Most centers are just baby-sitters

I read the May 1 article, “Study on child care finds lack of training,” in which the writer states: “Nearly one-third of paid child care workers are relatives who often lack formal training and government oversight.” When Richard Brandon, co-author of the study, said, “You want to find the isolated, clueless caregivers and give them help,” I wondered who trained him in common sense and people skills.

We already know that children with two working parents are having problems. There are a lucky few that at least are being cared for by a close relative . I visited 12 daycare centers recently and there were only two or three that I would want my grandson in. The children in the rest of these daycare centers were merely being babysat.

This is our government licensed, trained childcare in action. These childcare centers are run by teachers who have too many children, not enough skills, not enough pay and use videos as a way to entertain the children. If the grandparents are clueless, then what can we say about the parents who were brought up by these clueless people? Should the government take our children and give them back to us once they have been taught correctly?

I do think that a childcare hotline, newsletter and home safety kit program would be very helpful for parents and caregivers alike.

Marysville