After reading Karen Miller’s letter to the editor in the May 22 Herald (“Child care: Most centers are just baby-sitters”), I felt obligated to respond. I have operated a child care out of my home for the past six years and have never operated in the manner that she describes. I object to the generalization that most child cares operate in this manner.
I am not sure what child-care centers she went to but I feel that she either didn’t see the whole picture or she went to some poor quality ones. She stated in her letter that there were no resources available to her. I am sorry, but there are.
I have never felt that I am “just a babysitter.” I have structured activities, I have a huge play yard that meets both cognitive and sensory development, and we do a number of field trips that are both educational and fun. My TV is rarely on but I do admit that I have a daily quiet time (when I have nappers) and that I do plug in a movie for those who do not nap. Also, I try to schedule interviews during that time so that it is quiet and we can talk freely without constantly being interrupted. This could be what Ms. Miller saw.
Furthermore, I have taken extensive training classes (which are mandatory through the state licensing of child care) to develop a more nurturing, creative and fun place for kids to come. Washington state has some of the hardest regulations and policies in the U.S. to pass before you can be licensed childcare.
I do agree with her that we are underpaid professionals. I could easily quit what I am doing and get a job making 3 to 4 times more, but then I would be away from my own kids and that’s the reason I decided to do child care in the first place. I challenge Ms. Miller to look into further resources and visit in-home child cares as well as centers. Maybe she will be more successful in her search. Also, if all else fails, we need more providers in this county and I think she should consider becoming a provider herself. It is not as easy as it looks!
Granite Falls.
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