Home Hot Topics Articles Directors' Choice Awards About Us / Contact Us Activities & Curriculum Activities for Outcome-Based Learning Arts & Crafts Music for Learning Recommended Reading Sharing Boards: What Do YOU Think? NEWSlink Current National News Conference Calendar Topics In Early Childhood Education Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education Job Sharing Board State Licensing Requirements Stay Connected! Each month we'll send you an email filled with articles and ideas for your classroom. Subscribe Now Date: 8/12/2003 6:26:00 PM Author: Janine (janinekthompson@sympatico.ca) Subject: Quality Care for Infants I am an Early Childhood Educator in Ontario, Canada. The Day Nurseries Act regulates all licensed child care here. Although an ECE diploma (2 years of college) is not mandatory, most centres require teachers to have one. The teacher:infant ratio is 1:3. I've never heard of a licensed centre not following this ratio. Unlicensed care is pretty sketchy, the only rule they have to follow is no more than a 1:5 ratio for children, under 12, I believe. Their own kids do not count towards that ratio. I think staying home with your children for as long as possible is ideal for most of us. However, as the daughter of a single parent, I realise that this is not an option for many. I was in day care from a very early age while my mother worked full-time. I have very fond memories of my early years. I know my mother struggled with money, but she chose the very best care possible. She stretched her money, and the precious time she had away from work to be with me. I think I've turned out okay. :) I don't have children yet, but I plan to stay home with mine and care for others in a very low ratio. For the past two years since graduating from college I have worked privately caring for two school-aged boys. I am I am currently seeking a full-time position in a centre. One of the jobs I am applying for is in a brand-new Infant Program. I did both a highschool co-op and a college placement in the toddler and preschool rooms of this centre, and I'm really hoping to get the job. My interview is tomorrow!! Name: Email: Subject

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