We Can Do Better

Colorado’s Division of Child Care has been in the news recently. If you didn’t see the articles in the Independent, The Denver Post, there are many people talking about the proposed rules and regulations for child care centers. While many of the comments related to the articles are politically motivated, it is interesting to hear the opinions of those who are not involved with the field of Early Care and Education weighing in on the issue.

We need to remember that in the United States more than 11 million children younger than age 5 spend an average of 35 hours a week in some type of child care setting. Combine that with the fact that 90% of a child's brain growth potential is reached by the age of 5 and it creates a very compelling reason to look at our current system and see where we can improve.
In the publication, "We Can Do Better: 2011 Update: NACCRRA's Ranking of State Child Care Center Regulation and Oversight," Colorado ranked 43rd in the nation for quality of care. The rules and regulations that have been proposed for child care centers and that are being distributed for public comment would bring that score up considerably. We can do better and we NEED to do better.
The term "quality child care" means something different to everyone and we need to continue to have choices for families. But, some families don't feel that they have a choice due to cost and location. This is why it may be necessary to specify what needs to be included in a child care classroom to ensure that all children have access to the experiences that they need in order to develop optimally.

I would agree that 96 pages of rules that must be followed to retain a child care license may seem daunting and that child care is a business that is run by independent operators, but we also need to remember that the child care industry is regulated for a reason. We are talking about the lives of children! I would hope that we would want ALL children within our community and state to be cared for in settings that can keep them safe, healthy, and provide the best start for them in life.

What do you think? You have the opportunity to share your comments with the state regulators by clicking here  or share them with us. We would love to hear what your concerns are or areas that you feel the changes are necessary.