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Responsible Day Care
Publisher: United Way of the Lower Mainland, Social Planning and Research DepartmentYear Published: 1982 Pages: 22pp Price: 2.00 Resource Type: Book Cx Number: CX2411 As in most provinces, the funding and administration of day care in British Columbia is spread among three provincial ministries: Health, Education and Human Resources (Social Services). Abstract: As in most provinces, the funding and administration of day care in British Columbia is spread among three provincial ministries: Health, Education and Human Resources (Social Services). This document points to the inadequacies of that kind of support for day care, given the rapid increase in the number of working women. Concerned individuals and more than 45 provincial and local organizations contributed to the report. These included government agencies, voluntary organizations, churches, organized labour, women's groups, day care centres and parent associations. According to the report, day care must now be seen as a normal community service, like schools. Most parents are looking for alternative forms of care outside the child's own home. Viewing it this way is impeded by the continuing government perception that child care is only needed in "welfare" or "abnormal social situations." This is further complicated by the funding model. In B.C., day care funding is based on the number of subsidized children attending the centre, not on the true operating costs. The subsidies do not cover the costs and many low-income parents must pay additional fees. The report concludes with the recommendations that: 1) day care policy be set by the same agency that controls or coordinates funding and licensing; 2) an appropriate single ministry be assigned responsibility for policy and the administration of day care; 3) the provincial government appoint an interministerial task force to make recommendations; 4) day care subsidies be increased immediately; 5) start-up funds and capital grants be provided to ensure that provincial day care standards are met. Subject Headings |