Day Care RouletteWeak laws, poor enforcement and lack of ratings leave parents guessing in their search for quality child care Ron Menchaca
The Post and Courier
Sunday, January 6, 2008
First in a two-day series 
Alan Hawes Charley Bernstein, left, and Patrick Lady, right, look at themselves before working on a self portrait collage at the N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center at the College of Charleston. The center is nationally accredited. 
Alan Hawes Tylar Brigman reacts to "The Christmas Sled" read by teacher Terri Barnwell in the "Busybees" three-year old class at Carousel daycare center in West Ashley. Video
A video tour around one the Lowcountry's few nationally accredited child care centers. Learn what types of things to look for when checking out a center. Watch » For more informationResources for parents searching for quality child care: -- To check whether a child care center has any violations or complaints, search the S.C. Department of Social Services online database at childcare.sc.gov/main/default.aspx. The database lists violations only in broad categories such as health and staffing problems and does not detail complaints. To learn more about a particular violation or complaint, call the agency's regional licensing office for your county. In Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, the child care licensing office can be reached at 953-9780. -- Trident United Way Child Care Resource & Referral of the Lowcountry offers referrals and general information about selecting child care. 740-9000 or on the Web at www.tuw.org. A 5-year-old girl was saved from an accidental hanging when another child saw her dangling from a slide and alerted a caregiver in time for the unconscious child's neck to be untangled from a piece of plastic. Two 4-year-old children disappeared down a street before a caregiver realized they were missing and left the rest of the children alone while she went out searching. A 2-year-old girl was taped to a chair because she was moving too much. A 10-month-old boy died from heat stroke after being left in a van on a hot day. These are among hundreds of incidents during the past five years that resulted in safety violations at child day care centers around the Lowcountry and the state. An analysis by The Post and Courier of state inspection reports for day care facilities reveals that parents often roll the dice with their children's health and safety when they leave them in the custody of many day care centers. That's because: -- The state agency that regulates and inspects child day cares has just one inspector for every 116 day care facilities. That's less than half the number of inspectors needed per facility to meet national recommendations. -- The state Department of Social Services, which regulates child care centers, has no power to fine them for violations, even egregious or repeated violations. -- The only power the state of South Carolina has is to close down a center, but the state has done so only about a dozen times during the past two years because of concerns over lawsuits and the pressing need for day care centers. -- South Carolina relies on the federal government to fund its child care regulating system. The state contributes just $69,000 of the licensing office's annual budget of $2.2 million, about three percent. What are parents to do? A small number of day care centers hold national accreditation, a rating similar to those held by top restaurants and hotels, but these centers tend to be among the most expensive or have government support. Parents who can't afford or can't get their children into such places are left to divine which centers are safe and well run. David Watt is a single parent searching for child care for his 3-year-old son, Jack, who has autism. Watt relies on gut feeling as he checks out centers in the Goose Creek area. 'I consider myself a pretty good judge of character,' he said. 'I wouldn't put my kid just anywhere.' Other than instinct, Watt and other parents have few options. That's because the state has no system for rating the quality of day care centers as do most other states, such as neighboring North Carolina. Experts recommend that parents personally check out the centers, research state inspection records and talk to other parents who use the facilities. Because checking state records can be a daunting task for parents, South Carolina officials recently began posting day care inspection results online. However, the database provides only vague information on the types of violations, without details of what actually happened, leaving parents with little concrete information to judge the quality of a facility. Most day cares are private businesses, and the industry has resisted efforts to strengthen state oversight. State lawmakers also have resisted reforms that would weed out dangerous centers and give working parents peace of mind. Different types, rulesTypes of child care centers in South Carolina and what the state requires of them. -- Family child care homes: May care for up to six children. Must be registered with the state, but licensing is optional. -- Group child care homes: May care for up to 12 children. Must be licensed. -- Child care centers: May care for 13 or more children. Must be licensed if operating more than four hours per day and more than two days a week. -- Religious child care centers: Must be registered with the state, but licensing is optional. -- Kindergarten and nursery programs that operate four hours or less per day; shopping center child care, school vacation and holiday camps; summer resident camps: Exempt from state child care regulations. Source: S.C. Department of Social Services While many child care centers are well run and safe, it's not uncommon for even the best ones to be cited for deficiencies. Child care experts say the real concerns are the day care facilities that commit egregious violations or repeatedly fail to protect the safety and health of children but continue to operate. The newspaper's review of five years of inspection records for centers in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties shows that many day cares: -- Miss or ignore state-mandated staff training in child care and medical emergencies. -- Leave medication and cleaning supplies accessible to children. -- Release children to unauthorized people and fail to log pick-ups and drop-offs. -- Fail to report injuries. In one case, a child suffered a broken finger when a television fell on her. But the center did not report the incident to the state, as required by law; and the state learned of the injury only when the child's parent called to complain. -- Violate staffing and capacity laws intended to keep caregivers attentive to each child. State inspectors have found centers caring for twice as many children as their licenses allowed. -- Hire caregivers to watch children before completing mandatory criminal background checks and child abuse