Originally Posted by
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,
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