Forget the babysitting myth: For better child care, let's talk with the people working in it
'We're the forgotten group, the early childhood educators'

Ally Baird wears a lot of hats in the run of her working day.
She's a janitor. A chef. An accountant. All while carrying out a curriculum of play- and art-based learning for the six kids in her care, which can include everything from going over the alphabet to goofing around with ukuleles.
"People don't understand, generally, family child care and what that entails," said Baird, who runs Little Sprouts Family Childcare out of her home in St. John's.
Baird's daycare is regulated by the provincial government, meaning she abides by a slew of rules and regular inspections. She manages those things, parents' paperwork and the occasional temper tantrum, all while dreaming up and implementing a curriculum similar to a daycare centre, except with a staff of one.
Across the island, in Corner Brook, frustration with a similar lack of understanding with what early childhood educators actually do can be found at Stepping Stones Daycare.
"We are not just babysitters. We're professionals," said Kelly Piercey, the administrator at Stepping Stones.
Piercey and Baird say this attitude is pervasive, despite their qualifications