As Idaho’s legislative session began, early childhood experts were optimistic about potential investments in early learning programs amid a statewide shortage of child care. However, lawmakers introduced a controversial bill to deregulate child care by eliminating state-imposed staff-to-child ratios, allowing providers to decide their own. Though met with strong opposition, this proposal reflects a larger trend across the U.S. where over a dozen states are considering similar deregulation measures, including lowering the age to work with children and increasing group sizes.
These deregulation efforts occur as early childhood programs face federal funding cuts. Head Start programs were impacted by a funding freeze, despite being declared exempt by the Trump administration. Additionally, the closure of five regional offices by the Administration for Children and Families posed further threats. Recent reports suggest that President Trump is considering a budget proposal to eliminate Head Start funding entirely.
Idaho is not alone in these legislative efforts. Minnesota proposed increasing family child care capacity and relaxing ratios in rural areas. A bill aims to lower the age requirement for assistant teachers from 18 to 16. Kansas is considering reducing training requirements, while Indiana and North Carolina have introduced measures to loosen staff-to-child ratios and increase group sizes, respectively. Florida lawmakers proposed an abbreviated inspection plan for certain child care programs.
While deregulation is prevalent in conservative states, some initiatives to invest in early learning cut across political lines. Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp proposed $14 million to reduce preschool class sizes and $5.5 million to address child care subsidy issues. Indiana and South Carolina governors have also called for increased spending to support child care subsidies and wage supplements for workers.
In Idaho, the deregulation bill was amended to relax, but not abolish, state-mandated ratios. It also prevents municipalities from enacting stricter regulations than the state, limiting local control. Martin Balben from the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children noted that municipalities are grappling with this new reality. Experts like Diane Girouard from Child Care Aware of America express concern over these trends, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health and safety standards for children.
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