More on the toddler who died at daycare

[dodge__driver11]

Again here we go blaming unlic. care in general...Really?

[cfred]

I have to say....as much as no one wants to hear this....there needs to be a system in place. A system of governance that oversees us all and maintains a minimum standard of performance, training and daycare maintenance. I hate to see things change as much as anyone, but this clearly isn't working in anyone's favour. It's unfortunate, too, that the powers that be in this situation (Min of Ed) were below standard performance levels as well in failing to investigate one complaint and failing to follow up on actions with regards to another complaint.

I would like to strive to have licensing for all of us, but not as it stands now. I'd be thrilled to see the DNA revamped to include feasible allowances and standards for the home daycare industry. I think reasonable licensing standards would be something we'd all like to see in place....correct? I would also like to see a registry system which all home daycares must be listed on, indicating their training, experience/expertise, etc. Regular drop in inspections would be terrific (if not nerve wracking). And for those centres who have complaints lodged against them which are founded and proven, they need to be black listed and never allowed to offer services to families again.

As much as Martha Friendly irritates me, she's right. We do work in a grey area. No one is watching us. For most of us it's not a problem. However, there are too many daycares out there who should never have opened their doors to the public. The fact is that ANYONE can do this job. Like it or not, and I'm sure some of you are offended, but it's a simple fact. Anyone with a roof over their head and some incentive can get some toys, place an ad and run a daycare. Of course this will be with varying levels of skill and professionalism, but still....anyone can do it if they wish to. That's just not right. I don't want to lose my freedoms of self employment or running my business with my own vision any more than the rest of you. This may not be popular, but I'm really sick of our industry being pounded by the press. I'm tired of being lumped in with idiots like the ones we see in the news. I'm sick of being considered a babysitter by the general public. I'm educated in my field with enough experience to gain notable recognition in any other profession. I know not everyone in here is ECE and that's fine...to each his/her own. But I am and I worked my arse off for it. This was not ever a secondary career choice for me....childcare is it and always has been. I would like that to actually mean something in this business! I want licensing standards changed and some sort of governance to lend some credibility to the career I've chosen and value much more than the general public does.

Just my feelings on the subject....