The Recognition of Policy Makers in the Early Childhood Field

This week we have been discussing how policy makers, economists and scientists are recognizing the importance of early childhood education to the future of America.  Exciting changes in early childhood policy are being made that have the potential to drastically impact the early childhood field.  One very positive change on the horizon is a new legislative bill, The Child Care Protection Act, being introduced that will require comprehensive background checks for all licensed, regulated and registered child care providers.  The National Child Care Resource and Referral Organization, Child Care Aware of America, is highly supportive of this new legislation.  I have attached a link to their position below:

http://www.naccrra.org/news-room/press-releases/2013/3/child-care-aware®-of-america-supports-the-child-care-protection-act-

This bill is certainly needed because, as the Child Care Aware website stated:

Child Care Aware® of America has released six reports that examine state laws and regulations with regard to child care centers and family child care homes. The most recent reports have found that only 13 states require a comprehensive check for staff in a child care center. Only 11 states require a comprehensive check for individuals licensed to operate a family child care home.

Child Care Aware has long been a strong advocate for the health, safety and quality of child care centers across America.  This new bill is an exciting change and will provide more accountability for child care providers.  Perhaps one of the shocking reasons this bill is finally being implemented is from research presented by Child Care Aware in their publication, Why Aren’t We Outraged? Children Dying in Childcare Across America (July 2012) http://www.naccrra.org/sites/default/files/publications/naccrra_publications/2012/why_arent_we_outraged_july_30_2012.pdf

As a Center Director of a high quality child development center, I appreciate this legislation and the standards that it will require more child care centers to meet.  All children deserve to be cared for in environments that are healthy, loving, safe and educational.  Parents should be able to leave their children with providers knowing that their child is safe and loved.  There is not an excuse to have any other type of environment for children!