Concerns have been raised that Government might inadvertently stymie the childcare industry in its bid to improve local standards.

At issue is the Children's Act. If new provisions put forward by the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) are enforced, home-based caregivers will be allowed to look after a maximum of three children.

According to United Bermuda Party (UBP) MP Donte Hunt, the regulation might prove contrary to its intent, forcing caregivers out of business and placing parents in a circumstance where it's financially more feasible for them to quit work and tend to their children.

"These are people who have set up businesses in their homes to look after other people's children during the work week, with some caring for as many as five children," said the Shadow Minister of Family Development and Social Rehabilitation.

"Home-based child care is a cottage industry that has grown significantly because of the huge demand for their services from parents.

"While we understand and support the need to regulate industry care standards, we also believe it is imperative that the Government work to a plan that does not drive caregivers out of business and, most importantly, does not make it harder for working parents to find someone to care for their children while they work to put food on the table."

The Opposition MP said the enforced limit of three has caused minders to turn away some of the children they previously cared for, limiting their income and raising the cost of pre-school island wide.

"For parents whose children can no longer be taken on by caregivers, they are forced to find new homes for their children in an inflationary market made smaller by legislated restrictions.

"In one instance, we know that a woman with three young children finds it cheaper to stay at home and care for them than to continue with her job.

"For caregivers, the 3:1 children-to-caregiver limit diminishes their income while operating costs remain largely the same. Caregivers we spoke to say the 3:1 ratio is not realistic. Some caregivers are raising their daily rates to compensate for the loss of customers while we understand many are simply loathe to doing so because they know their customers have very tight budgets."

Government needs to address the issue "as a matter of urgency", said Mr. Hunt, as he highlighted solutions articulated prior to the General Election by the UBP which would "ease the day care crisis":

l Expanding to three the number of Government-run affordable day care centres across the island.

l Providing financial support so that any family can afford day care up to pre-school age.

l Providing incentives for day care start-ups.

"After we articulated these positions during the election, the PLP promised Bermuda free day care," he said.

"Our concern today is that we do not see any progress on this vital front.

"Our comments in no way should be seen as questioning the civil servants who are implementing Government legislation to regulate home-based day care providers.

"What we need in addition to their work is a broad plan that helps match supply to demand.

"It is seriously out of whack right now and that means increased pressure for parents who cannot find places for their children or who do not have enough money to pay caregivers."

Mr. Hunt said that until measures to expand day care centres are in place, inspectors should be called in to examine whether facilities are capable of caring for more than three children at a time ¿ a stop-gap measure until the "crisis" has eased.

"Strict interpretation of the legislation at this point does not seem to be working in anyone's favour, be they parent or caregiver.

"It goes without saying that nothing done to meet the demands of the current day care crisis should weaken the care and protection of the children.

"We believe it makes sense for the Government to ensure that all caregivers participate in a specially designed childcare programme that offers instruction in first aid and stress management.

"We make this recommendation not because we doubt the skills and experience of long-time caregivers but rather in recognition of the fact that home-based child care is a growth industry with a lot of newcomers."

The programme should be held as to not interfere with the working week and on an annual basis until standards are maintained, the MP added.

"Families need help, and they need it now.

"If the Government has a plan, we invite them to say so and explain how it will work.

"If not, we suggest they use our ideas and get it done."