Using Google Insights for Search I have done some interesting comparisons between 2006 and 2009 regarding key word searches related to child care and early learning issues in Canada. The results are worth a look.

This is a reallly helpful tool…

Universal Child Care

Child Care Canada

Kindergarten

Early Learning

Early Childhood Development

Recently Parents for Choice and Quality Society wrote this letter to the Editor of The Graphic in response to this story.

Capping child care spaces not about children

March 1, 2009

Dear Editor

We would like to respond to the February 25, 2009 story in The Graphic, “Daycare owners seek help for parents”. 
In light of the proposed changes to the Kindergarten system on PEI, the
child care sector is in a time of uncertainty. Despite this, we must
not lose sight of the fact that all decisions made regarding the future
of child care and early learning programs must place the needs of
children and families before the needs of the system.

To
suggest that the Government should change the legislation to allow for
a cap on the number of child care spaces and centres in a given area is
purely about the needs of operators and is not about the needs of
children and families. Such
a cap will protect child care operators NOT children.  Further, it is
absolutely NOT the way to enhance the quality level of early learning
environments on PEI.

In 2006,
the then Department of Education introduced a new funding policy for
Kindergarten that capped the number of new Kindergarten program in a
given area. The funding policy was developed in a way that actually
protected operators and as such limited parental choice. This has now
come to be a barrier for families who wish to access high quality
Kindergarten, and in turn has created a two-tier Kindergarten system.

Parents,
be sure you stay tuned to the discussion going on in your community.
Contact your MLA and let them know how important you feel it is to have
choice when choosing early learning programs for your family. Don't let
your right to quality child care choices be taken away. Placing
a cap on the number of spaces and child care facilities available in an
area is not what is good for children and is not what is wanted by
Island families!

Parents
for Choice and Quality was created in February 2008 when Government
attempted to change legislation in order to cap the number of child
care spaces on PEI. More information about us can be found at www.choiceandquality.com.

Yours truly,

Jane Boyd

April Ennis

Directors