Letter to the Editor re capping child care spaces

Capping child care spaces not about children

March 1, 2009

Dear Editor

We would like to respond to the February 25, 2009 story in The Graphic, “Daycare owners seek help for parents”.  In light of the proposed changes to the Kindergarten system on PEI, the child care sector is in a time of uncertainty. Despite this, we must not lose sight of the fact that all decisions made regarding the future of child care and early learning programs must place the needs of children and families before the needs of the system.

To suggest that the Government should change the legislation to allow for a cap on the number of child care spaces and centres in a given area is purely about the needs of operators and is not about the needs of children and families. Such a cap will protect child care operators NOT children.  Further, it is absolutely NOT the way to enhance the quality level of early learning environments on PEI.

In 2006, the then Department of Education introduced a new funding policy for Kindergarten that capped the number of new Kindergarten program in a given area. The funding policy was developed in a way that actually protected operators and as such limited parental choice. This has now come to be a barrier for families who wish to access high quality Kindergarten, and in turn has created a two-tier Kindergarten system.

Parents, be sure you stay tuned to the discussion going on in your community. Contact your MLA and let them know how important you feel it is to have choice when choosing early learning programs for your family. Don’t let your right to quality child care choices be taken away. Placing a cap on the number of spaces and child care facilities available in an area is not what is good for children and is not what is wanted by Island families!

Parents for Choice and Quality was created in February 2008 when Government attempted to change legislation in order to cap the number of child care spaces on PEI. More information about us can be found at www.choiceandquality.com.

Yours truly,

Jane Boyd

April Ennis

Directors

This letter was sent to The Eastern Graphic – March 1, 2009