Proposed Changes to Days Nurseries Act.....with it's new name.

[someone]

The following was posted on the "College of Early Childhood Educators" web site. I followed the link and have reviewed the proposed changes that were passed on the first reading. Take a moment to review this. From what I can see, and PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong, but the only change they are making for home daycare providers who do not work with an agency is to specify that we can look after a maximum of 5 children, not including our own as long as they are over the age of 6. As well as specifying that we can not look after more than two children under the age of two. In all honesty, for the 6 years that I have been doing daycare, I have been doing this already.

Maybe I am missing something, and if I am please point it out to me if I am missing something.

Thanks.

******************** ******************** ********************

On Tuesday, December 3 the Ontario Government introduced proposed changes to the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 as part of the proposed new Child Care Modernization Act (Bill 143).

The Child Care Modernization Act would replace the Day Nurseries Act and includes changes to the Education Act. Changes to the ECE Act as part of the new legislation would coincide with the College’s statutory five-year review, which began in the spring of 2013. The statutory changes that are proposed for the ECE Act are largely consistent with the College’s submission to the Ministry of Education in the summer.

The Bill successfully passed through the Ontario Legislature on its first reading on December 3, 2013. To view the current status of the Child Care modernization Act please see the link below:

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?loca le=en&BillID=2913&detailPage=bills_det ail_the_bill

The College of ECE has worked collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to propose updates to the College of Early Childhood Educators Act and is pleased that the Ministry is focused on updating legislation to support children and families in early years settings. The College looks forward to reviewing the proposed bill in more detail and to participating in the next steps of the legislative process.

[momofnerds]

I just don't understand the 6 yr old rule because at the age of 6 your child is in school, acually most are in school at the age of 4, are we a little behind in the times.

[playfelt]

There are still some areas that have not totally rolled out the full day kindergarten so that may be part of the age 6. Also from a needs standpoint kids that are 4-5 are still more likely to need our help to do things than a child over age 6. Age 6 has always been that magic number as in that is what is used in the rules in effect now meaning those in grade 1 and up.

Also not everyone sends their child to JK/SK because it is not compulsory to have some form of schooling in effect until a child is 6 years old so the rule will be based on the education act too.

[Sassygirl]

I skimmed through it as well.
The ONLY difference I saw was the "No more than 2 under age of 2" and it kept the number as 5 kids allowed. Made no mention of including your own kids.

[pink]

There is going to be a lot of 12 to 2 without care. What are your thoughts?

[momofnerds]

people here are running to sign their kids up to go to school, heck they can't wait to send their kids so they don't have to pay daycare.

[playfelt]

The part about including your own kids is in a different section than the 2 under 2 rule. Your own under age 6 count but those over 6 don't count. However, a child over 6 that is a daycare child does count in your 5 so they have removed the ability to take a school age child for everyone of your own kids that was counted. That used to be how agencies were able to put 5 kids in a home.

Also note in the definitions at the beginning that the definition of "child" is changing from the current age 10 to age 13 meaning we can't have those extra really old b/a kids without counting them.

In theory schools are supposed to make spaces for any child over 6 that needs care effectively taking them out of the daycare system altogether. As well schools are supposed to have care for JK/SK. Leaving of course only those age 3 and under needing care.

[momofnerds]

but where I live there are alot of schools that don't have daycares attatched to them. So where are those kids going to go. Also, my concern is going to be that more and more kids are going to be left alone at home instead of going to an afterschool program. And why do they offer babysitting classes at the age of 10 but on the other hand are saying they need to go to daycare. Totally makes no sense. I have kids who get dropped off at my house for 5 min, so what are they going to do (the most is 10 min) I really think they need to give school agers a different catagory.

[Sassygirl]

Thanks Playfelt. I totally missed that section. It does say the 5 under age 6 include your own and no more than 2 under 2.
Does anyone know when this will effective? Immediately? There has been nothing on the news that I have seen... so far.

[treeholm]

There is another thread on this with hundreds of posts. It is just hitting the news now. Many providers an parents have written protest letters to,the Ontario Legislature, so it should get more publicity this week. Links to,the media articles and the transcripts of,the proceedings are also posted.

[playfelt]

I am on several groups on facebook and some people are actually getting replies from the letters sent out. The one said it could be Feb before it had gone to committee and been studied and that they would be taking into consideration the feedback being sent to them now. After that sometime the bill can go for final reading but no dates on when it will take effect. Doubt much can be done till Sept and the new school year.

