How do you feel about the proposal for full day kindergarten? Do you think ECE's and kindergarten teachers can work together? Will ECE's get a fair deal in the process? Do you want your child to attend this type of program? Are you happy with how things are now? How will your centre survive with all the children over the age of 3.8 years being cared for elsewhere and mat leave being extended by 2020? How will daycare maintain qualified staff teams when the school board proposes to raise ECE wages by approximately $17,000/year?
This proposal seems to raise more questions then it answers. I would love to hear your views.
This could be quite interesting. I've been reviewing our birthdates of children enrolled and we will lose about 30% of our children. As such, it is our assistants that will be out of work first. I am already beginning to look for "younger preschoolers" and seeing how I can manipulate our licence in regards to mixed grouping. With all that said, another election is up in 2011 and everything could change in a heart beat
I think the Ministry is going to have to be flexible in the licensing requirements in order for some daycares to stay open. Our centre has considered opening an infant room as our 12 month spot is wait listed as soon as parents find out they are expecting. We'll expand the toddler room and move our preschoolers into our former school-age/Kinder space.
Although as you say, everything could change in a heartbeat. Who knows what will happen.
It's so hard to stay financially viable though withan infant room (although I love the infants...worked 4 years in an infant room!)
Yes, this is a huge concern. The fees for these 3 spaces would have to be so high to cover staffing costs. We have been in talks with our programming advisor to see about opening both junior toddler and senior toddler rooms. 12 months to 18 months in one room and 18-30 months in another. If both had 1:5 ratios we would probably be ok.