Eighteen children in Texas died last year in unregulated child care, according to a report from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
That’s in addition to 10 in 2005 and eight in 2004.
The state agency urges parents to do their homework before placing children in daycare.
A “Don’t Be in the Dark About Child Care” campaign kicks off for the second year this week, according to a statement released by the department.
The Child Care Licensing division urges parents to “choose legal, regulated child care and do some homework before putting their children in someone else’s hands.”
The goal of the campaign is to educate parents about the dangers of illegal child care and to encourage unlicensed operators to step into the light, get inspected and get licensed.
“Unfortunately, more and more child care operations are going underground,” DFPSD Assistant Commissioner for Child Care Licensing Diana Spiser said.
“Illegal operations may seem attractive,” she noted. “They may be less expensive, but there are no checks and balances to protect children.”
By contrast, she said licensed day care must adhere to state health and safety standards and undergo periodic inspections.
Parents can check an online DFPS database — www.txchildcaresearch.org — to make sure a center or home is legal and to research its record. Those without Internet access can call 1-888-TX-CHILD for assistance.
Child Care Licensing also is sending letters to public libraries and daycare centers urging staff to get the word out.
Full text available at The Paris News
From Early Childhood Focus
Program focuses on child care
By Sheila Holland
August 21, 2007
August 21, 2007
© Copyright 2008 by Early Childhood Focus