Is Dryden's child care plan what parents want?

[I miss Reagan]

Here is a problem with the program as I see it.  Ideally, the law should not discriminate so should women who already stay at home and care for their children be compensated for doing so?  I suspect that many couples with one breadwinner will be close to the poverty line (LICO).  I have no problem with my tax dollars going to support people who are struggling, but deciding on who and how much will be very difficult will it not?  Does anyone know how the government plans to do so?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally agree.

[stubblejumper]

That particular issue would be solved by making it universal and mandatory like elementary school.

[willy]

That particular issue would be solved by making it universal and mandatory like elementary school.

You are kidding right.

[Canuck E Stan]

What about the idea of tax credits for parents so they can decide how/what daycare suits them best? The Dryden plan is fine for those that work 9-5,Monday to Friday,but what about shift workers or people who have to work week-ends or irregular hours. Not everybody can take advantage of these day care centres if they are not in the 9-5 group.How do we help those folks?

[Melanie_]

I have never been a fan of Quebec's $5.00, now $7.00, a day model, but it seems to be the one people are most familiar with. Here in Manitoba, almost all child care centres are non profit, run by parent Boards of Directors, with a mix of trained and untrained staff. Parents pay $376 per month (18.80/day) per preschool child. There are no additional charges for children with special needs, and there is a modest subsidy system available for families who qualify on a sliding scale. Centres and licensed family homes are eligible for an operating grant from the province based on the number of children cared for, but this grant makes up a small percentage of their income.

Anyone who wants to be licensed as a family child care provider is able to go through the process, which involves regular inspections, criminal records check, first aid training, and an evening training course. These homes are able to meet the needs of shift workers and people who work weekends.

The biggest need is lack of spaces, not the cost of the spaces to the parents. Most parents are willing to pay for their child care, if they can find a space that provides affordable, quality care for their children. That is what I am hoping Ken Dryden's child care plan will accomplish.

[I miss Reagan]

That particular issue would be solved by making it universal and mandatory like elementary school.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Isn't education a provincial responsibility? The last thing I want is some central Canadian program indoctrinating our kids. Why don't the Ontario feds stick to what they're supposed to, rather than sticking their noses into other jurisdictions.

[Hugo]

Hugo, are you sure about the fact that child care became expensive when the government intervened or are you speculating? I am not sure myself, but it interests me enough to find out. I suspect that there may well be other reasons.

There's no speculation necessary. The evidence still exists. I know of two stay-at-home mums who take in other people's children. Their price is a fraction of what a licensed daycare charges, and they are responsible people, good parents and eminently worthy to run a daycare. However, they are technically criminals, and won't do business with anyone they don't know and wouldn't trust not to rat them out to the 'authorities.'