screenings meant to spot sexual predators and other offenders. Each year, the state flags about 130 people with criminal backgrounds applying to work in day cares. Since July, the state has flagged five job applicants on a database that tracks cases of child abuse and neglect. -- Neglect dangerous conditions in classrooms and on playgrounds. Inspectors repeatedly warn centers about bolts and nails jutting out of playground equipment, only to return months later to find the same hazards. -- Use unsanitary practices in preparing children's meals and snacks and don't maintain cleanliness in play areas and restrooms. Inspectors routinely find dirty centers with roach infestations, mold problems and bathrooms reeking of urine. -- Don't properly maintain employee records verifying that workers have received the training required to care for children, passed health examinations and received immunizations. Inspectors found one caregiver who tested positive for tuberculosis, which is communicable and can be fatal if not treated properly. An advisory board to Gov. Mark Sanford is considering changes to improve the system, including fines for repeat violations and a rating system to help parents judge quality. State lawmakers are expected to wade into child care issues when they return to session Tuesday. Child care-related bills already have been filed, and more are expected. Past reform efforts have bogged down amid disagreements among academics, politicians, child care providers, parents and others. Some say recent events, including new leadership on the advisory board, the election of a day care owner to the General Assembly and the death of a child at a care facility in Columbia, could mark 2008 as a turning point in the state's efforts to improve the quality of early childhood care. But if history is a judge, the proposed changes will languish in legislative committees or succumb to lobbying from private interest groups, leaving parents on their own once again. Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724. |
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Comments
This article has 21 comment(s)
Posted by professional_blk_woman on January 6, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These violations are utterly ridiculous and would never happen. Who's making sure that our children are well cared for and protected while we're at work? I wonder what infractions were committed by the 12 centers that were closed down in the past 2 years. My advice to parents is to make unannounced, mid day drop ins whenever you can. Speak personally to caregivers and make a point to observe the classroom prior to enrolling your child. This is really scary. How can anyone have peace of mind while working when this kind of thing is going on???
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 6, 2008 at 5:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just searched my son's daycare at the DSS website. Not ONE complaint or violation. That's awesome. We simply love his daycare. We've never had any problems with them. My son absolutely LOVES all of the teachers there. He goes to Gateway in Summerville. It's a tad pricey, but worth it.
Posted by RTC on January 6, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Day care is so much better now then when mine were small.
I quit my job to stay home with my oldest after they kept forgetting to feed her the food I sent, used her diapers on other kids, put her to bed with a filthy bib around her neck, and the list goes on.
The final straw was when my husband showed up unexpectantly and saw this kind granmotherly lady pop a 8 mth.old on the head, because he was screaming for more to eat.
This was at a Kindercare, as we didn't have many choices back then.
I have heard nothing but good things about Gateway and Sunshine House daycare. I am glad that young parents today have more choices, and that the daycares are more strictly monitored.
Posted by moonpie on January 6, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And this is the violations we KNOW about. Only because these are documented finds during inspections. What has happened that we don't know about?
All my kids went to a day care and one still does after school. Two had incidents happen that made me go off on the directors and they could have been a news worthy disaster. Laziness and failure to follow rules already in place were the root cause.
Posted by chucktonian on January 6, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
here's an idea
if people would stop buying so much garbage they don't need and stupid toys, maybe mom could stay home and you'd have free daycare with no violations
Posted by DanniD on January 6, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chucktonian- Some families do not have the option of having mommy or daddy staying home. They need the extra income to pay the bills and put food on the table. It is not because they want to buy garbage or extra toys. I am sure most mothers would much rather stay home with their children than go to work, but that is not always the option.
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 6, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I stayed home with our son until he was 8 months. Then, it was time to go to work.
Posted by professional_blk_woman on January 6, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chucktonian wrote:
"if people would stop buying so much garbage they don't need and stupid toys, maybe mom could stay home and you'd have free daycare with no violations"
What world do you live in? It takes two incomes to provide the BASIC necessities in most SIMPLE households. Secondly, what do you propose we do with the children of single or divorced parents and widows/widowers? You are grossly and sadly misguided. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have the option of working or not working are blessed in a way that many others are not. Think about that before you make ignorant comments. But for the grace of God, this could someday be you.
Posted by RTC on January 6, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
chucktonian, we had to make sacrifices in order for me to be a stay at home mom. Not everyone is fortunate enough to do that. I am grateful that my husband's salary continued to increase through the years. If I had stayed working, we may have been able to live a more luxurious lifestyle, but I believed that my childrens' welfare was tantamount to everything else. Besides, by the time you have 3 kids it is too expensive to put all of them in daycare.
As I said, not everyone is so fortunate. I feel for those that have to work when they would love to be home with their kids. They deserve to have the best daycare possible to ensure their childrens' safety and general welfare.
Posted by wormmyswife1 on January 6, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chucktonian-
I think that is probably the most ignorant comment I have ever seen on this site.
