Day care facilities that take care of more than six children might soon have to register with the state. Current state law requires centers with more than 12 children to register. Supporters of Senate Bill 209 say it helps regulate facilities and holds care givers more responsible. Opponents disagree and say it takes the choice out of child care. Mary Konvalin is a child care provider in Watertown and spoke in favor of the legislation during today’s/Monday’s hearing. She says almost 80 percent of South Dakota families have both parents that work and their children need to be protected.
“I think the government needs to be in day care, if no one else is gonna regulate this and speak for the children, we need to. That’s a high number. Did you know that the people who cut your hair have to be licensed? People who, in the state of South Dakota, who keep bees have to be licensed, but the people who are watching our children are not mandated,” Konvalin says.
Konvalin says day care centers need trained workers who can stimulate child development. The Department of Social Services has training sessions for day care providers, but the main participants are registered and licensed providers. Senate Bill 209 narrowly passed through the Senate Health and Human Services committee and next heads to the Senate floor.
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