[torontokids]

I was getting stressed about this but this has reinforced for me that I am only going to do daycare until Sept (I will also be loosing 3 kids plus my daughter to kindergarten so a natural end). I have 2 kids under 6 so having them count in my numbers will not work for me.

[Wonderwiper]

*

Thank you for expressing your concerns about Bill 143.* The Bill was just called for first reading and likely will not be debated until*February at the earliest.

*

I have been receiving a great deal of input from stakeholders in the child care sector, and*I will do my best to consider all of it in my assessment of the bill and its merits.* The PC Caucus believes that child safety, parental choice, and the availability of child care*are all important issues which this bill affects.* As we listen to feedback, we will be judging the merits of this bill on the basis of those three principles and values.*

*

So many people contribute hours of their time*each and every day to care for our children.* I appreciate how engaged people working in the system are in the legislation that governs it, and I look forward to making sure we get this right.

*

Thank you again for your input. Rest assured that it will be taken into account.

*

Sincerely,

*

Doug Holyday, MPP

Etobicoke-Lakeshore

*

*

*

Christine Arezes

Legislative Assistant

Doug Holyday MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Rm 359, Legislative Building

Toronto, ON M7A 1A8

T: 416 325 5551 I F: 416 325 5567

*

[cfred]

Finally got a letter out....too long, but here it is. Will send more to others when I have time. I read that the petition had over 1000 signatures as of yesterday. Maybe they'll take notice???

Ms. Sandals:

I am vehemently opposed to the current course of action utilized by the Ministry of Education. While I do agree that the Day Nurseries Act is in dire need of an overhaul, the manner in which it has been handled has been nothing short of appalling. In addition, it is my belief that there are more useful changes that could be applied in order to maintain available, safe spaces for children whose parents are returning to the work force from maternity leave. The proposal, as it stands now, will see a dire shortage in these spaces creating, I would imagine, considerable difficulty for these families. Not only will the shortage of spaces be an issue, but also the inherent and substantial escalation of fees for these spots. As an unlicensed provider, most of the families who turn to me are those in such a position. It is very rare to have a child over 2 years of age filling a vacant spot. I believe the reasons for this are threefold. First, every family I have interviewed has stated that they prefer a home daycare setting for their child as opposed to an institutional one. Reports I've received about agencies such as Wee Watch have been mediocre at best. I've heard reports of monthy inspections being nothing more than a person with a clipboard asking a few questions and pushing the button on a smoke detector. This seems a smidge misleading, in my humble opinion. Second, our fees are substantially lower than that of daycare centres. Even with these lower fees, we are still able to run our programs with our own vision, without the threat of losing a large portion of our pay to a third party. I currently am able to maintain a menu of ethically raised meats, all fresh fruits and vegetables and many exotic foods to expand the children's culinary experiences. Going through an agency would absolutely eliminate this possibility. And third, most daycare centres do cater to children under the age of 18 months. Now, with our viable infant spaces being cut by more than half, where do you suggest these families go? Do you really feel comfortable removing the right of the family to choose their own style of childcare? It is unclear to me why 2 years is the magic age. Why not make it clear that a provider can have no more that 2 non-walkers in care at any given time? Does this not make more sense?

My second point that I'd like to raise is the issue of licensing. I am an ECE graduate with more than 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, both in formal daycare facilities, as a private nanny and running my own, unlicensed daycare. I have been in business on my own for 13 years. I follow the ministry standard of 5 children under the age of 10 years, I am fully insured, implement curriculum, have my First Aid and CPR certification and issue tax receipts like any other business. The main floor of my townhouse is wholly dedicated to my childcare business and is clean, safe and well maintained. I have a ready supply of well maintained beds, toys and equipment which I have supplied myself. Please explain to me why I must work through an agency which will take up to 30% of my pay? Why do I, in my position and with my educational background, need an agency to tell me how to run a business I've already been running successfully and safely for well over a decade? Please tell me what an agency can offer me which I have not yet done for myself? Why can I not obtain a private license for myself which would allow for regular inspections by the Ministry? Instead of your bullying tactics and trying to force me and others like me into agencies, why don't you consider creating another set of licensing standards which are reasonable and realistic for the Home Daycare Industry? Why not make it possible for us to be legitimate businesses? I want it as do many, many others.

