Child Care Comparison

This paper will attempt to document the differences in childcare arrangements across several different states. While parents work, individuals other than the parents care for a large majority of preschool children. This fact is true nationally and in every state examined here, so it emphasizes the importance of childcare in the lives of American families. It is vitally important for policymakers to pay close attention to the experiences of children while they are in childcare.
The states selected for this research are West Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and New York. While there are many similarities among the four states, there are also some glaring differences. In order to present the comparison information in a concise logical order, each of the assignment criteria will be arranged in a list format.
1. Licensure requirements of day care centers. All four states have requirements that must be met prior to receiving a license to operate. The building to be used has to pass inspection for size, structural integrity, fire safety, and sanitation availability. While each state has other requirements that must be met, New York has much more stringent requirements than any of the

nts is vital to their success. If a child is considered “at risk”, the teachers, parents, social worker, and psychologist assigned to that center explore all avenues available to alleviate the problem. Play is considered scared, and is never interrupted by the teachers in contrast to the regimented and highly structured style of the child care centers in this country. The Danish child care system is very impressive in its attitude toward children and their needs, but something else I found to be a worthwhile part of their system is the fact that the teachers are respected and well paid. Perhaps our policy makers would find a fact-finding mission to Denmark beneficial.

4. Space and equipment requirements. There was not an appreciable difference between the states in this category. 25 sq. ft. per child indoors and 75 sq. ft. per child outdoors is pretty much a standard amount. The requirements for equipment are basically the same also. The wording on the licensure requirements is broad and generic and just requests developmentally appropriate items. All four states rank equally in this category.

11. Parental rights. Each of the states reviewed has open door policies for parents. Parents can visit the centers unannounced at any time during the operating hours, and may not be restricted from any area for their inspection. The only requirement is that they make their presence known to the staff upon their arrival. I wonder how many parents actually take advantage of this policy.

Who cares for the children is a politically charged question in the United States. The chronic lack of affordable, licensed, high-quality childcare is an ongoing problem in our country today. Perhaps we should examine the child care policies of Denmark and incorporate some of those policies into our own system.

7. Transportation. Although each of the states examined have stated rules for transporting children from point A to point B, Ohio takes the lead on this one. It amazes me that they manage to take children anywhere because the vehicle could be filled to capacity with the items that the staff is required to take along. They must take a signed permission slip from the parents, the health record of each child, an emergency transportation and medical treatment authorization, a first aid box, and a person trained in first aid and CPR. Actually, I suppose these are very appropriate precautions to take.

8. Child records. Each of the four states require a medical history for each child that includes their immunization record, any disabilities or special needs they may have, their personality traits, their likes and dislikes, their food preferences, and scheduled rest times. In addition, the parent’s address and phone numbers are needed, as well as emergency contact numbers. The child’s attendance record is kept and their developmental