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Vancouver Island News Group - Oak Bay News
April 9, 2008

"As a single parent, it's just been stressful from the moment (my son) was born because the daycare situation is the same thing," said one mom who wanted to remain anonymous. "I have a very nice friend who took my son (for the night), but I have to rely on the kindness of others to survive because I don't have family."

Nancy Carter tag-teamed with a friend, each taking a seven-hour shift. "I registered my daughter for after-kindergarten care and even though I'm sure I got the space I needed, there is still a gap for me. There is no Wednesday morning daycare for kindergarten children."

… There is no shortage of placements, said Curtis. "The big problem we have is only having 40 spots available at Willows (elementary school)," she explained.

…But Shauna Morgan, who took the day off work to join the line at 11 a.m. on Friday, said Curtis' assessment isn't fair.

"In the past there were parents who have not gotten in, or why would we be lining up? Who's going to risk that?" she asked….

Staffing the before-school problem is a problem, admitted Curtis. But mostly the program is limited by the available space at the school, she said.

MLA Ida Chong called it a difficult situation.

"I know that parents are anxious," she said, adding the province has committed to adding 2,000 child care spaces across the province in the next two years.

"I can tell you I will be doing my part as the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head to get some of those in our area."

Parents camp out for full day to secure spot for kids at out-of-school care program in Oak Bay

Oak Bay parents spent a long night in sleeping bags on the gym floor at the Henderson Recreation Centre on Friday night - but it wasn't a slumber party. They were there, some for the fifth year in a row, to secure a place for their children in before- and after-school care.

"I think the municipality should be ashamed," said Jim Beatty, who was assured the problem would be fixed after waiting in line last year. "Instead of fixing the system, they've made it infinitely worse and they've turned their citizens into urban campers to try to get their kids into care."

By early Friday evening dozens of parents were already waiting outside the rec centre for Saturday morning registration. At midnight the centre opened its doors so parents could wait inside. And while people appreciated the warmth and the washrooms - they waited outside last year - some complained the midnight opening encouraged parents to arrive earlier. One woman showed up at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.

"Is the word ridiculous a good one?" asked Sylvain Trudel about the situation. "There's obviously a need for more spots available so parents can come in at a reasonable time in the morning to register their children."