My final issue is this: I went into daycare in my mid twenties. I chose this field because, in my heart, I believe it's important to offer young children a loving, nurturing, educational and balanced start in life. It matters. I wanted to be part of that. When I started as a Head Teacher in a Junior Preschool classroom, I was dismayed to be making only $10/hour (no benefits). I always thought that my government and society would catch on and place as much value on this career path as I did. I looked online yesterday, twenty years following my education, to see that now, even with my qualifications and experience, I can look forward to an annual income of around $21, 000/year. When I applied to the school board a few years ago for a position in the full day kindergarten program, I was equally disappointed. A very apologetic woman at the Board of Education office confirmed my question regarding yearly wage. I was appalled to find that the annual income for that was an estimated $24, 000/year plus 25% benefits (in York Region). So please answer me this Minister - How do I support my family on under $25, 000/year? Why does the government, who claims to put such value on the care of its children, not place more value on the people taking care of our children? For the first time in 20 years, I wish that I'd chosen another line of work - one which values what I have to offer and is willing to compensate me accordingly. Instead, I'm now embarrassed to tell people what I do for a living. My government, in a reasonably successful attempt to direct attention away from it's own poorly carried out responsibilities, has thrown me under the bus and left my profession open for public ridicule, hostility and utter misunderstanding.

The Liberal Party will never see another vote from any member of my family.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxx

[Wonderwiper]

Got this reply today too!!


I thank you so much for your letter. You are not alone. Rest assured this Bill has little chance of passing quickly and will go to committee at which time we will be asking for amendments and you (and others with the same concerns) will be given an opportunity to submit your thoughts.
Yours
Cheri
Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo MPP Parkdale High Park
*

[cfred]

Got this reply today too!!


I thank you so much for your letter. You are not alone. Rest assured this Bill has little chance of passing quickly and will go to committee at which time we will be asking for amendments and you (and others with the same concerns) will be given an opportunity to submit your thoughts.
Yours
Cheri
Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo MPP Parkdale High Park
*

Wow! That's much more encouraging, isn't it?!

[Wonderwiper]

Sounding a bit more like we at least have a chance to be heard!! I literally sent letters to everyone ha ha!!

[Fun&care]

Finally got a letter out....too long, but here it is. Will send more to others when I have time. I read that the petition had over 1000 signatures as of yesterday. Maybe they'll take notice???

Ms. Sandals:

I am vehemently opposed to the current course of action utilized by the Ministry of Education. While I do agree that the Day Nurseries Act is in dire need of an overhaul, the manner in which it has been handled has been nothing short of appalling. In addition, it is my belief that there are more useful changes that could be applied in order to maintain available, safe spaces for children whose parents are returning to the work force from maternity leave. The proposal, as it stands now, will see a dire shortage in these spaces creating, I would imagine, considerable difficulty for these families. Not only will the shortage of spaces be an issue, but also the inherent and substantial escalation of fees for these spots. As an unlicensed provider, most of the families who turn to me are those in such a position. It is very rare to have a child over 2 years of age filling a vacant spot. I believe the reasons for this are threefold. First, every family I have interviewed has stated that they prefer a home daycare setting for their child as opposed to an institutional one. Reports I've received about agencies such as Wee Watch have been mediocre at best. I've heard reports of monthy inspections being nothing more than a person with a clipboard asking a few questions and pushing the button on a smoke detector. This seems a smidge misleading, in my humble opinion. Second, our fees are substantially lower than that of daycare centres. Even with these lower fees, we are still able to run our programs with our own vision, without the threat of losing a large portion of our pay to a third party. I currently am able to maintain a menu of ethically raised meats, all fresh fruits and vegetables and many exotic foods to expand the children's culinary experiences. Going through an agency would absolutely eliminate this possibility. And third, most daycare centres do cater to children under the age of 18 months. Now, with our viable infant spaces being cut by more than half, where do you suggest these families go? Do you really feel comfortable removing the right of the family to choose their own style of childcare? It is unclear to me why 2 years is the magic age. Why not make it clear that a provider can have no more that 2 non-walkers in care at any given time? Does this not make more sense?

