Childcare plan fails to meet family needs
The Daily News -- Kamloops
14 Sep 2006
Opinion -- By: M. Lavack

Re: Harper's Conservatives Got Childcare All Wrong, David Charbonneau column, The Daily News, Sept. 5.

Congratulations to Mr. Charbonneau in his effort to keep the flame burning for a plan that improves and enhances a childcare service that could/ would meet the needs of children and their families.

Indeed, the plan fails to meet the needs of families and will continue to do so while there remains a lack of understanding regarding the benefits to society as a whole if we invest in the early years now.

I was surprised to note Mr. Charbonneau appears to be among those who are not aware of what is actually taught. Whether the view of "what they would likely teach" is that of Mr. Charbonneau or the Conservative government, an exploration of quality childcare programs and current university-level training programs for early childhood educators would cast enlightenment on this dark and dismal view of judgment, prejudice, and misinformation on what is taught in childcare.

Quality childcare in partnership with families nurtures respect and understanding in an atmosphere of respect for the individual child's needs on all levels of social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

When the current government does provide funding for additional childcare spaces will there be additional funding to sustain these spaces?

Mr. Charbonneau notes that 'stagnant' wages relative to inflation have made stay-at-home parents almost impossible.

Staff in childcare settings are primarily female and already at the lower level of the salary scale. Attention should be paid to attracting and maintaining qualified professionals with the provision of remuneration which recognizes their training and expertise.

Will there be a sufficient number of qualified staff to support additional spaces if these issues are not addressed? We currently have a service which relies on the dedication of some amazing people who, because they believe in the importance of their work, continue struggling to maintain the quality of service that contributes to ensuring that the children in their care will have a healthy beginning and will become contributing members of a society that cares about all people.

Can we afford not to provide the very best for young children and their families -- pay now or pay later? There is no more important investment than in the next generation.