Recently I had a live conversation with Rita Romeo about child care issues in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. Rita is the Program Coordinator for the East Kootenay Child Care Resource and Referral (EKCCRR).
About Rita Romeo
I have my Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler and Special Needs License to Practice and have been in the Early Childhood Field for 29 years in various positions such as Daycare (Infant Toddler and 3-5 year olds), Preschool & Nanny care. I have worked for EKCCRR for the last 20 years.
Highlights of Our Conversation
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An introduction to the East Kootenay Child Care Resource and Referral program.
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The geographic diversity of the East Kootenay region and how this impacts child care operators and families.
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The services of that the EKCCRR provides to families.
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The challenges that families face with respect to transportation, shift work and weather.
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Issues that child care providers face with respect to filling for 3-5 year old child care spaces. The shortage of infant-toddler child care and after school care spaces that the region is facing.
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Child care programs are faced with reducing their capacity due to a lack of certified Early Childhood Educators in the region. 2 child care programs recently closed in Cranbrook.
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Wages and working conditions for certified staff in the East Kootenay region.
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Ways to make a difference in the community related to child care options and opportunities.
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Ways to share information and resources related to child care through social media.
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Cautions regarding providers who care for children but who are not licensed by Interior Health.
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Ways to educate members of the community about what quality child care is.
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