Child Care Isn’t Child’s Play : Parents rely on government inspection to their folly

In some child care centers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Nevada and Wisconsin, raw sewage recently was found in play areas, fire exits were locked or blocked, broken glass and roaches were evident and children had access to toxic chemicals including bug spray and antifreeze. In Los Angeles, the Northridge earthquake uncovered problems of a less disturbingly obvious but still serious sort. More than 200,000 children are cared for daily in licensed facilities subject to no requirements for safety glass, bolted bookcases, emergency food and water supplies or even flashlights.

With a majority of parents of young children in the work force now, the demand for high-quality institutional child care continues to grow, far outpacing the supply. With that growth has come problems that public agencies alone, with chronically strained budgets, simply cannot solve.

Indeed, according to the federal General Accounting Office, states, which are almost exclusively responsible for regulating the quality of child care, have cut their budgets and enforcement personnel in agencies that license and inspect day care centers. Federal auditors, making unannounced inspections at sites in the four states mentioned above, found widespread hazards. Because states receive federal child care grants, some in Congress are calling for a stronger federal presence--and federal regulations--in the operation of child care facilities.

Federal standards make some sense, as do state regulations that would require preschool and day care facilities to meet the same earthquake safety standards that govern elementary schools. However, even with tougher government standards and a cadre of vigilant inspectors to monitor compliance, consumers--parents--have to be responsible too.

Inspectors can’t be there every day, but parents usually are. Look carefully, ask questions and listen to what teachers and your child tell you. Learn what the law requires in terms of health and safety and make sure for yourself that the facility is clean and safe.