Yellowknife (Aug 25/06) - The long-time president of a Yellowknife daycare who parents say saved the struggling facility, is stepping down.

But Sheila MacPherson said she will remain on the board of the Yellowknife Daycare Centre following her four-year term.

Linda Benedict, executive director of the centre, said MacPherson, a respected Yellowknife lawyer, is a prime example of an involved parent.

"So many parents don't bother getting involved, they just want someone else to take care of their kids," Benedict said. "She is an exemplary parent and has been a great president."

MacPherson is stepping as president down because her daughter is starting Grade 1 this fall at St. Joseph School.

"I am still staying on the board of directors for continuity," MacPherson said.

"I think a daycare only works well when parents get involved."

MacPherson said that four years ago she was warned not to put her daughter in the Yellowknife Daycare Centre because she might not get her money back.

Instead, she joined the board of directors as president and began to turn things around, according to Benedict.

Within six months, with solid budgeting and help from territorial education department, the daycare recovered.

"It is critical for parents to get involved in their child's daycare," MacPherson said. "You don't have to have a child to get on the board of directors."