Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:46:51 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [KCUTS] Kids can't wait for child care in BC
From: "Moe" <meadow@netidea.com>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 18, 2008
Kids can't wait for child care in BC
Action needed, not more studies
(VANCOUVER) Child care advocates expressed concern that the Throne
Speech indicates the government intends to invest in endless feasibility
studies instead of investing in real child care.
Kids can't wait any longer for child care in BC, say the organizations
who represent thousands of working parents, early childhood educators
and child care advocates.
"More than 80-percent of BC families who need quality child care can't
find it today," says George Heyman, president of the BC Government and
Service Employees' Union.
"We urge this government to put real money in this year's budget to
create and sustain actual child care spaces that respond in a meaningful
way to the immediate needs of families and their children."
"The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC has already been consulting
with parents, early childhood educators, and experts," says Susan
Harney, chair of CCCABC.
"We have a plan, we know the cost, and communities are ready to deliver
an accessible, quality, publicly-funded child care system in BC today."
Harney adds, "We believe that public schools can and should play an
important role in helping to meet the needs of children and families.
There may be a role for expanded universal, free access to kindergarten
as long as the developmental needs of young children and the needs of
working families are met in an integrated way.
"But parents need to know - will such a kindergarten system actually be
free, public and universal? And, can it offer a caring environment for
young children beyond traditional school hours?"
Heyman notes, "One of the few extended kindergarten models at this point
is in West Vancouver, but unlike any other kindergarten programs it's
available only to the lucky parents who can afford the fees.
"We don't need more studies to show us that model will not deliver
accessible quality care."
-30-
Media, please contact Teresa Marshall, Communications 604-473-5454 or
604-313-6103
cope 378
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Food is the rare moral arena in which the choice that's best for the world
and best for your community is also the best on your table.
- Barbara Kingsolver
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