The Quality Early Learning Network Supports The Position That All Child Care In Ontario Should Be Licensed
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - THE QUALITY EARLY LEARNING NETWORK (QELN) is concerned about recent events (Toronto Star Sept 20 Listeria found at Vaughan day care where tot died) which indicate that some of Ontario's children are being cared for in child care settings that are neither safe nor developmentally appropriate. QELN supports the position, proposed by child care advocates including the Home Child Care Association on Ontario, that all child care in Ontario should be licensed. This is the only way to ensure that all care meets basic standards for the safety and well-being of children.
The QELN recognizes that the approach to license all child care will take time and planning. A phased-in approach, similar to the roll- out of Full Day Kindergarten, would support the transition to ensure that all child care, whether in a home, group centre or school, will be licensed.
We acknowledge the current work of the provincial government to modernize child care in Ontario and urge them to see the licensing of all child care as a logical next step in this process. Our knowledge of the importance of the early years justifies working towards this transformation of child care in Ontario. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Education, Early Years Division to support the transition to ensure that all child care is quality child care.
Background:
Established in 2009, the Quality Early Learning Network (QELN) is a dedicated group of 17 not-for profit early learning and family support agencies. We serve more than 35 000 children and families in Southern Ontario.
We are a non-partisan network. Our members are multi-site, community-based agencies providing a wide range of early years services, including licensed child care programs that meet stringent government requirements for quality and accountability.
QELN's community agencies have demonstrated expertise, honed over decades, in the provision of accessible, accountable programs and services. Drawing on our combined expertise and experience, QELN collaborates with public decision-makers to ensure that every child and family in Ontario can access a system of high-quality, affordable early learning and care services
QELN works collaboratively with public policy decision-makers to develop, deliver, and sustain a system of high-quality services for all children and families, including early learning and care, which is accessible, affordable, inclusive and effective. QELN will work to ensure a strong role for not-for-profit community-based agencies in the delivery of early learning and care.
Working together for high quality early learning and child care
qeln.ca
SOURCE: The Quality Early Learning Network
CONTACTS
For more information contact Joan Arruda, Co-Chair of the Quality Early Learning Network (416) 430-7400.
The Quality Early Learning Network [email protected]
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