I've changed my status on FB addressing all of this and already had one mom say her daycare will shut down if it passes. Those of you with a Facebook account make good use of it to spread the word!
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I've changed my status on FB addressing all of this and already had one mom say her daycare will shut down if it passes. Those of you with a Facebook account make good use of it to spread the word!
I JUST DID ! Thank you Treeholm !Quote:
Originally Posted by treeholm
I have already Fun & Care. Even my Mum is spreading the word. She's been reading up and I'm filling in the blanks. Bless her :) Awesome New Guy has listened to 2 solid days of my ranting. Tonight, no rants. Just a big glass of wine and some emails to politicians.
I think most parents won't do much on our behalf until it affects them. Human nature.
Done. I also sent the same email to all of the NDP MPPs.Quote:
Originally Posted by sunnydays
New facebook group:
Ontario Families & Home Childcare Providers Against Bill 143
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288234071301579/
Sent this to the Globe
To Whom it May Concern,
I am an unlicensed provider and run a successful home daycare in Toronto's west end. I have a Master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in children's mental health and child development. I opened a home daycare to be able to afford the luxury and privilege of staying home with my two young girls. This was a choice I made because I want to be with my girls but also a necessity because the cost of sending two children to daycare would leave nothing from my pay once daycare fees were paid.
Why isn’t the media covering the fact that if this new Bill gets introduced there will be very few infant daycare spaces available? We already have a shortage but some balance was created by unlicensed providers who could take more than 2 infants under the current rules. With new ratio rules for providers we can only care for 2 children under 2 yrs old which includes our own children. The majority of us will either shut down (we can’t make a living with only 2-3 children in our care) or increase our rates to account for the loss in income. Parents are being blinded to the whole story and are only being told how this Bill will “keep kids safe.” No one seems to be aware that their child’s spot at daycare may cease to exist once this is passed (I will have to terminate services for 2-3 kids depending on how the Bill is structured).
I am unlicensed by choice and I encourage my families to visit licensed providers supervised by Wee Watch etc before signing with me. Just because someone is with an agency, this does not mean their services/program is better. Families sign with me because they see what else is out there. I looked into licensed home daycare options when I went back to work after my first mat leave and my options were bleak at best. One provider had a climbing structure in some man’s apartment above hers where she brought the kids to play. When I called the agency they were not aware of this. Well what else don’t they know about? Another provider spoke little English and had no programming aside from a basket of toys on the floor. The last licensed daycare I visited had “Dora” on the TV and one child just screaming in an exersaucer. The provider didn’t pick him up or even acknowledge him. I was so uncomfortable I took my daughter and left. Licensing does not mean better!
With the proposed changes, it will make things very difficult to continue to stay home with my girls and keep my business viable. This Bill is intended to ensure there are no additional tragedies like we have seen. These "babysitters" that warehouse children should not be put in the same category as me or many other providers. I run a TV free, highly structured program with tons of experiential learning and outdoor time. My clients often choose me because of the large amount of time we spend outdoors (4+ hours in the summer, 2-3 in the winter. I am open to becoming licensed as I think accountability and inspections are important. I do not however want to become licensed through an agency. I do not need their support in finding clients, or to borrow their resources. I have independent insurance; I am CPR certified and have a current clean police check. I have tons of experience and education. I am not however interested in giving them a chunk of my daily fees. I would be open to a yearly licensing fee similar to what one pays a professional college (e.g. College of Social Workers) to cover inspections etc.
Love love!! You should send it everywhereQuote:
Originally Posted by torontokids
I was also thinking about alerting parents on my waitlist so they know there may not be care for their infant in a yr
you know why they want to keep this hush hush, so that people don't rally against the bill. the more people that find out the more uproar there is going to be.
Hello Everyone!
I have read quite a few posts on here on this subject. Frankly, like the rest of you, this has me worried for my family and many other families! It's like a big snow ball affect, if what I'm reading is accurate? We the daycare providers will have to raise our rates considerably, in order to have only three children in our care (with the three under three ratio) and the 4 and 5 year olds in KG. Then the families in turn, will no longer be able to afford daycare?!
I read a few months back that there is very limited daycare spots in Canada as is, now they are going to implement regulations that will only allow private unlicensed daycares really only three children?! Then if again I am correct, those stay at home Mums that have children at home, have to count their own children? I'm sorry, but it's not going to work for many reasons. As most of you already know and realize, most us then will have to shut down due to not making a reasonable living, and a lot of parents will be without daycare and therefore loose their jobs?!
