The providers, who operate out of their homes, have flourished over the past decade, and they aren't inspected as often as larger daycare centers. Children's advocates say the newly-proposed regulations are long overdue. But they don't want to slow the growth in family day care providers, either, because their services are sorely needed. Maria Grande's house in Queens is always childproofed. There's no coffee table, so kids have plenty of space to crawl.
Boxes of toys are within easy reach.
And electrical outlets and heating pipes are covered for safety. Grande also keeps a mat by the well-worn couch for changing diapers. As a family daycare provider, working out of her own home, Grande cares for three to six children each day. The Cuban immigrant says even before her three sons left the nest, and she was the local den mother. Any kid that has a problem come over to my house.