THE FREE PRESS MAY 9, 1999 A15 Child Care Costly for Everyone Of all the difficulties facing parents when they look for child care, paying for that care is often the most critical. Along with availability and location, the cost of child care is often cited by parents as a leading barrier to returning to the work force or upgrading their education. five years of age costs an average of $24.50 per day. After school care averages about $ 15.00 per day. and preschool programs, which offer two to three hour programs, avesrage about $8.00 per day. Please keep in mind that these costs are averages only, and depend on the type of License is required to care for more than 2 children in your home We have all heard the statistics telling us thal il now takes service offered (infant/toddler, meals, transportation, field two income earners to match what a family earned in trips, drop-in or shift care, etc.) I960 For the growing percentage of parents who are Although child care subsidy may be available for eligible single, the struggle to find and pay for adequate care and parents, most caregivers need to charge more in order to to remain in the paid work force, is even more critical, cover their expenses. The difference between the coat of On the other side of the equation are the child care providers. Regardless of their qualifications and dedication to the well -being of children, they are among the lowest paid of any group in society. So, what does it costs to purchase and provide child care? For Prince Ocorge parents, ail day child care for children birth to care and what subsidy may pay is the responsibility of the parent. For more information on Finding or providing child care. Child Care Resource and Referral may be able to help Contact us at 563-2483. or I -800-680-6699 and our staff will be happy to assist you. Did you know thal in British Columbia, j/nyone caring for more than two children (unrelated by blood or marriage) must have a license to do so? A situation where more than two unrelated children cared for without a license is illegal and is subject to legal action. A sibling group, where all of the children being cared for belong to one family, is the only exclusion. The legislation that governs the care of children is the Community Care Facilities Act and the Child Care licensing Regulation, and is administered through Community Care Facilities Licensing through the Regional Health Board, the legislation provides a minimum standard for health and safety of children during their hours in care at child care settings. Licensing ensures that minimum standards for health and safety are maintained at all licensed child care facilities by doing regular inspections. Parents, however, have the ongoing responsibility to monitor the child care arrangements for their children's overall well being. Suggestions to assist parents with this responsibility can be found in the booklet, “A Parent's Guide to selecting and Monitoring Licensed Day Care," published by the Ministry of Health, and available for no charge at either the Licensing office (565-6644) or Child Care Resource and Referral (563-2483). Prince George Aboriginal Head Start Program Words of Encouragement Children, Elders, Parents, and Staff believe that in using the medicine wheel as our guide, we will successfully teach our children Native values and traditions: the key to unlocking the force that will move Native people on the path of their own development. Through these teachings the children will learn to respect themselves as a person first, and as a member of a First Nations society. Positive self-esteem will lead to respect for the community and the world at large. Of Ar Strong, healthy children create a strong, healthy future. Prince George Native Friendship Centre &SORGf. Og ^ a, I would like to introduce myself, Llewelyn Dumonceaux, the newly elected President of the Society. I am looking forward to meeting all our members in the months ahead and would like to welcome any new members to join. Our annual membership is $15.00 and entitles you to attend our monthly meetings and to receive a quarterly newsletter. It is a time to share ideas, exchange activities and successful practices, and in general, to provide support to one another. In the future. I will endeavor to have an informative speaker at each meeting and I will open the floor for your input on other fun ideas and activities. The executive is planning a picnic in June and an open house at the September meeting. Our next meeting is Monday, May 17, 1999 at 7:30 pm at the Health Unit. See you there. Llewelyn Dumonceaux 964-6856 (hm) We build character CHILDCARE Now taking registration for fall classes of TINY ‘Y’ PRESCHOOL and our SUNFEST summer day camp program. Call 562-9341 for details. FAMILY Y’! 1 Massey Drive >2-9341 Building Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities Early Childhood Educators of B.C. >■ Promote the health and well-being of all children. >• Use developmentally appropriate practices when working with all children. >• Demonstrate caring for all children in all aspects of their practice. >- Work in partnership with parents, supporting them in meeting their responsibilities to their children. >• Work in partnership with colleagues and other service providers in the community to support the well-being of families. >■ Work in ways that enhance human dignity. >■ Pursue, on an ongoing basis, the knowledge, skills, and self- awareness needed to be professionally competent. »- Demonstrate integrity in all of their professional relationships. Caledonia Branch is the Prince George Chapter of ECEBC Box #1 357 Prince George, B.C. V2L 4V4 <$b For membership information Anne-Marie 964-0188 Children are the Buildinf’ Blocks of our Future Funded by: The Ministry for Children & Families Sponsored by: Prince George Family Y W Prince George and Area CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL Serving all Northern Interior Communities Assisting Parents by Providing: • referrals to quality child care facilities • information on what to look for when choosing child care • links to community child care services Assisting Caregivers by Offering: • low cost liability insurance • monthly training/workshops • telephone/home support consultation • toy and resource lending materials “Make a Quality Choice 622A 4th Avenue, Prince George • 563-2483 Call No Charge 1-800-680-6699