There are a rash of postings at http://www.craigslist.org/ for babysitting and child day care centers in the area. It is important that parents understand that there is a state law requiring certification to be in compliance as a “licensed day care” facility.

State certification requirements provide stringent guidelines for child care providers to insure the safety of children. The U.S. Fire Administration has topical research about the threat of fires in day care centers. Just recently, this fire at an unlicensed day care center in Tennessee, resulted in the death of a two year-old toddler.

We urge parents considering child care to be extremely vigilant, diligent and cautious when choosing day care for your child.

Here is the link to the Pennsylvania Code concerning child day care centers.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies produces a national ranking of State Child Care Regulation and Oversight Report annually. In the 2011 Update, Pennsylvania ranks 14th in the country “on 10 program requirements and five oversight benchmarks for child care centers. NACCRRA’s update found that states have made progress but more progress is needed.” To read the report click here; Pennsylvania’s scorecard is on page 27.