Don’t Be in the Dark When Looking for Day Care

FOR MORE INFORMATION
John Lennan
DFPS Media Specialist
(361) 878-7488 - Office
(361) 876-6387- Cell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2011
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It's almost back-to-school time! And, many Texas families are making arrangements for day care for their preschoolers as the new school year approaches.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) urges parents to do their homework carefully and always choose regulated day care. While illegal day care may seem attractive - it may be cheap or convenient - without regulation there are no checks and balances to protect children.

The DFPS Child Care Licensing program provides an online database that lets parents locate regulated day care in their area and review its record of meeting state standards. Learn about choosing child care at www.DontBeInTheDark.org.

Last month, DFPS concluded a year long TV and Radio campaign to help educate Texas parents about the dangers of illegal day care and encourage illegal operators to come into the light. Texas broadcasters played the public service announcements more than 61,000 times, and they were watched more than 7,000 times on the DFPS YouTube channel. DFPS also distributed more than 800,000 tip cards and brochures to parents and caregivers. Downloadable versions are still available in English and Spanish on the campaign website.

Unfortunately, some parents don't know the difference between licensed and unlicensed care. Here are some tips for parents looking for day care:

Find the right fit for your child. Look for features that will help your child thrive. Consider the caregiver’s education, experience, and training, as well as the size of the group and setting.
Research your options. Learn about licensed and registered child care at DontBeInTheDark.org and TxChildCareSearch.org. Parents can explore day care options - searching by ZIP code, city, or county. They can choose the type of child care they prefer—center-based or home-based, for example—then read the history of the day care's inspection records. Ask friends, family, and other parents if they can recommend child caregivers. Think about how it would feel to be there all day.

Check them out in person. Visit child care operations while children are there. See what activities are offered, how the caregiver interacts with children, and how the children like it there. Read the results of the last inspection at TxChildCareSearch.org to see if they comply with minimum standards.

Meet the caregiver or director. Discuss concerns and make sure you are happy with their answers. Return unannounced for a second look.

Although background checks are required for day care staff no matter the size of the operation, state scrutiny increases with size.

Listed homes (1-3 unrelated children) must submit an application and pass background checks. They are not inspected unless a report is received alleging abuse or neglect.
Registered homes (maximum of 12 children at any time) must meet training requirements and pass background checks. Registered homes are inspected every 1-3 years.
Requirements for the larger licensed homes and day care centers include orientation, regular training, published standards, and inspections every 5-12 months.

More details on the types of regulated child care in Texas are available at: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_care/other_child_care_information/childcare_types.asp


Texas Child Care Facts (2010)

· Daycare Operations and Homes: 25,250
· Capacity of regulated day care: 1,057,353
· Number of DFPS inspections of regulated facilities: 45,777
· Abuse/neglect investigations: 1,790
· Adverse actions 524


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DFPS Region 11 is comprised of the following South Texas Counties:
Aransas - Bee - Brooks - Cameron – Duval - Hidalgo - Jim Hogg – Jim Wells – Kennedy- Kleberg - Live Oak - McMullen – Nueces - Refugio - San Patricio - Starr - Webb – Willacy – Zapata