My. wATe asses tet 28 - Friday, April 29, 1994 - North Shore News "IMPROVING ACCESS to childcare on the North Shore continues to be a prime goal. . #= for the North Shore Childcare Resources Society (CRS). Stories by Maureen Curtis Contributing Writer Since setting up an office in Edgemont Village and hiring Laura Lee Kent as program coordinator and two part-time employees, the _ society hasbeen successful in iden- tifying many of the family-operated daycares throughout the North Shore, supporting them and match- ing them up with parents in search of care for their children. Described as License-Not- Required or LNR-type daycares, these services are provided by women who are usually mothers at home with their own children.” ’ The CRS has created a list of - these caregivers, arranged cheaper Eitan. lability insurance for them through an association with the 32 other . Support groups in the province, and offers advice, workshops and equip- ment lending services . '. Those daycares that choose to be ‘members of the organization, for a $10 fee, agree to standards that are similar. but not os stringent as those ’ required for full licensing. Several licensed operators have also joined up. ; For an anxious parent who is ‘leaving ‘an infant to return to work, -a lack of confidence in the abilities “of the | Caregiver and the security of " the environment only adds stress. Parents usually want caregivers ~ like themselves with perhaps the , Same cultural background. “Once ’ you've found that person, they can _ become like an extended family. __Close ties develop,” says Kent. Even though the society is facili- tating this matchmaking, Kent knows that there is still much more to be done.“We now have a system that not everyone can access.” According to the Ministry of — Women’s Equality 1991 survey, there are only 89 spaces for every 1,000 North Shore children under age 13 at group daycares and licensed family daycares. This doesn’t include preschool spaces. That means that only 10% of North Shore children have access to’ licensed care. Now consider the fact that 65.6% of North Shore women were in the labor force as of 1991. Ensuring that every family has access to affordable, quality child- care, that meets a certain standard is a mandate with the North Shore CRS.“That’s investing in the future,” says society board member Kathy Crawford. Although the North Shore soci- ety has worked to introduce stan- dards in the provision of childcare in non-licensed homes, these care- givers are only legally allowed to take in two children in addition to their own, High costs Childcare on the North Shore is reputedly the most expensive in the ‘province. Average fees at group daycares for children ages 30 months to five years range from $450 to $500 per month. Family daycares, which typical- ly charge a daily rate, charge an average of $30/day, which adds up to about $600/month. “Where do parents go who can’t afford that?” asks Kent. The recently completed See Parents page 29 Because kids don't come with instructions... The following parenting programs are offered throughout the year: Parenting the Nine Month to Two Year Old Parents of Tots and Preschoolers Parents of School Age Children Parenting the Difficult Child Parents of Teens - Hoping for Harmony Why Do I Get So Mad At My Kids Building Your Child's Self Esteem Siblings - Friends or Foes? FS.N.S. offers six Family Drop-In Centers on the North Shore where parents, caregivers, and children under five can meet, with supervised play for the children and a welcome break for the aduits. FAMILY SERVICES: of the NORTH SHORE 988-5281 303 - 126 East 15th Street North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 2P9 Suite A, 1410 Clyde Avenue West Vancouver, B.C. V7T 1G1 | “NEWS photo Mike Wekotistd . ELLIOTT, LEFT, and Sam, right, test thelr artistic skills while Sunni and Rebecca observe from the laps of Catherine Lamprecht and Mumiove Daycare founder Robin Porter. May 12 meeting an opportunity to speak out. AN EXPANDED role for the North Shore Childcare Resources Society is just one of the recommendations in the new North Vancouver District Child Care Plan. The consultants who produced the plan envisage policies which would respond to community needs and involve a partnership of community resources. The key players in such a partuership would be North Vancouver District, North Shore Health, the school district, the North Shore Recreation Commission : and the Childcare Resources Society. The mandate for the district would be to put more effort towards childcare planning and influence the land use and development process to encourage the creation of childcare facilities. This could include leasing municipal space for day- care at low cost and joining with the two other North Shore municipalities to finance a $100,000 program to support North Shore childcare resources ‘and. further childcare development. ’ North Shore Health, which is already the regulatory. . body for licensed facilities, would continue to provide . guidelines, public information and education. The school district would be asked to facilitate the creation of more school-aged childcare by establishing: certain schools as out-of-school care centres for various aveas and enabling children out of the catchment area to’ access them. ‘ The recreation commission could’ do more to pro- vide care for the pre-teen group (ages nine to 12) who. require stimulating after-school programming in a care- giving environment. To find out more about the new Child Care Plan, attend a public meeting on May 12, 7:30 p.m., at the North Vancouver District Municipal Hall Atrium. * ASPENGROVE| EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY } Sat., April 30th 11 am-2 pm MONTESSORI ACADEMY PRESCHOOLS LE PETIT: 980-7973 195 East Windsor Rood Upper Lonsdale Phone for summer fun program info. REGISTER | NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 1 1994 alternate Wednesdays MES PETITS: 980-1102 440 Hendry Avenue Lower Lonsdale A complete summer horsemanship, experience for harse-loving children ages 9 to 16. Build self-esteem, strengthen skills,” § make friends, enjoy out-of-doors and jhave, fun! B . Beginner | to advanced riders. One home per student or bring your own. Level’ d 1 english instruction. \ | inthe | ’ North Shore News Learn to ride a horse, have fun and §f relax on 100 acres, Well trained horses for all levels. Professional instruction twice § daily. 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