Tragedy struck in Kansas when three young children died in child care settings due to preventable accidents. Zachary David Typer, just 6 months old, suffocated after rolling off an adult bed. Aniyah Boone suffered fatal injuries when an unsupervised minor dropped her. Ava Patrick was found dead after being trapped in a picket fence at a daycare. These incidents underscore the critical need for stringent child care safety regulations.
In response to these tragedies, Lexie’s Law was enacted in 2010, drastically improving child care standards in Kansas. The legislation mandated enhanced training for caregivers on safe-sleep practices and child development, propelling Kansas to the forefront of child care policy in the U.S. “Providers have been deemed as a ‘babysitter’ for far too long,” Ava Patrick’s parents asserted, emphasizing the need to professionalize the daycare industry.
However, the sector faced a crisis in 2023 as the pandemic led to a severe child care shortage. Enrollment plummeted, and many facilities closed. Kansas was left with a shortfall of 84,000 child care slots. Proposals surfaced to deregulate the industry by reducing professional requirements and allowing teenagers to provide care, sparking controversy over child safety and quality standards.
The Republican-led Legislature pushed for legislation to permit 14-year-olds to work in child care, a reversal of previous policies. These changes aimed to alleviate the child care shortage but were met with criticism. “It’s terrifyingly dangerous,” said Emily Barnes, a seasoned child care provider. Experts warned that these measures could compromise care quality and endanger children.
Kansas is not alone in considering deregulation. States like Iowa and South Dakota have relaxed child care regulations, allowing teenagers to work unsupervised and increasing child-to-staff ratios. Critics argue these actions undermine safety and quality, affecting the development of young children during their formative years. “States are looking for a way to avoid the true cost of care and education,” said Annie Dade, policy analyst at the University of California, Berkeley.
Despite these challenges, some states are taking steps to support child care quality. New Mexico has allocated funds from oil and gas revenue for early childhood programs, while Vermont uses a payroll tax to fund child care. However, many states continue to cut back on standards that ensure safe and nurturing environments for children.
Efforts to deregulate child care have faced resistance from advocates and some state leaders. In Kansas, legislation to increase child-to-staff ratios and reduce training requirements was vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly. “This bill would reverse the progress we’ve made toward that goal,” she stated, advocating for policies that enhance child safety and care quality.
Nationally, the debate on child care quality and accessibility continues. Experts stress the importance of maintaining low child-to-staff ratios and experienced caregivers to support children’s brain development and learning. The future of American child care hangs in the balance as policymakers weigh deregulation against the need for high-quality early education programs.
For more information on child care regulations and policies, visit The Hechinger Report.
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