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By
Catherine Pruissen
When
parents begin the all encompassing task of looking
for child care, their thoughts are focused on locating
safe, quality child care where the center or home
is warm and inviting and the caregiver is friendly
and loving. Few parents are concerned about
how a center operates, where their fee go, or just
who is responsible for planning the center's program.
Fewer yet even know about the difference in
profit and non-profit centers.
From the outside, much like a book, they all look
the same. It is only upon further inspection
that these differences become apparent. Non-profit
centers, in many states, provinces and territories,
are eligible for a majority of the funding allocated
to child care services. This funding might include,
capital funding, startup funding, a per child
fee grant and parent subsidies.
Private,
or profit centers, on the other hand, rely on
parent fees to operate. While this in no way
determines the care the private operator provides,
it does severely limit the program in that in order
to remain competitive it must rely on the cost reducing
measures to maintain even the basics like art supplies,
learning materials and repair bills. The time spent
worrying about how to stay 'in the black' would be
better served in thinking about enhancing a program
or receive accreditation.
What difference does funding make? It allows
directors and their staff an opportunity to attend
courses and seminars. It purchases better equipment,
keeps facilities upgraded. It benefits the little
people for whom is intended, the children.
Non-profit centers, in order to receive funding, must
be run by a board of directors, composed of at least
51% parents. Who better to determine the services
and programs best for their children than parents.
Further, this board is accountable for ensuring
the money
it receives is being invested in the families it serves.
The Canadian Day Care Advocacy Association, in their
paper
"Value For Child Care Dollars: Avoiding False
Solutions to Child Care Funding" states,
"Clearly, to ensure the beat use of tax
dollars, direct public investments in a comprehensive,
high quality system serving all Canadians families
must be under non-profit auspices." Studies prove
that when given the opportunity parents would choose
a non-profit center. Given the difference in
how a center is operated and funded, it will continue
to be a growing trend in child care.
Parent
Care Your Child Care News-line,
Volume 2 March/April 1993.
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