FUZZY NUMBERS

• They never publicize actual enrolment data which are very difficult to obtain.
  
  
• They never publicize the fact that most children in daycare are only part-time.
  
  
• They fail to distinguish between care for children at different developmental stages: babies, toddlers, little children, etc. have different needs.
  
  
• They fail to distinguish between situations: e.g. between care by someone who has a life-long commitment to the child and to whom the child is attached to—e.g. a grandpa—and care by a paid staff person.
  
  
• They fail to distinguish by time spent in a situation.
  
  

WORD GAMES

• Sometimes ALL types of care are included (e.g. CPRN poll showing huge support for "child care").
  
  
• Sometimes it is participation in any kind of CHILD PROGRAM, even prenatal classes, mum and baby drop-ins, library, etc.
  
  
• Sometimes it means ANY kind of NON-MATERNAL care, including care by dads. (e.g. the US NICHD).
  
  
• Sometimes it means ANY kind of NON-PARENTAL care from grandma to full time daycare centre from birth, to being without direct supervision for a while for older children ("self care").
  
  
• Sometimes it means NON-PARENTAL CARE WHILE PARENT WORKS OR STUDIES (e.g. Statistics Canada Feb. 2005).
  
  
• Sometimes it includes ANYTHING OTHER THAN BY MOTHER WHILE SHE DOES NO PAID WORK, and includes care by mum while she does paid work, kindergarten, nanny, sibling, etc. (e.g. Stats Canada "Where are the Children?" which found over 70 % in "supplemental care" ).