Parents have most input on day-care licensing

For working parents everywhere, few decisions are as crucial as the one regarding day care for young children.

While parents want their children to receive decent care, the choice often comes down to the basic question of cost.

Compared to other states, Missouri has fewer regulations of day-care providers. Those who take care of no more than four children who are unrelated aren't required to be licensed by the state. As it stands, licensed providers can have 10 children per worker. Unlicensed providers can have as many as they want if they are all related.

In a recent audit of day-care facilities across the state, State Auditor Claire McCaskill concluded that the state allows too many unlicensed day-care providers. Moreover, the auditor said, the state doesn't effectively deal with providers who should be licensed but aren't. And current penalties aren't enough to deter illegal providers, she said.

For some parents, choosing an unlicensed provider comes down to having a relative keep their children while the parents work. Some licensing proponents would like the rules to be changed so that even related children are counted toward the maximum of four that can be taken care of without a license.

Beyond the number of children allowed in licensed and unlicensed day-care facilities, however, are such important issues as quality of care, sanitation and nutrition. As the co-owner of one licensed center aptly observed: It's up to the parents to ensure their children receive quality care.

But many parents point to the cost of care. Generally, unlicensed providers charge less than those who are licensed. Even parents who make twice the minimum wage find themselves spending every take-home dollar of pay on day care if they have three or four children.

McCaskill's audit conclusions also presume that the quality of care is better if the provider is licensed. It certainly would be nice to think licensing conveys a level of competence and professionalism that is beneficial. But even the state auditor knows that having a license is no guarantee of quality. Conversely, unlicensed providers are capable of providing a level of care that matches even the best licensed facility.

If there is a need for more stringent licensing or better enforcement of existing rules, it will become apparent when parents are concerned enough to speak out and demand state-backed guarantees and requirements.

Until then, unlicensed providers will continue to meet the demand of parents who, in their struggle to make ends meet, seek the best care they can afford.