- The federal government has concluded its two-and-a-half days of committee hearings on ‘its controversial Child Care Act. -Critics say the $3 billion set aside for creating new ‘spaces is less than what would have been available under the old system. And even if the goal of doubling -the number of spaces is achiev- ed, local child care advocate . Darlene Westerman says that _, will mean B.C. will provide ser- -vices for only 18 percent of the children who need it, up from ‘the current nine percent. by Charlynn Toews Westerman did a study of the need for day care spaces in Ter- ~-race. In 1986/87, through fig- -ures provided by Statistics Can- ada and the Terrace District Chamber of Commerce, she cal- ‘culated that at least 600 children ‘up to five years of age needed -non-parental care, while there were only 50 spaces available. ‘About 1,700 Terrace kids from ‘five to 12 years of age require before or after-school supervi- sion. But a current list of licens- ed care-givers show spaces for ‘only about 15 échildren. _Day care operators agree that. after-school and: infant (under ‘three years old) care are the ‘areas most lacking in town. Last: week Sharon and Mickey Brom- -‘ley opended Discovery Daycare, . ‘but decided against filling the ‘gap in infant care. ‘‘We thought ‘about it, because we know there’s a need,’’ Sharon said, “but financially, it’s not feasi- ‘ble.’ They explained that for children under three, a staff- child ratio of one to four is re- -quired. ‘‘And the daily rates for Terrace are pretty well.set at $15,”’ Mickey said, meaning day cares just can’t afford the pay- roll necessary to provide such:a service. licensed family day cares are allowed a maximum of two in- fant care spaces each, Discovery’s license. for 16 children (plus their own toddler) only allows for two before and after-school spaces, while our other licensed group operation, -Tegistrations — part-time place- ments makes watching. staff- school-aged Terrace’s half-dozen -" 4 Little help to local _ _ daycares seen from pending federal plan Terrace Day Care Centre, is at 25 and three. Sharon explained that in additon to the licensing restrictions, they prefer full-time child ratios extremely difficult. “We can’t have over 17 children here for even ten minutes,’’ she said. The Bromleys assume relatives may be watching school-aged kids.for a few hours a day, and there are likely a lot of ‘‘latch-key”’ kids around. Teresa Colton at Terrace Day Care guessed neighbors or friends would supervise them for 45 minutes in the morning and an hour or two after school, It can be difficult to hire a person for this kind of split-shift sitting, for only a few hours a day. None of the day care operators were too impressed with the national child care pro- — gram. “‘There was all this big ex- citement, then we found out the money goes for subsidies, which just pays the fees,’’ Colton said. Another added, ‘“We would do better if the money went’ to things like equipment and wage subsidies. Parents making $15 or $16 an hour don’t need the money,’’ She would like to see money go directly to centers for Opening up as many as a dozen new operations in Terrace. ~ Westerman said that since the facility-directed money will go to starting up new spaces, the day cares currently licensed and operating now won’t get the sup- port they need. And directing money to parents may mean financial considerations will “talk loudly,’” more so perhaps’ than choosing the highest quali- ’ ty of care. Even so, the federal child care program, flawed as it. may be, should help at least some oper- ators wanting to start up new centers. Sharon Olendy will be opening up Terrace’s newest licensed family day care, Peewee Day Care, with ‘“‘not a penny”’ of government funding. Talking to politicians and civil servants in Terrace, Victoria and Ottawa, she found she wasn’t eligible for any financial! help. after the Rally. CO-OP FUN CAR RALLY Scavenger Hunt on Wheels -. Co-op Parking Lot Sunday, October 2, 1988 Starting at 1:00 p.m. Register at the Co-op Insurance Office Entry limited to 30 vehicles Entry Fee $10 per vehicle (Driver & Navigator) - Includes: Hamburger and Refreshment for Driver and Navigator at Co- “op Cafeteria a PRIZES FOR ALL! COME OUT AND TEST YOUR SKILLS!! Terrace Review — Wednesday, September 21, 1988 11 Discovery Daycare recently opened its doors to children.on Agar Ave., but a study bya local child care advocate indicates there still aren’t nearly enough spaces in Terrace. THE | EVE SMITH Formerly with the Orchestra, Eve has performed in North America’s _ finest Concert halls. gs Now Appearing Augie's Piano Lounge Top Notch and exciting Entertainment Terrace ‘Terrace’ s largest Hotel and Entertainment centre. ‘PROUDLY PRESENTS — RECORDING ARTIST Hotel ~~<. 1917 great Duke Ellington “OUR NEW PHONE NUMBER 635-6630 FAX-635-2788 TOLL FREE 1-800-663-8156 “Te errace Hotel Since 1917 455) Greig Ave., Terrace, B.C.