SENATE APPROVES "QUALITY CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION ACT"

Thursday, June 22, 2000

The New York State Senate today approved legislation (S.7837A), sponsored by Senator Guy Velella (RC, Bronx/Westchester) that would provide for criminal background checks for all day care workers and institute a critical retention and incentive program to encourage New Yorkers to enter the child care field.

"Parents deserve greater assurance from the State that a licensed or registered child care provider does not have a previous criminal record. It is inexcusable that families who have to rely on outside child care, need to fear for their children's safety," said Senator Velella, sponsor of the Senate legislation. "This legislation is an investment in our children. Not only does my legislation protect our youth from those who might prey on them, it also provides for incentives for individuals to enter the child care field."

"We must ensure that parents in New York feel confident that the day care providers to whom they entrust their children are well trained and have passed a criminal history screening," Senator Saland said. "The Quality Child Care and Protection Act will allow the State to more closely monitor day care providers and impose tough penalties on providers who fail to adequately care for our children."

"No child should ever be associated with of some of the shocking reports concerning care givers who have violated their trust," Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. "We have to make sure that our child care providers have no previous criminal record to ensure the safety of our children."

Provisions of the Quality Child Care and Protection Act include:

* State funded fingerprinting of all child care providers and individuals over 18 who reside in a home-based day care program;

* Increased inspection of day care providers, and child care programs;
* Increased training for child care givers;

* Creation of a Child Care Recruitment and Retention Program; and

* Doubles fines for providers who violate state regulations.

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