“I have been an agency-contracted, self-employed licensed home child care provider for twenty years. I am a big advocate for fairness and equality in the childcare field. I recently earned my ECE diploma. I have been asked many times what I would like to do now that I have a diploma? My response is: I am doing it. I am a RECE working from home. The reality is that nothing will change for me by having the diploma or not having it. I am proud of my accomplishments but having an ECE qualification does not increase my pay grade, I still don’t have EI or benefits. We too have a right to sick days, lunch breaks and vacation days! This is unfair.
At home, we are the ECE, the supervisor, the cook, the cleaner and more. There is no colleague to take over if I need a lunch break or a bathroom break. I have to be visually connected at all times during cooking, cleaning and when using the washroom. I do not receive paid sick days or vacation days. Any days I take off are unpaid, because I am considered self employed. This job instability is very concerning especially during COVID. I put myself and my family at risk everyday and I believe we should receive fair compensation and support. In my licensed home child care I offer families flexibility, lasting connections with children and families. Licensed home child care providers deserve recognition, equality, and decent work.”
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We know that licensed home child care is a valuable part of our sector. We know they face many unique challenges due to the way our current system is structured. We know we can do better. The Federal government has promised a national child care plan, and we need the Ontario government to cooperate in delivering that here. It’s time for a publicly-funded child care system with decent work for all.
Share your story. Sign the petition. Rise up for child care. https://www.childcareontario.org/risingup