What Benefits Do You Get from an MCCA Membership?

Updated

The Manitoba Child Care Association (MCCA) is the voice of child care in Manitoba and the largest provincial child care association in Canada. Membership is designed for people working in or connected to early learning and child care who want to stay informed about sector issues and access practical services. According to MCCA, members join to become better informed, to gain access to services such as its insurance programs, and for networking and professional development opportunities.

Insurance and group benefits

Two of the most concrete member benefits are insurance-related:

  • Group Benefits Plan — a group benefits program available to members.
  • Liability Insurance — coverage for licensed child care centres and family child care homes.

For operators of licensed centres or family child care homes, the liability insurance option is often the most immediately useful benefit, since it is tied directly to the type of care setting you run.

Information and communication channels

MCCA describes itself as an advocacy organization, and membership connects you to that work and to sector information:

  • Advocacy — MCCA advocates for a quality system of child care and for early learning and child care education as a profession.
  • Child Care Bridges Magazine — a quarterly publication produced by MCCA.
  • Peer to Peer Connections — networking with other members.
  • Resource Library — access to reference materials.

If your main goal is staying current on provincial child care issues and policy, these channels are the core of what membership provides.

Professional and community opportunities

Membership also opens up ways to develop professionally and get involved:

  • Reduced rates for professional development — members pay less for MCCA's professional development offerings.
  • Volunteer opportunities — ways to contribute to the association's work.
  • Awards — MCCA runs an awards program; its Public Policy and Professionalism Committee seeks nominations for award categories.
  • Regional branches — members can connect through branches including Central, Interlake, Parkland, South Central, Thompson, and Westman.

Who membership tends to suit

Your situation Why MCCA membership may fit
You operate a licensed child care centre or family child care home Access to liability insurance and the group benefits plan
You work in early learning and child care and want sector updates Advocacy updates, quarterly magazine, resource library
You want to network with peers across Manitoba Peer to Peer Connections and regional branches
You want to keep developing professionally Reduced rates for professional development, plus awards and volunteer roles

What to check before joining

MCCA does not publish pricing or eligibility details in the material available here, so confirm the current membership fee, application requirements, and the exact terms of the insurance and group benefits offerings directly with MCCA before you decide. If insurance coverage is your main reason for joining, ask specifically what the liability insurance covers and whether it applies to your type of care setting.