(Lansing-MPRN) - The state needs to do more to protect kids in child care. That’s according to a new policy brief from the Michigan League for Public Policy.
The document says the state would need to hire 140 additional child care facility inspectors to the 70 now working to make caseloads manageable. The organization says federal inspectors have found unsafe conditions in Michigan child care facilities.
“For example, having chemicals within easy reach of a toddler,” said Jane Zehnder-Merrell, director of Kids Count in Michigan Project at the League. “I’m afraid that a lot of parents don’t have a lot of options for the kind of care their kids are getting. So it’s important for the state to take an active role to make sure kids are safe.”
The policy brief is partly a reaction to talks at the state Capitol of cutting taxes in 2015. The organization says this is just one example of underfunded programs in Michigan.