Even if Mom stays home with kids- it's not "free" daycare. There are added expenses. Most daycares feed the kids during the day- Mom will have to buy more food. Most daycares provide entertainment for the kids- Mom will have to provide entertainment, other than the tv.
On the side of many daycares, especially the one my kids went to, they provide pre-school education that my children would not otherwise have received if I stayed home with them. They learned everything from beginning math to science to reading and vocabulary words.
For a while, it did seem like all of my paycheck went to health insurance and daycare but now I am thankful for the time they spent there. It made the transition to school much better for the kids.
Posted by juniemoon1957 on January 6, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well....my sister adopted a new born 3 years ago. He has never been left with a "sitter" or at a "daycare". We all take turns. My parents and my other sisters babysit. Since I live 7 houses down the street.....well just lets say...I do not get as much sleep as I used to. BUT..it's worth it to know he is safe and well taken care of. We both are nurses....work nights....sometimes the same nights. It does not take a village....
Posted by Forjackssake on January 6, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FOR THE SAKE OF JACK, MR. DAVID WATTS SON...PERHAPS Ron Menchaca SHOULD CHECK HIS FACTS....MR. DAVID WATT IS NOT A SINGLE PARENT AND IS NOT ENTITLED TO SEEK CHILD CARE FOR HIS SON....HE IS CURRENTLY UNDER INDITMENT FOR CHILD ABUSE AND IS THE MIDDLE OF A CUSTODY DISPUTE WITH HIS EX-WIFE DEENA. JACK IS IN THE CUSTODY OF HIS EX-MOTHER IN LAW SANDRA....MR. WATT IS A MONSTER
Posted by moonpie on January 6, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn it son! FORJACKSSAKE that's a bold outing?
I agree with P_B_W it takes two to tango these days. If your a family making $60000.00, which is above the median family income, you can't live to good on that salary. So some see no way around it.
Posted by TFPBob on January 6, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The articles are sensational and irresponsible. They don't present all the facts. For instance, the two year old incident referenced at Gateway Academy resulted in people losing their jobs. The readers of Low Country Parent Magazine voted the Gateway Academy centers the best in the Charleston area in 2007, but the article didn't mention that. Given the 12 questions parents should consider included in one of the articles, Gateway Academy passes with flying colors. However, Mr. Menchaca obviously didn't check that out. He apparently wasn't interested.
Posted by fijayphil on January 6, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Any civilized country should take care of their children. European countries have free or lowcost childcare available to all their citizens. All the money spent on the war in Iraq could easily help to pay for a universal day care system in this country.
Posted by professional_blk_woman on January 6, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Moonpie, I dont want to get off the subject, but I agree with you...that was a pretty bold outing (from forjackssake), but if it's true, his ass needed to be "outed" and I'm glad she did it!
Posted by professional_blk_woman on January 6, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...and if it's not true, s/he needs to be arrested for slander.
Posted by shoebaby77 on January 7, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
chucktonian = not a parent
Posted by robby on January 7, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to say good childcare does come at a high price these days. I would recommend taking tours of facilities and sitting in on the class your child might enroll into. At the Daycare wife works at they are very disciplined on employees and will let teachers go for wrong doings. They also get inspected by DSS on regular basis and has yet to fail an inspection in the two years she has been there. Childrens choice Learning centers located at Trident hospital is a very good center since they are affiliated with the hospital and care for the children of hospital employees. They do though enroll children who's parents do not work for the hospital. CCLC at Trident and Gateway in Summerville are the top two choices I hear about. Bad thing is the waiting list at these places are sometimes long but you never know..
Posted by advancedsociety on January 7, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
EXCERPT: "South Carolina relies on the federal government to fund its child care regulating system. The state contributes just $69,000 of the licensing office's annual budget of $2.2 million, about three percent.
What are parents to do?"
Start by learning from those who have "been there done that": The EUROPEANS: Stop cringing at every mention of a Tax increase or govt regulating child or health care. It is not communism it is common sense. Your politicians are pandering to your limited knowledge by offering you "tax cuts" that only amount to $100 a month. Demand what your counterparts in developed western nations have. Competent and guaranteed child care, health care and programs that enhance the quality of your life(POST PARTUM CARE TIME OFF WORK for mom AND dad etc.) and general peace of mind. Vote locally what truly matters to your family and don't fall for the spinning. The dumber your demands, the more condescending and shoddy the quality of service you will get from all: politicians and child care employees etc(who by the way are just as frustrated because they are grappling with similar problems). I LOVE YOU AMERICA but you have got to wake up and stand up. Time is running out. All these issues with quality in childcare occur because the true meaning of family values have been lost. We have to show our leaders that tossing around buzz words that incite passion simply do not solve our basic and primary problems. We are worth much more than that! Sorry if i have offended anyone but the truth is painful only initially, when acted upon it is a triumph!
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on January 8, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I pay $7200 a year for my son's daycare. Yes, it's a pretty penny, but I know he's looked after and taken care of properly.