Commenter:
Anonymous-Portsmouth, VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and etc
Funding for childcare & their workers
This is in regards to the 757 area of Virginia.
Some issue that should be addressed:
Government covering the cost for central registry, background and TB screening for new hires.
Annual training for child hours should go from 16 hours a year to 5. Repetitive training should be for entry level new hires. If you have a degree, the only time training should be done is if something changes statewide.
GRANT AND STATE FUNDING. Childcare needs funding. Childcare is the most used establishment. Education starts from home, then childcare. NO ONE CAN LIVE OFF MAKING UNDER $15 A HOUR. Childcare workers are getting the bare minimum, along with the directors with degrees. Small childcare owners and cooperation's should be paying director's no less than $25/hour with paid benefits to run a childcare. Up keep of a childcare is expensive. Childcare's are starting to up charge on fees for parent's in order to keep the center running and employees to stay due to pay. Parent's are leaving because they can not afford it.
Social service should be paying facility's weekly or bi-weekly instead of semi monthly and also raise the rates.
Childcare should be able to provide great benefit's for their staff. Children are sick daily which causes staff to be out more frequently (especially in the last 3 years) Also, with these benefits little to nothing should have to be taking from the checks hat they're barely making.
Some workers are single, single parent's and struggling.
Provide free hands-on training on special need education for childcare workers.
Childcare needs a cost of living increase every year.
Childcare providers work hard, if public school and Sentara can get increase, government funding and everything, childcare should be an top priority.