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Column on child care highlighted risks

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Author: 
Harding, Sandy
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
31 May 2011

EXCERPTS

To The Editor:

Regarding "Corporate child care is not the solution" in the Times &Transcript of May 26, kudos to Jody Dallaire for explaining the risks of big business delivering early learning and child care.

When it comes to early learning and child care a public system is best because it is more accessible, more stable, provides higher quality care and pays better wages for workers. There is no place for profit in child care. Child care providers must be beholden to the children and families they care for, not their shareholders.

Quality public and not for profit early learning and care services reduce poverty, increase employment, and stimulate the economy. These programs build strong communities as the services can be planned and be accountable.

In Australia, where there were a large number of corporate operators, the private providers invested about 50 per cent of revenue on staff costs, compared to 75 per cent of revenue in public and not-for-profit centres.

Higher wages result in less staff turnover and greater quality for children and parents - another good reason to keep early learning and child care public.

Sandy Harding, Saint John

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