The states are not going to solve this problem alone any more than the federal government can solve it alone. It's going to take all of us, working together in our families, our businesses, and our neighborhoods our houses of worship, and with our elected officials. Unregulated care is not harmful. Parents consistently report that they want basic consumer protection in place to keep their children safe when they are in child care centers and family child care homes. What many do not realize is that Jessica was being cared for in an unregulated family child care home.
Regulations can help prevent such near-tragedies.
Welfare reform will not increase the demand for child care. Parents required to seek employment under welfare reform will need safe, reliable care for their children with they are at work. While some parents may want to use friends or relatives to provide care, many low income parents do not have such options available, or want other arrangements for their children. Studies across the country have shown that without child care, families will be unable to make the transition from welfare to work. Child care advocates want big government solutions, such as government-run centers.