This is a good thing but like the teacher said, don't be surprised when you have to pay more for childcare. Daycares will have to pay more to employ these people with education degrees. So many parents will think this is good thing until they get the bill. Inevitable whining ahead.

Is anyone more or less likely to abuse your children because they are less educated and you pay them poorly?

For the price that we pay to "enroll" our children in daycare, it's about time!! It's horrifying leaving your small child anywhere while you're at work because you HAVE to work!

I work at a child care center. I have worked their for almost six years and before that I worked at another center for seven years. I am not against this star rating system but I hope that parents realize that when this system is used you will be paying quite a bit more for your child care. I always hear that daycare is too expensive. If you think it is expensive now just wait until after the rating system. Another point is that this rating system is partially based on education and qualifications of the child care teachers. It will not be long until all child care providers are required to have at least an Associates Degree in early childhood. I do not disagree with this. I think that the early years are important for a child's development and teachers should be educated to foster the children's learning abilities. After all that is what the parents are paying for in addition to knowing that their children are safe during the day. But just because someone is well educated and you pay them well does not mean they will not abuse or neglect your children. Just look at all of the doctors lately that have been found molesting children. They have 10+ years of education and charge an arm and leg for their services and still have been found to harm children.

Agreed. After searching high and low, I ended up being a stay at home dad because there was no place I felt I could safely leave my child.

yay! this is great news. I know of many "licensed" day care centers that operate in really bad (filthy, outdated, old equipment) conditions.

Ultimately, it is the parents' responsibility to choose childcare that is not just "adequate", but gives their children the care and attention they would be giving if they were present to do so. Therefore, I think getting ratings will be of HELP to parents seeking childcare; however, should NOT be the only qualifying characteristic. It is the parent's responsibility to look into the childcare provider's merits AND shortcomings, too. Don't always trust someone else to make a decision for you when it comes to your children.

We are very fortunate in Janesville to have many wonderful early learning and care providers that continually strive to provide quality early learning experiences.

This is so overdue. A parent who places their child in a state sanctioned center, should be able to feel confident that they are qualified, competent and STABLE. For the past few years, I've read gut-wrenching hideous stories of "care givers" who have beaten, burned, raped or murdered small children in their care.

Regardless of the additional "work" that will required for the daycare centers to be compliant, its a small price to pay for the safety of our little ones.

My 3 grandchildren attend a VERY pricey, highly accredited Daycare in Janesville. I know from personal experience and "marks" on my grandson that there have been issues with 1 or 2 "teachers", who should NOT be employed in a childcare facility!

If you are caring for one of MY grandkidlets, you had better be purer than snow!