Poor pay outweighs demand for child care
The Record (New Westminster)
May 17, 2008
Opinion

… Most parents will do all they can to give their child a healthy and happy life. And they shouldn't have to compromise to do so.

We live in a part of the world in which choosing to have a single-income family is a luxury. Most mothers and fathers will have to work if they want to carry a mortgage and pay for gas and the myriad other expenses of daily living.

… But that still leaves many couples desperately seeking child care in a society that places little value on those who choose to devote their lives to looking after the children of strangers.

It's at the point where couples can't choose the best daycare for their needs, they have to take what's available.

In any other field in which there was such a desperate shortage, salaries would rise and more centres would open to meet the demand. …Even with diplomas and certification, they start at $12 or $13 hourly and work hard for every penny. It's no wonder many burn out and switch careers.

Dealing with the daycare crisis in our society means tackling the shortage of daycare workers by paying a livable wage and offering good prospects to those who choose to spend their days caring for our most precious resource.