Why change something when it has always worked? Yes, we have few people who should never work with children and therefore should be shut down.....but like with anything else in life, you have your few bad ones...so having said that, the ministry should be able to and do come and make surprise visits, I know I had one. Therefore they should just hire more inspectors and make sure ALL day cares run well. THAT is the only answer, as I see it.
The onus was on the ministry to close that horrible unfit day care down, and they did not, when apparently they were called a few times?! Now our livelihoods have to suffer for their lack of due diligence?! It seems to me that the government is not seriously considering all the facts?! I believe we the day care providers and all the daycare parents should get actively involved in this too, to make them aware of ALL the ramifications, and if we do, and they consider everything and we ALL work together, everyone will win, especially the children who we care for! Let's stop worrying and find out what we can do, and get our day care parents involved too!
One thing I would like to mention, I saw this coming a while ago and I have spoke about how the government will try to have their hands in our pies so to speak, meaning they will likely try to make money off of us, the lil guys, let's not let that happen! Let's get involved and make a plan to get involved! The first thing any of us should be concerned about is the safety of our children that we care for, and as I have mentioned, the only solution as I see that will work is to hire more inspectors! Secondly, not to make day care more difficult for parents and for us, the well meaning day care providers who are also trying to make a living! If anyone has any ideas how we can get actively get involved, please let us know.
Well it's done ! My letter is sent out .Tonight I am working on info. for my families. Thanks Treeholm for editing :)
''Dear Members of the Legislative Assembly,
As a private ''unregulated'' home daycare provider, it is with great concern I am writing to you today regarding the current proposition of BILL 143. From my understanding this bill stipulates;
1- An unlicensed home daycare quota of children allowed IN CARE allows for 5 children, INCLUDING this home daycare provider’s own children IF UNDER THE AGE OF 6. If my understanding is correct than I will have to TERMINATE CARE for one of my families as I currently care for 4 children (excluding my own). After discussing this matter with an official at the ministry, there will be no ''grace'' period or grandfather clause for children already in care. I wonder ... How many more families will be forced to take unscheduled holidays from work as their daycare provider is NO LONGER OPERATING LEGALLY? Is there a plan for these families? To whom should I refer them?
I also FAIL to see the reasoning behind this particular rule. I understand the need for safe regulations, but I've been managing and caring for 6 children between the ages of 1 and 4 for the past 2 years and I must say this is my ideal situation. The income permits me to buy quality foods, extra crafting materials, safe and new materials, and to get updated training in CPR or other classes. Also the fact that I can care for an EVEN number of children helps me pair them in age groups and monitor activities, as well as learning abilities, closely and adequately. So, how did this number 5 came into play; how was it determined to be ideal and why?
Furthermore, this will decrease my income drastically on very short notice and may actually force me out of this business. I wonder if there has been a poll taken. To just how many more families this will happen and what has been, or will be, put in place to support them?
I do agree our current system and laws require a serious and effective change. It is very sad and unacceptable that we have let so many fatal tragedies happen in private home daycares. We need better monitoring, clearer laws, rules, and guidelines. I just fail to see this particular one actually making a positive difference. Did most of these fatal tragedies not happen in already ILLEGAL daycares with other safety issues than the actual current quotas? In which of these situations was a daycare fatality caused by an unlicensed daycare with the legal current number of children in care? If people seemed to be misinformed about the current law, how will the government ensure its population is aware of this new one? Only one of my families is aware of this upcoming new legislation and no later than this morning, I informed a potential client of it as well as two fellow daycare providers. Which tells me... not enough has been done to INFORM or EDUCATE or RESEARCHED
- The second issue I have with this BILL 143 is again regarding quotas. No more than 2 children under the age of 2 (I assume 24 months and under) can be cared for. This tells me that there will be a huge decrease in spaces available for children under the age of 2. If this comes to pass and is effective immediately, a lot of families will be left with no proper daycare services. Do we have a plan for these families with no childcare services? Where do I refer the clients I will need to refuse and terminate. Many schools are now offering preschool at 3.5 years old. That leaves business such as mine with very limited client prospects as well. I again fail to see how this suggestion has been determined ideal?
