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Most families don't realize how the changes could affect them continued from p.6 The majority of providers who sign with an agency do so when they are starting their business and do not know how to find their own clients. The agency provides the high chairs, strollers, pack n' play's and cots as well as some toys. This appeals to a person not willing to invest in there own business. The agency, in turn, takes a percentage of your earnings, so there really is no incentive for an independent provider to license themselves in order to be allowed a sixth child when a percentage of each child's rates will go towards the agency. A provider would be taking care of one more child for virtually no more income. There should be a provision for home childcare providers to license themselves independently. Another flaw is the `under six' rule whereby a provider must count her own children under the age of six years in her daycare numbers. Why would a childcare provider have to include their own children under the age of six years in their daycare numbers when full-day school now starts in Junior Kindergarten at age four? The age should reflect the year that full-time school starts as the child is out of the home for most of the day. Bill 143 was not thoroughly thought out regarding its far-reaching effects on today's families. Most families do not even realize how the proposed changes could affect the availability and cost of childcare. The act surprisingly makes no provision that a childcare provider have a clear police screening or CPR training or any other factors to increase safety. Most independent home childcare providers are warm, caring people who love children. Most have police screenings and CPR training, safe, clean homes, serve quality food and provide excellent care. Perhaps what may not come across clearly is that some of the tragedies that have happened, had nothing to do with the fact that a provider has had more than two children over the age of two years, but have been drastically over the allotted number of five daycare children. There have been a few providers, who were over their numbers dramatically. Citizens had filed complaints regarding these providers and the government agencies did not properly follow up. This is one of the main issues at hand. Increasing number restrictions on providers that are already in compliance with the law is not going to do anything but cause a shortage in daycare and drive up the rates of care. The government needs to address its shortfalls on responding properly to complaints and take action when necessary, not punish quality unlicensed providers. Joanne Hoole, on behalf of the Halton Child Care Providers Association 9 | Wednesday, December 11, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com REGISTERED MASSAGE · FACIALS · WAXING Purchase the Ultimate Gift of Relaxation this year... Always the right size, always the right colour... $ when you purchase any of our Spa Packages * Spa Packages based on guest pricing plus taxes. Offers may not be combined. Excludes cash denomination purchases. Valid in-store only. Rates and services may vary by location. Offer expires December 25, 2013. Free Gift Cards expire March 31, 2014. 25 Receive a FREE GIFT * CARD 511 Maple Grove Drive, Unit 21 Oakville, ON L6J 6X8 (near Sobeys in the Maple Grove Village) Oakville 289.837.3838 www.handandstone.ca