Congressman Carson Proposes Bill to Make Child Care Facilities Safer, More Accountable

Press Release

Congressman André Carson (IN-7) has introduced the Child Care Criminal Background Check Act of 2013, legislation that would require states to administer a comprehensive criminal background check on all licensed child care providers before they can begin working with children. The bill closes dangerous gaps in both federal and state law that have resulted in child endangerment, negligence of child development best practices, and inadequate training of child care professionals.

More than seven million children under the age of five currently participate in some sort of child care arrangement each week, yet throughout the nation, countless so-called licensed facilities function without common-sense standards and safety precautions in place. According to a nationwide poll conducted by Child Care Aware, 95 percent of Americans support a background check for child care providers, yet some states hold no such requirement.

"Child care providers serve a critical role in the safety and development of our young children," said Congressman Carson. "We have to hold these facilities and their employees to a higher standard; administering background checks and requiring minimum levels of training are not too much to ask, and it ensures our kids are getting the very best service."

In addition to requiring criminal background checks, Congressman Carson's bill also requires that child care providers receive a minimum amount of annual training in CPR, first aid, child abuse recognition, basic safety and health, and child development. The bill also calls for routine facility inspections to ensure children are being cared for in safe environments.

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