With Carnival in full swing, some parents will be seeking daycare or babysitting services for their children while they fete.
Checks in the newspapers and online showed that services were being offered for Carnival Monday, Tuesday also on Ash Wednesday for children ranging from six years to as young as three months.
One such place in Diego Martin which offered these services said there was a range in price structure, giving the drop off time and pick up time.
“It all depended on the hours and in particular after hours. We encourage parents not to leave their children for long periods as this could be very stressful for a child, especially very young children.
“But roughly, if a parent has to play mas for instance and drops off their child from 10 am to returns at 6 pm...that is roughly some eight hours the child is in our care. If it’s for the three days...Carnival Monday, Tuesday and Ash Wednesday that could cost around $300 to $350 because it would be considered part-time daycare,” a caregiver said.
She added that walk-ins cost between $50 to $60 a day. For the older children, there are also various church camps offered throughout the country. But the Children’s Authority has issued a stern warning to parents, caregivers, and guardians to make their children’s safety their first priority.
A statement from the Authority said while it was aware that Carnival generates an increase in social activities, especially for adults parents ought to ensure that the necessary measures are implemented to ensure that their children are safe.
“Therefore, when making plans to attend events, parents and guardians should also make arrangements to ensure their children are safe.
The Authority added that leaving younger children at home in the care of older children was not an option and every attempt should be made to leave children in the care of a trusting and responsible adult,” the statement said.
The Children’s Authority also noted that some parents may not take part in Carnival but may register their children in a camp. It, therefore, advised parents and guardians get to know the adults and camp supervisors who will be interacting with their child and request an itinerary of events. It also reminded that child abandonment and neglect are offences that are liable to fines and imprisonment.
