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A Guide to Childcare
Although there seems to be plenty of choice, some parents constantly struggle to find suitable childcare. The scenarios vary: some parents stay home with children; some decide to hire a nanny; some use home care; some get spots in daycare.
Whatever the solution, children should be in a healthy, safe and happy environment that fosters learning, growth and development. The experience should be satisfying and enriching for both parent and child.
The Need for Quality Childcare: The First Six Years
“The first six years of a child’s life are crucial,” says Dr. Robin Williams, a pediatrician, a public health physician and the Medical Officer of Health for Niagara Region. She’s also the Chair of the Council for Early Child Development, a group that envisions community-based early child development and parenting centres linked to the school system that are available to all families and young children.
According to Dr. Williams, it's in these early years that hardwiring in the brain begins, which will influence future health, intelligence and social competence.
“Parents are front and centre in the development of their children. They are the major pathway to how kids develop,” she says. “But parenting skills need to be learned. And whether or not parents stay home with their young children, parents can’t do it all alone.”
“Childcare needs to be more than an alternative for parents who need to work,” she says.
As part of a whole package that values early childhood, quality childcare prepares young children for kindergarten and is a way of making opportunities for socialization and early development.
Choosing Between Licensed and Unlicensed Childcare
For parents looking for childcare solutions, TVOParents provides information on unlicensed and licensed options.
Whether or not a childcare program needs a license depends on how many children a caregiver is looking after. In Ontario, caregivers can look after up to five unrelated children under the age of 10 without needing a license. Licensed child care programs must maintain specific provincial standards, which are outlined in the Day Nurseries Act and regulated by the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Youth and Child Services.
In Toronto and other municipalities, all licensed childcare centres must maintain standards outlined in the Day Nurseries Act. As well, childcare centres on contract for fee subsidy are assessed by the City of Toronto's Children’s Services for quality standards.
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