State needs tighter day care regulations

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has proposed tighter daycare regulations, a move we find wise, but only a first step.

He wants all daycare providers receiving public subsidies to acquire a state license. This will affect some 1,920 daycare providers, most of whom fall under a religious exemption. Many of these providers probably meet state licensing standards, and if they choose not to get a state license, it is reasonable they should forego state subsidies. We hope this outcome is rare, as low-income families would be most affected.

Just as important, McAuliffe proposes earmarking $2.7 million to hire more day care licensing inspectors. This we applaud wholeheartedly. Why issue a license if there’s never going to be oversight of facilities?

Daycare licenses in Virginia are easy to get and sadly apply to too few providers. An individual operating a home-based child-care business only has to pay $14 per year for a state license and then about $50 every three years for a background check.

However, those caring for fewer than six unrelated children in their homes do not have to get a state license at all, except for in Northern Virginia where some localities require permits for in-home businesses caring for any non-relatives.

Since 2004, 46 children have died in unlicensed daycare in Virginia. Some of those providers had criminal backgrounds and no business caring for children. Others were keeping far too many children and not providing enough caretakers.

With licensing fees so reasonable and the stakes so high, the state should require licenses of all daycare providers of non-relatives.

Virginia requires licenses of manicurists, hair stylists, massage therapists and dog groomers. Why not all childcare providers running a business out of their homes?

Our View represents the majority opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board, Roger Watson, president and publisher; David Fritz, executive editor; and Deona Landes Houff, community conversations editor.