Childcare Centres - Are they the only Solution?

The National Council of Women welcomes the document EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE IN MALTA and agrees with it as THE WAY FORWARD. The proposal in the electoral manifesto by the now government to offer childcare for under three year olds , free of charge , can be an incentive to women seeking employment. As per the Barcelona targets (2002) EU member states agreed to :

The document which is in line with a number of the recommendations of a study carried out by NCW in collaboration with Dr Valerie Sollars a few years ago also recommends that Malta should take action within the period 2013-2014 in order to continue the support to women in participating in the labour market.

NCW feels that this is not solely a woman’s issue but rather a family issue and both parents should be able to avail themselves of this possibility should the need arise. Traditionally the grandparents or other family members roped in to offer free childcare to families with children under 3 years and older , so that , generally the mother , could return to work. Childcare facilities should not be seen as ‘warehousing’ of children but a place where the child is well cared for, stimulated to learn and given the necessary attention. NCW believes that In line with current regulations, crucial aspects in childcare facilities are- the adult /child ratio as well as qualified staff, so that the facilities will not just offer childcare, but high quality childcare. All childcare facilities should be registered to ensure regulations are observed. All parents want to do the best they can for their children, since these children will eventually grow into responsible adults. It is for this reason that one must make sure that these facilities offer optimal care, a growth promoting environment filled with social interactions with an attentive caregiver. The introduction of child minding with specific regulations to ensure quality, can offer another form of childcare service.

NCW emphasises the absolute need for staff to be well trained, as being a carer for a child in its formative years, staff should be impeccable. Men should be encouraged to take up relevant courses also, as men have excellent caring skills that we often see particularly in fathers. It has been established that childcare facilities that are stress free, offer the child a place where he or she can develop. The White Paper offers seven recommendations, all of which are equally valid and important, however one must not forget the human element. The document refers to an integrated system rather than a split system, but does not give details of the child/adult ratio, a system that is already in place but needs to be looked into since the younger the child, the more care is required and hence the smaller the number of children in ratio to one carer. The document speaks about children or rather babies up to toddler age and discusses also older children. It is important that these fall under the auspices of one Ministry, thus avoiding hiccups as children progress from childcare to kindergarten and onto primary schools.

The focus point of the setting up of free childcare, is an initiative that makes it easier and possible for women to return to work and, although the White Paper addresses childcare facilities, it does not address the issue of matching time frames of childcare provision with working hours of both parents, precisely that of older children. Babies and toddlers grow up and women will still need to go to work when children are in kindergarten or in primary school. NCW feels that a holistic approach must be taken, including the summer months period, when schools are closed. This would require an increase in staff and adequate facilities that perhaps can be set up through private/public partnerships Having said this, this initiative is very welcome, as long as great care is taken in ensuring high quality care for the children.

Mary Gaerty

President

National Council of Women