My second point that I'd like to raise is the issue of licensing. I am an ECE graduate with more than 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, both in formal daycare facilities, as a private nanny and running my own, unlicensed daycare. I have been in business on my own for 13 years. I follow the ministry standard of 5 children under the age of 10 years, I am fully insured, implement curriculum, have my First Aid and CPR certification and issue tax receipts like any other business. The main floor of my townhouse is wholly dedicated to my childcare business and is clean, safe and well maintained. I have a ready supply of well maintained beds, toys and equipment which I have supplied myself. Please explain to me why I must work through an agency which will take up to 30% of my pay? Why do I, in my position and with my educational background, need an agency to tell me how to run a business I've already been running successfully and safely for well over a decade? Please tell me what an agency can offer me which I have not yet done for myself? Why can I not obtain a private license for myself which would allow for regular inspections by the Ministry? Instead of your bullying tactics and trying to force me and others like me into agencies, why don't you consider creating another set of licensing standards which are reasonable and realistic for the Home Daycare Industry? Why not make it possible for us to be legitimate businesses? I want it as do many, many others.

My final issue is this: I went into daycare in my mid twenties. I chose this field because, in my heart, I believe it's important to offer young children a loving, nurturing, educational and balanced start in life. It matters. I wanted to be part of that. When I started as a Head Teacher in a Junior Preschool classroom, I was dismayed to be making only $10/hour (no benefits). I always thought that my government and society would catch on and place as much value on this career path as I did. I looked online yesterday, twenty years following my education, to see that now, even with my qualifications and experience, I can look forward to an annual income of around $21, 000/year. When I applied to the school board a few years ago for a position in the full day kindergarten program, I was equally disappointed. A very apologetic woman at the Board of Education office confirmed my question regarding yearly wage. I was appalled to find that the annual income for that was an estimated $24, 000/year plus 25% benefits (in York Region). So please answer me this Minister - How do I support my family on under $25, 000/year? Why does the government, who claims to put such value on the care of its children, not place more value on the people taking care of our children? For the first time in 20 years, I wish that I'd chosen another line of work - one which values what I have to offer and is willing to compensate me accordingly. Instead, I'm now embarrassed to tell people what I do for a living. My government, in a reasonably successful attempt to direct attention away from it's own poorly carried out responsibilities, has thrown me under the bus and left my profession open for public ridicule, hostility and utter misunderstanding.

The Liberal Party will never see another vote from any member of my family.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxx


LOVE IT. It's awesome, you nailed it!

[cfred]

Thanks! But now I see all my errors! Ugh! Always leave an email and come back to it before sending it out. Oh well....my goof :( I'll do more to everyone else later in the week. Will be laid up for a week and will have time to plug away at more of them. As far as I know, some of my clients are writing in as well. That made me inexplicably happy :)

[kimg]

*

Thank you for expressing your concerns about Bill 143.* The Bill was just called for first reading and likely will not be debated until*February at the earliest.

*

I have been receiving a great deal of input from stakeholders in the child care sector, and*I will do my best to consider all of it in my assessment of the bill and its merits.* The PC Caucus believes that child safety, parental choice, and the availability of child care*are all important issues which this bill affects.* As we listen to feedback, we will be judging the merits of this bill on the basis of those three principles and values.*

*

So many people contribute hours of their time*each and every day to care for our children.* I appreciate how engaged people working in the system are in the legislation that governs it, and I look forward to making sure we get this right.

*

Thank you again for your input. Rest assured that it will be taken into account.

*

Sincerely,

*

Doug Holyday, MPP

Etobicoke-Lakeshore

*

*

*

Christine Arezes

Legislative Assistant

Doug Holyday MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Rm 359, Legislative Building

Toronto, ON M7A 1A8

T: 416 325 5551 I F: 416 325 5567

*

I got the exact same letter, word for word, but from a different MP. They must share resources. It's encouraging that at the very least, it won't be until Feb, and I'm glad they appear to be doing their due diligence and not just rushing this through. I've thought of little else for the last week, and I feel a little less stressed going in to the x-mas season.

[Wonderwiper]

Me too Kimg, ha ha!! I pretty much sent my letter to every MP and am not surprised they came up with a form letter. Makes me think they at least got enough letters to make it a hassle to respond to everyone with an individual letter and hope that means the bill will not just pass quietly!

[playfelt]

Interesting, not very often we get excited about a form letter but for sure if they weren't being blasted by letters they wouldn't need one so if nothing else we have their attention. Now lets hope they are reading them all and getting a good sense of what we expect them to do.