Should daycare be free?

[IndyDancer]

Originally Posted by 2mares

LOL. I started babysitting when I was 11 years old. This was in the 70's.
When I had my children there were times when they were cared for by middle aged women in the community. Everyone turned out just fine.
Do you believe all parents should be required to hold a degree in early childhood education and developmental psychology or have relevant professional certifications in order to have children.

Yup. I also babysat when I was 13. That particular summer I watched a couple kids while the parents worked 2nd shift at a factory, so I was there 8+ hours a day, 5 days a week.

At many daycare centers (ours included), the teachers do have degrees or certifications in elementary ed or child psychology.

We've had both older women and teenagers babysit. Frankly both types tend to have more childcare experience than we do.

[2mares]

Originally Posted by Natsku

Can you link to the studies you have read?

I will have to go back and find them.

[2mares]

Originally Posted by ClevengerBox

I certainly think it would be a good idea for all people to receive some education in these areas, yes.

The joke about "when am I ever going to use this algebra" is a stupid one. People should learn algebra because it develops critical thinking skills and allows those that are so inclined to succeed in more complicated mathematics. Most people won't directly use algebra (or trigonometry, or ...) but most people are taught it.

You realize people have been having children since ground 0 without a formal education in childhood development.

Even Dr. Spock, the supposed authority on child rearing, said, "Don’t be afraid to trust your own common sense". He also back peddled on some of the educated, certified, expert advice he gave parents.

Most people will have children, but most people are not taught basics about childhood development.

I guess you have a point here. I think some of use older generation just assume the basics are common sense and things we picked up along the way. When I was growing up most people had mothers and older women in the family who had younger children and babies and "the basics" was just kind of imprinted on you as you watched, listened and helped with the younger children.

[2mares]

Originally Posted by Natsku

Can you link to the studies you have read?

Here are a couple:
http://www.familiesandsocieties.eu/w...moEtAl2015.pdf

Child care - Early education and care: Impact on young children (2-5) | Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development

[Natsku]

Thanks, I'll have a read through when I get some time at the computer rather than on my phone