Money spent now will save millions
Richmond News
May 13, 2008
Letters By: Helen Collinge

The Editor,

I have read the letters about childcare in Richmond and I sympathize with parents who are desperately seeking licensed child care spaces.

Some letters said families should forgo luxuries and have a parent (read mother) at home all day caring for their children.

I suggest that these writers hold their judgment and consider the following:

1. One salary cannot provide housing, food and fuel. These are hardly luxuries.

2. Our daughters should have as many opportunities to work and develop careers as our sons. Childcare is essential for these opportunities.

3. Childcare gives trained personnel a chance to catch developmental concerns at a much earlier age especially for "at risk" children.

Early intervention can prepare a child for school and help that child be successful.

Money spent at this level will save millions in social support when these children mature.

4. Childcare allows single parents to get back into the work force and reduce welfare demands.

5. The Canadian work force needs more workers which is why the BC Chamber of Commerce supports childcare.

I wonder if those who would not support early learning and childcare are ready to go without their own "luxuries"; namely, the doctors, nurses, labourers, technicians, educators and workers who rely on child care so that they can work to make our lives safer, healthier and more successful.

Canada needs a comprehensive, universal early learning and child care system.