Editor:
I am one of many parents affected by the private dayhome/daycare closures, which have occurred in Grand Forks since June 2010.
Background: In B.C., policy limits the amount of children that may be cared for in a dayhome setting, not regulated by the government, to no more than two children (not
including the caregiver’s own children).
This is especially problematic in rural settings, such as Grand Forks, where the licensed facilities are wonderful; however, there are not enough available spaces to care for the currently displaced children and the many more “quietly” cared for in private settings.
Ultimately, parents should have the right to choose which care setting is more conducive to their needs, as well as their child’s.
I am a single mother and in my last year of a Registered Nursing Baccalaureate.
Sarah Unruh has cared for my daughter since she was one. Sarah has been one of my closest friends for years and our children have grown up together since birth.
I am indebted to Sarah for accommodating me with drop -off and pick-up times, due to my school schedule and 12-hour hospital shifts – an advantage I may not experience from a facility with more ridged operating times.
I am not condoning breaking rules; I am simply saying we must adjust the rules – revise our policies, to reflect the needs of our community and rural communities alike, to ensure families may access quality child care and increase their ability to join or remain in the workforce.
Solution: A suggestion could be to use Alberta’s model for childcare as a guide, which allows for up to six children to be cared for in dayhome settings, as I am sure the research findings around child safety and welfare are similar to ours.
To further reduce potential risk factors, courses regarding early childhood development and growth should be offered to any B.C. resident who is in a position of caring for a child.
A viable solution that reflects the authentic needs of B.C. families must be found!
Lisa McPhee, Grand Forks