How is reducing options a benefit?
Pique Newsmagazine - Whistler
By: Bea Gonzalez, Whistler
March 28, 2008

Letters to the editor

It has been said that transitioning families from Teddy Bear Daycare to the Whistler Children’s Centre will benefit families. The unique services offered at Teddy Bear Daycare will not be offered at the Whistler Children’s Centre. How can reducing options be a benefit? I want to tell you about one family that will certainly not benefit.

My child was in the Marmots program at the Whistler Children’s Centre until he started kindergarten in September. After four years of mostly full-time daycare, I found myself in a position to take a break from daycare until my busy season came around again in February, allowing me to spend more time with my son. In December I requested to re-enroll my son in Marmots. By mid-February it became clear that space would not be available so we went to Teddy Bear. For our family, the Teddy Bear Daycare has been an absolute lifesaver. Because Teddy Bear has drop-in care, in addition to the regular after-school days, I can sign up for all the days the school is closed, including the two-week March break, and pay only for the days I use. They are open on statutory holidays.

The extended hours are also a huge benefit. For me, 5:30 is a difficult pickup time, as most people want to stop by my office on their way home from work. ….

I would find this less frustrating if we were told the reasons for the decision instead of how much of a benefit it is to close down the only facility that offered our family the childcare that we needed this winter and spring.

The Whistler Children’s Centre is a fabulous facility with wonderful teachers. It certainly satisfies the childcare needs of many families. However, for families who need the flexibility it would be nice to have a choice in a childcare centre. …