Many daycare providers are now using webcams as a way to expand their open door policy for visitation during the day. For working moms like Suzy O Mara who can not find the time during the workday to physically stop in, there is now the option of logging on her computer to see what her daughter is doing. This technology allows her and other parents to adjust to leaving a child with a daycare provider. After they are comfortable with their childcare arrangements it provides a way to keep in touch with children. That number is increasing as word of mouth spreads.
Parents pay for the service and they are provided with password to log in to a secure system.
They can then access a still image that is updated in three-second intervals or they get video. The cameras are focused on areas where the most activity occurs and they are never focused on bathrooms or changing areas. Women are also using webcameras to maintain long distance relationships. Erika Lam and her boyfriend Prentice have dated since high school. After high school Erika spent a year in Costa Rica for college and Prentice stayed behind in California.