3- Where is the incentive to BECOME licensed. I believe these changes were put in place to make licensing more appealing to private home daycares; sorry to say that again, I fail to see it. Would we not want everyone to become licensed and monitored closely? That's how we prevent fatalities in my opinion; however, my local agencies’ policies have not changed. Although I would be allowed ONE more child, the percentage of fees taken by the agency does not cover the loss of one space. That's not even looking at unpaid vacation time, extra insurance coverage.... both of which factor in immensely. As for government licensing, the building requirements, and the zoning requirements are not feasible. I live in a rural community. My house is a century home, it has updated plumbing, and heating, etc. but was not built with the same regulations as today’s homes. The cost of renovations, I assume, would not be worth it.
What looks most appealing right now is remaining unlicensed and raising my fees drastically, which will affect local families as well.
To sum up, the future if this business looks fairly gloomy and raise lots of concerns about whether it will even be feasible anymore. I have 2 children under the age of 5 and hopefully one on the way soon; however, with the future of my main income in jeopardy I question now my decisions regarding my home daycare business and family's financial situation. I urge you to revisit this legislation and consider the pitfalls if may bring. Children safety should not be taken lightly, however do these changes really address the issue ?''
I was thinking about doing this too. It could open some parents eyes.Quote:
Originally Posted by torontokids
Just to correct you Jilly, the new bill is for 2 under 2 not 3 under 3 as many of us originally thought.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jilly
Well said!Quote:
Originally Posted by giraffe
Ok so we are allowed 2 under 2, but then what about the rest of the 3 children? So when does this start and can we therefore have the other three children 3 and over? Sorry I find this confusing....
The only age limit so far is 2 under 2 for unlicensed and licensed home daycare. Unlicensed daycare can have up to 5 kids INCLUDING your own (your own will not count in the numbers if older than 6yo). Licensed HDC can have up to 6 kids including your own. Licensed HDC means that you work for an agency.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jilly
ok, not sure if this is true or not, but on the one site they said we may be able to grandfather in our kids (sorry dck's) if we have contracts with them with no end dates. Its the facebook site, so just incase make sure all your contracts are up to date and anyone signing kids for next year, get them to sign this year, you never know.
Well said!
I sure hope so but when I spoke to the ministry, this was in NO WAY an option.Quote:
Originally Posted by momofnerds
2 under the age of two and then the other three can be 2 and up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jilly
Thank you for the clarification! :)
Honestly I think they should crack down on their own daycares too! I worked for a "Licensed day care " and you somehow don't see it in the news all the abuse that goes on there and all the racism!
of course the ministry is going to say that, because they are pushing for black and white, not inbetweenQuote:
Originally Posted by crafty
I want to know why the college of ECES is doing nothing to support us
This might be obvious but if we remain unlicensed will we be obligated to follow the rules and safety regulations in the DNA?
Again, my concern is that I would have to close regardless of the number of children I care for because I have a swimming pool. I am not willing to get rid of my pool and am definitely not going to risk a safety violation fine that could cost me my house!
Yesterday I sent a shwack of emails out. I just received this from Jim Grieve:
Thank you for your letter and for taking the time to write to me and to the Ministry of Education to express your views about the early years and Bill 143, Child Care Modernization Act, 2013. These topics are priorities for our ministry and for the government.
At this time, Bill 143, Child Care Modernization Act, 2013 is still subject to legislative approval. If passed, the proposed legislation would permit informal child care providers to care for a maximum of 5 children and would require that informal providers adhere to the same age restrictions as licensed home-based child care (i.e. caring for no more than 2 children under 2 years of age) and include their own children under the age of 6 when determining the total number of children being cared for on the premises.
If the legislation is passed, changes to the child care sector can be implemented in an incremental and gradual process to support a smooth transition to reduce disruptions to service to families. This can include notifying families, child care providers and child care partners of the upcoming changes and providing time for the sector to adapt.
As part of the legislative approval process, members of the public will have opportunities to express any feedback regarding the proposed legislation at the Standing Committee Hearings. For more information as to how to participate in the legislative process, please visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website at:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/home.do
or call the Procedural Services Branch at (416) 325-3500.
Again, I appreciate the time you have taken to express your views, and I encourage you to remain engaged with the legislative process. Working together, I’m confident we can make progress in achieving Ontario’s early years vision.
Sincere regards,
-------------
Jim Grieve
This comforts me. They are not going to make the changes effective immediately. It seems we will have some time and this is not over yet. Keep writing those letters!
