Idaho's day cares are sufficiently regulated
Rep. Tom Loertscher (R-Bone)
March 8, 2007
Idaho Statesman
My reason for voting against the latest day-care licensing bill comes down to this: It simply was not needed.
Idaho already has extensive regulations on day-care operations. Moreover, county and city officials have the authority to pass more stringent regulations if they wish. Idaho's licensing applies to centers caring for 13 or more children. If cities or counties wanted to have licensing apply to centers with six or more children — or even two or more children — they could do so.
In Idaho, it's virtually impossible to have one-size-fits-all day-care licensing. The Legislature tried the uniform approach two decades ago and discovered that the needs of Bonneville County differed sharply from the needs in Ada County. That's why cities and counties have broad authority to tailor day-care regulations to fit their needs. It made sense two decades ago, and it makes since today.
But the Legislature also developed a series of baseline regulations, while leaving the primary responsibility for evaluation and selection of day-care services with the parents. The standards cover numerous areas that apply to the safety of kids. They include:
* Fire safety and health standards. Centers must have adequate fire and smoke alarms, adequate fire extinguishers and adequate exits. The law spells out child-staff ratio as it applies to fire safety. Health standards require sanitary conditions and cover areas such as food service, diaper changing and sleep and play areas. The water supply must be approved by the district Board of Health. A telephone, or some type of emergency communication equipment, is required. Day-care centers are subject to state inspections to ensure they are complying with fire safety and health standards at all times.
* Criminal history checks. The Department of Health and Welfare is directed to obtain a criminal history check on all employees and operators who have contact with children. Registered sex offenders or criminals cannot operate or work in day-care centers.
* Issuance of license and renewal. Idaho's license is valid for two years and should be posted in a conspicuous place at the day-care center. Criminal background checks are repeated in the renewal of licenses.
* Immunizations. Parents or guardians must supply statements regarding the immunity to certain childhood diseases.
* Denial, suspension or revocation of license. A license may be taken away if the Department of Health and Welfare finds the operator does not comply with the state standards.
* Criminal penalties. Operators violating Idaho's law are subject to criminal prosecution.
As you can see, Idaho has extensive regulations of day-care centers — and for good reason. I am vitally concerned about the safety of kids and that is reflected in the laws we have on the books.
Rep. Tom Loertscher is a Republican from Bone.
Originally posted at http://www.idahostatesman.com/106/story/74764.html
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