Bigger isn't better
Cowichan Valley Citizen
31 Oct 2007
Opinion By: Andrea Rondeau

So now there's talk of making childcare into a warehouse-type business where childcare workers in matching uniforms tend to rooms full of kids.

One of the basic problems with an idea like this is that no centre can operate with a huge number of little tykes while at the same time delivering individual attention.

And little kids need individual attention.

This is when their minds are the most plastic, the most maleable and it is essential that they get the stimulation and encouragement that will help them grow into the happy and confident youngsters every parent wants their child to be.

What are the chances that a staff member will have the opportunity, or energy, to look over your child's shoulder when they're drawing and tell them what a good job they're doing if the centre is huge?

This is the joy of being a childcare worker. And the joy of being a child.

How, if there are masses of kids, can a centre possibly keep reasonable order?

By having all the kids line up like little automatons, doing the same thing at the same time.

Just like a little childcare factory. Kind of brings to mind an image of that alternate universe from A Wrinkle In Time where all the kids must bounce their ball to the same rhythm.

They should just fund universal childcare, starting with the small, community-based centres and be done with it.