Daycare kids cooped up

January 12, 2012 beedjay

In institutionalized settings (daycare “centres” and schools) there are so many rules that are set up, not in the interest of well being for the children but in the interest of what i call CYOB – “cover your butt”. So protecting the teachers, and child care workers comes first. There are insurance issues and insurance companies often have more say in the safety protocols than anyone who has any child care training.

In our schools the kids can’t go outside at all if the weather is below a certain temperature. This, as i have experienced, is a difficult thing because sometimes the temperatures are decieving. at -8 it could be icy and windy and just not suitable to go out. The staff often makes a call on that one, as i’ve noticed and the kids are kept safe indoors. But if the temp is -15 and it’s gorgeous and sunny and last eve was the first snow, they also are kept indoors….which, in my mind, is a travesty.

Then there is the issue which really get’s me ‘ired up – the rental of the school play equipment to onsite daycares which are subsidized. Our tax dollars built these schools and pay for them, yet the school board takes away from our kids and rents space and equipment. The daycare gets a free ride because they are government subsidized, and the school board makes money, and my kids get less. Not to mention, that it presents unfair competition for my home daycare business across the street.

Everybody knows there is an obesity epidemic and children are too sedentary and not physically active enough to be healthy. Yet there is no money in the budget, nor enough staff to feaseably offer supervision, coaching, or even gym space in some instances. Parent Volunteers are often banned from the school premises, or their involvement is extremely limited by protocols and protectionist attitudes. Perhaps a police screening should enable parents to pitch in once again.

I talk about schools but daycare centres run on the same model so these issues are the same dynamics you will find in daycare centres and more. The children are too small to be properly supervised outdoors without a great number of providers and lets face it, in the winter time, providers are not motivated to stand outside for more than 20 minutes or so to supervise. It’s cold! especially with no trees or snowbanks, and no safe place to walk or run down a path, or rocks to climb over.

Forest preschools are becoming more recognized and available as one option for young children who need care; or a carefully chosen home daycare which ensures a well rounded experience and lots of outdoor time….and facility or fieldtrips to spacious natural areas where kids can RUN!

Some “experts” have done a study on daycare kids level of activity. Check it out: (click the link for the Victoria Times Colonist article)

Daycare kids cooped up.

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