While the intent of this bill seeks to expand childcare access, and this is a laudable goal supported by all, the potential risks to children are too great:
Weakened Safety Standards – If adult-to-child ratios become too flexible, children may receive less individual attention, increasing the risk of accidents or neglect. Research from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) shows that lower child-to-caregiver ratios are associated with higher-quality care and better child outcomes. If ratios become too flexible, children may receive less individual attention, increasing the risk of accidents or neglect. States that have relaxed ratio requirements, such as Michigan in 2021, saw increased incidents of safety violations in childcare facilities.
Inconsistent Supervision – Clarifying "supervision" could help, but if standards are too lenient, it may lead to inconsistent oversight and higher chances of abuse, neglect, or inadequate care. A 2023 study by Child Care Aware of America found that states with stricter supervision regulations had lower rates of reported injuries and incidents in childcare settings.
Lower Licensing Oversight – Eliminating the two-tier system and consolidating licensing at the state level could lead to fewer local inspections and enforcement, possibly allowing unsafe providers to operate. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that decentralized childcare regulation can improve response times for inspections and enforcement actions. Without strong local oversight, unsafe providers may continue to operate unnoticed.
Potentially Underprepared Providers – Easing the process for new providers might attract inexperienced or underqualified individuals, raising concerns about their ability to handle emergencies or meet developmental needs. Research from the Early Childhood Workforce Index (2020) indicates that undertrained childcare providers are more likely to struggle with emergency response, child development needs, and behavioral management, increasing the likelihood of harm to children.
Child safety and health should be our primary focus. It is possible to increase the number of licensed daycare providers without lowering standards. Lack of adequate standards will lead to children being harmed. To mitigate these risks, the bill would need strong accountability measures, regular inspections, and clear enforcement of health and safety standards.