Editor:

I feel compelled to respond to the letter written by Brian Scott (Liberal Candidate) that appeared in the Sept. 4 edition of the Chronicle titled 'Child care woes can be traced to Conservative policies.' As is usual, that's just one political candidate (or party) blaming another for the ultimate closure of my daycare centre. That's the way politicians do things.

But if Mr. Scott chose to research this issue, he may come to understand that the issue is an ongoing social problem, and not just something that appeared since July 1, when the Early Learning and Child Care Funding was cut.

As an early childhood educator, and a provincially licensed group daycare operator for 19 years in Ladysmith, I can tell you there is a multitude of facets that contributed to the closure of my daycare centre and others elsewhere.

The first is the lack of money - but any service, society or agency that relies somewhat or wholly on government funding will tell you that there is never enough money. That's just the way it is. But more importantly, I believe that it comes down to the archaic attitude that traditional "women's work" lacks value or importance in society. For hundreds of years, childcare has mostly been unpaid women's job, and to this day remains a poorly funded/paid enterprise. Even though we are told what we do is important, no one really wants to contribute monetarily to its true value and worth.

The shortage of early childhood educators is no new phenomenon. Most that I know chose to pursue other, better paid careers in the childcare field. Most students at Malaspina apply their two-year diploma in early childhood education toward a child and youth degree - there's more money there.

There are no quick fixes to the problems facing the childcare profession. Money will help - but where it comes from - publicly or privately funded - remains to be seen. A federally or provincially funded childcare program that ensures quality childcare will probably help solve the problem - but will people pay higher taxes to support it?

For sure, women will not be encouraged to work in the profession unless they are paid appropriately according to the value of their work.

Until society understands the value an early childhood educator contributes to the well-being and future of children, and values children and women alike, the problem will continue to simmer and remain unsolved.