Child care not babysitting
Cariboo Press -- Salmon Arm Observer
06 Jun 2007
Letters -- Melissa Treleaven

I was wounded when I read what Louise Nobles wrote in last week's paper "child day care to me - that's just another word for babysitter."

Babysitter?!? Pretty high-end babysitting. Gee, I went to college for three years to learn how to babysit. Silly me. Especially since people like Louise and our government think the way they do.

I am an early childhood educator. I am a professional. I took post-secondary education to do what I do. I'm insulted.

How dare you accuse me of "replacing the kind, loving, nurturing care of a child by its parents."

I don't do my job to replace anyone. I do my job to provide all children with the opportunities for emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth. Early social adjustment in the peer group seems to predict adult social adjustment. Hmmmm, interesting. Imagine what kind of country it would be if everyone was socially well-adjusted. Maybe the Conservatives should take note!

Clearly, peer interaction provides children with the impetus to change, the opportunity to observe and model competent behaviour, and reinforces positive social interactions.

The thoughts in the letter are archaic. Times have changed. People are having babies later in life so that they can get an education and a career before we "take care of our young."

Some people don't use work as an "excuse." I find that statement appalling.

Believe it or not, there are many women who actually want to work. In fact a lot of them are happier and healthier people because of it.

I really do enjoy my job. I don't do it because I have to. I do it because I want to.

Childhood is a unique and valuable stage in the life cycle. Whether we are a parent or a caregiver, our paramount responsibility is to provide safe, healthy, nurturing, and responsive settings for children.

I, as an early childhood educator, am committed to supporting children's development by cherishing individual differences, by helping them learn to live and work co-operatively, and by promoting their self-esteem.

It seems that the education we provide to the children in our care should be extended to educate those in the community who fail to understand the vital nature of our profession. Babysitting?