Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore · Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore: Perspectives of Parents from the District of West Vancouver Prepared by: Denise

1 | P a g e

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 2013

2 | 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

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 .................................................................................................................. 14

Appendix A: EDI Results for North and West Vancouver School Districts .............................................. 16

3 | P a g e

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 0-12. 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 family-

friendly coffee shops and restaurants

would be welcomed by parents.

Greater programming in the evenings

and on the weekends, more multi-

family 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


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 one-

third 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’.


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 0-12. 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.

1 Results of consultations with service providers are available in a separate report.

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: www.childfriendlycities.org

http://www.childfriendlycities.org/


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



Percentage of the population ages 0-6: 4.7%



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 2013. 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. www.scyofbc.org

http://www.scyofbc.org/


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.3

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.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Birth to two years Three to five years Six to nine years Ten to twelve years Thirteen to eighteen

Ages of Children and Youth (n=636)

0

50

100

150

200

Less than 6 months

6 months to 1 year

1 year to 3 years

3 years to 5 years

5 years to 7 years

7 years to 10 years

More than 10 years

Number of Years Living on the North Shore (n=371)

1%

11%

5%

12% 6.5%

13.5%

51%

5%

17%

33% 29%

16%


Parent Ratings of Aspects of Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore4

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……

Strongly Agree

Agree 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)

22% 59% 17% 2%

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)

12% 53% 32% 3%

trails and natural areas nearby that are accessible with strollers. (n=357)

14% 47% 24.5% 14.5%

seating in all parks, close to play areas, where parents/caregivers can see their children’s play and safety. (n=356)

19% 61% 16% 4%

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)

13% 51% 29% 7%

covered areas for children to play under when it is raining. (n=356)

4% 16% 72% 8%

Key changes in ‘parks, fields and other open spaces’ which parents would like to see happen on the

North Shore5:

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.


Family Support Services

Our Community has……

Strongly Agree


welcoming places where parents of young children can meet each other (e.g., coffee shops, restaurants, parks). (n=349)

21% 57% 18.5% 3.5%

activities for multi-family and multi-generations that promote the concept of “it takes a village to raise a child”. (n=347)

13% 43% 31% 13%

programs and services that are scheduled at times that work for parents and caregivers. (n=349)

17% 57% 18% 8%

drop-in and occasional childcare at times that are convenient for parents and caregivers. (n=344)

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…

Strongly Agree


a range of services that meet both children’s and parents’ needs, including services appropriate for children of different ages, cultures, and special needs. (n=341)

13% 49% 14% 24%

childcare programs that allow children to start at flexible times during the day. (n=340)

9% 32% 20% 39%

services that encourage parents to drop in any time (i.e., an open door policy). (n=340)

8.5% 34% 21.5% 36%

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)


Recreation and Community Services

Our Recreation and Community Services have…

Strongly Agree


staff and facilities that are welcoming to parents and their children. (n=331)

35.5% 59% 4% 1.5%

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 development, competitive vs. non-competitive, nature programs, arts and crafts, sports). (n=330)

29% 57% 9% 5%

programs for children that provide opportunities for them to discover their own and other cultures. (n=330)

12% 34% 16% 38%

involvement of children in community festivals and events. (n=328)

25% 61% 6% 8%

public library spaces designed to meet the needs of children, such as areas for reading aloud and using computers. (n=329)

42% 51% 4% 3%

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:

More availability of programs that quickly fill up

Elementary Schools

Our Elementary Schools …

Strongly Agree


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)

38% 44% 8% 10%

encourage parents of preschool-aged children to be involved in their activities when appropriate. (n=338)

24% 39% 12% 25%

have transition programs for children who will be entering school in September. (n=337)

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


Transportation

Our Community has…

Strongly Agree


bus shelters that are easily accessible, stroller-friendly, and provide shelter from rain, wind etc. (n=335)

13% 47% 25% 15%

public transportation that is stroller-friendly. (n=333) 11% 40% 11% 38%

safe routes for children to walk to school (e.g., walking school bus programs, safe and accessible walking paths). (n=336)

7% 31% 55% 7%

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 none6

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 …

Strongly Agree


have friendly staff who are welcoming towards children.(n=328)

19.5% 62% 7% 11.5%

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)

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.


Housing

My home…

Strongly Agree


has easy access to outside so that children can play outside. (n=328)

50.5% 40% 9% <1%

is within a 10 minute walk to the nearest elementary school. (n=328)

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


Strongly Agree


employers who pay a living wage (minimum of $19.14 an hour). (n=328)

2% 13% 20% 65%

employers who abide by the labour code. (n=329) 6% 26.5% 6.5% 61%

employers who provide information and support in finding childcare. (n=328)

3% 11% 16% 70%

employers who have good parental leave policies. (n=329) 3% 17.5% 10.5% 69%

employers who promote, allow or support job sharing and flexible working hours. (n=327)

2% 14% 15% 69%

employers who provide information and support on parenting issues (e.g., on-site educational workshops). (n=328)

3% 8% 18% 71%

employers who allow parents to bring their children to work (e.g. in the cases of emergency as well as for learning purposes). (n=328)

1.5% 7.5% 20% 71%

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.


Local Businesses


Strongly Agree


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)

12.5% 57% 25.5% 5%

local businesses that support community initiatives to enhance child friendliness. (n=326)

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


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’) rating7.

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 Participants8

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.


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.*


Appendix A: EDI Results for North and West Vancouver School Districts

Note: Wave 2 was conducted between 2005-2007 in the North Vancouver School District and

between 2004-2006 in the West Vancouver School District. Wave 4 was conducted in the 2009-2010

and 2010-2011 school years.

No

rth V

anco

uve

r Scho

ol D

istrict W

est V

anco

uve

r Scho

ol D

istrict

Documents

Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore · Child and Family Friendliness on the North Shore: Perspectives of Parents from the District of West Vancouver Prepared by: Denise