Letters to the editor -
Government needs to wake up. Daycare centres are losing licensed spaces in record numbers. There are very few qualified early childhood educators (ECEs) to care for the children. Further, graduate school teachers can't get a job in a centre. There's something seriously wrong here.
It's not a matter of burnt-out owner/operators wanting to "retire." It's a matter of being frustrated beyond repair.
ECEs deserve more than a living wage. The government top-up is a mere pittance of what is required. Owners are stretched to the limit thus unable to cough up more.
The challenges of running a centre are legion. Wages are just one.
It's sad indeed when humane services workers are paid $20 plus an hour to care for animals. Apparently, caregivers of children aren't worth that much, at least in government's mind.
Premier Danny Williams has the power to seriously rock the sinking child care ship. Please step up and do something before it's too late.
By the way, some so-called child care "consultants" need to go. They are paid hugely to make the life of the operator a literal, living hell. And this is on a good day. Ask anybody, they are the bane of an operator's existence.
Under the current rules and regulations, "graduates" of childcare centres face a distinct disadvantage upon entry to kindergarten. They are lost in this new unfamiliar setting where structured learning is mandatory.
Play time should be a part of a daycare day but not to the exclusion of formal, teacher directed learning opportunities.
Yes people, some children are regressing. And guess whose fault that is. The consultants, of course. Do us all a favour and fire them.
Barbara Hardy former centre owner/operator Mount Pearl
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