Excerpts from the AECEO/OCBCC position:
Background:
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services is in the process of conducting consultations regarding proposed changes to the DNA. The changes are being presented as a solution to the financial challenges programs are facing as a result of the pending 63.5 million dollar cut to child care and the transition to full day learning.
Why we do not support these changes:
- Although changes are being proposed as options -- lower ratios mean lower government funding and lower minimum standards. The rush to make changes doesn't make sense at this time. Government should concentrate on stabilizing funding, implementing the early learning program and the planning for Best Start Child and Family Centres.
- The Ministry has said that proposed changes are in line with other jurisdictions. What is the matter with Ontario having higher standards -- has the government not said that it wants to be a leader in early learning and child care?
- Proposed DNA changes will further demoralize the early learning and child care sector, which has fought to maintain quality care for children and their families.
- Changes to the regulations are not a substitute for the adequate and stable funding needed to support the health, safety and care of young children.
- Children and families would be better served if legislative and regulatory changes were made to address real issues in implementation rather than funding issues. This would be consistent with the early learning report commissioned by the government. It recommends legislative changes be made two to three years down the road.