Editor:
Re: Help out there to make right childcare choice, May 30
I am amazed at almost everyone's lack of knowledge as far as regulation for childcare workers goes.
I am a registered, licence not required (LNR) family childcare provider. I care for two children in my home and have the same requirements as the licensed facilities, regulated by the government.
I am registered with Childcare Options and have to have a criminal record search done on everyone in my home that is 12 years of age or older every five years. We also have pediatric first aid and CPR, which has to be renewed every three years.
We are also required to get a doctor's note to say we are mentally and physically fit to care for children.
We are required to complete the Early Beginnings course and must attend at least two workshops per year to maintain our registration.
Like licensed facilities, we also have our policies and procedures in place.
We have contracts and parent handbooks, just like the licensed facilities do. We are monitored as well with home visits to ensure the facility is a safe and clean environment.
What most people don't realize is the provider of a licence not required facility has the exact same requirements as that of licensed providers, just the home requirements aren't as strict, but there is very little difference there as well.
People are confused with the differences between the stay at home moms and the licence not required as the "stay at home moms" are within their rights to run an unregulated childcare but I would think most parents, given the correct information, would prefer a facility that has a provider that has been educated in this field and has safety procedures in place.
The benefits of being registered with Childcare Options resource and referral service is we are viewed as professionals and treated as such. Parents looking for quality childcare are given a list of both licensed and licence not required caregivers that best suits their needs.
Sharon McLean Owner/operator Busy Bee Family Childcare
