks, Fields and Other Open Spaces Well-maintained play spaces. Spaces designed to keep children away from traffic. Seating in all parks, close to play areas. Recreation and Community Services Staff and facilities that are welcoming to parents. A balance among the types of programs offered. Involvement of children in community festivals and events. Public library spaces designed to meet the needs of children.* Elementary Schools School staff who are welcoming to parents.* Parent Advisory Committees that have a real voice in school matters. Health Services Friendly staff who are welcoming towards children. Housing Easy access to the outside so that children can play.* Natural light that comes in from the outside.* Enough space for the family.* Safe environment for the family (e.g., free from mould, toxins etc.)* A community that is welcoming towards children.* 15 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V

16 Appendix A: EDI Results for North and West Vancouver School Districts North Vancouver School District West Vancouver School District Note: Wave 2 was conducted between in the North Vancouver School District and between in the West Vancouver School District. Wave 4 was conducted in the and school years. 16 C h i l d a n d F a m i l y F r i e n d l i n e s s o n t h e N o r t h S h o r e : D W V