National childcare crucial to development
Cowichan Valley Citizen
07 Feb 2007
Opinion
By: Don Mervin, Nanaimo

Dear Editor:

Why would anybody torpedo a national childcare program that is so sorely needed?

Children, even before leaving the womb, are susceptible to input from the outside environment and, after birth, up to and including their second year, are absorbing through their senses, like a dry sponge put in water, everything around them. It is the most crucial time for brain development.

From that time until five years, the child's building blocks are put in place and further development in all areas will form on that foundation of social and emotional living skills.

All society will benefit from an early childhood education and infant care with high national standards.