Yes that does sound like they will not expect this to take place immediately which would be ridiculous.
Gravy train...while attempting ( ha ha) to follow the proceedings on the legislature website, it lists this bill as a repeal of the DNA to be replaced with this new act. I take that to mean the DNA would be void and the new act would take over.
So what do you think that means for those of us with pools?
we become babysitters. I just put a 8 foot fence around mine with alarms and none of the kids ever go outside without me.Quote:
Originally Posted by gravy_train
So do you think it will be illegal for us to operate as unlicensed daycares?
okay, I have a pool as well, but I haven't seen anything anywhere in the proposal about pools? I don't have to become licensed, and it's only the licensing agencies that are so sticky about pools, right? I already know I won't qualify to be licensed. Not interested in making changes to get licensed so I can pay an agency for nothing... I filled before I opened and stopped taking names for a wait list because it was ridiculously long. I see no incentive whatsoever to become licensed.
On another note, I did post something on my facebook page. I am a bit surprised at the responses I am getting from young Moms. They are saying that it will not be a problem because there are lots of daycare spaces available, and of course, unlicensed daycares should not be allowed... they would NEVER put their child in an unlicensed daycare! I bet they have no idea that I'm not licensed LOL. These are people who would certainly trust me with their children... they just hear "unlicensed" and see the 27 kids in the daycare in Toronto. They cannot understand why I would "stick up" for unlicensed daycares!!! Hmmm... because I AM ONE??? Wow... if parents are already convinced this is a wonderful thing, then I guess I will just stop trying to warn parents they better make sure their spot for their one year old is safe...
I haven't seen anything in the proposal either but I am concerned that we will have to adhere to the same safety regulations as licensed daycares.
Gravy Train, I am not sure how they would enforce that. If you are not with an agency, there will be nobody out there inspecting your home. I suppose if the pool thing were included in the Act and somehow the general public became aware (not that likely) then neighbours could report you. Otherwise, I don't think I would be overly worried. But who knows really!
This was posted on a group I am on on facebook - with all of the hassles we have had of getting insurance how will those allowed 6 be able to get any insurance:
Quote: "when I was with the agency here in London I had to provide and pay for my own home childcare ryder insurance and provide them 'proof' it was not covered by the agency ... so that is a valid point that adding the 6th child will do no good if you cannot find insurance for more than 5 children ... so either the insurance industry would have to amend their policies OR agencies would be forced to provide group coverage which is going to end up resulting in even HIGHER fees to parents cause that cost has to be covered somewhere"
Whaaaaatttt??? LOL!! I'd be really interested to know where all these spaces are. I'm sure the people on my waiting list (who are on multiple waiting lists) would be interested to know as well. Where do you live? Narnia? If so, send my missing socks back please ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by treeholm
Sorry, not to make light of it, but Jesus, seriously? It just shows you what a bunch of sheep the general public is. They really have no idea how this system works and that the vast majority of us are unlicensed...not just the bad ones. I was trying to explain to my mum the issues surrounding licensing and why most of us aren't. She had a really hard time wrapping her head around the fact that going through an agency doesn't mean that the provider is licensed...only the agency is. It took a good 10 minutes to make her understand. Then I had to explain why I couldn't really take her up on her suggestion of getting licensed myself. By the end, she could see where, really, we're completely buggered. This is a system that does not work for the providers in any way, shape or form. Someone mentioned earlier that they wondered why the CECE hadn't stepped up to help us out. It is my belief that they're not there to help us. They're there to hold us accountable. I stopped my membership with them because I saw no value in it what-so-ever. I'm greatly offended that now I can't even claim to be an ECE because I didn't conform. I'll go back now out of necessity, but very grudgingly.
Ugh.....ok, rant done. I forget where this post even started. Oh yeah....the young mums who haven't been hit where they live yet. Bahahahaha! That'll be interesting to follow. When they approach you for care Treeholm, don't forget to rub in the fact that you're unlicensed ;)
The young Mom who told me there are plenty of spots is in Ottawa. I am not in Ottawa, so I really can't respond... but she said there were tons of daycare spaces in Ottawa. I suggested they were probably spaces for 2 and 3 year olds.Quote:
Originally Posted by cfred
The other young mom who said she would NEVER send her child to an unlicensed daycare, and this legislation is wonderful, is in the GTA.