The standards are not clearly written nor are they easy to understand. Many educated people have a hard time finding the regulations easily accessible for each age group. If I want to know about standards for infants I should be able to access an infant manual. The regulations should be categorized according to age and there should be some consistency for interpretation. Violations are given as "a need to find a violation" as opposed to what is clearly the best practice for our children. Most of us want to do the best for our children but are so worried about misinterpreting a standard that ultimately the focus is removed from our client- these wonderful kids- and more focus is given to interpreting the legal-ese standard.

I am an advocate of consistency and best practice for all Centers. I do not believe we have to make rules confusing in order to be consistent. Let's work together to develop a "dos and don'ts list" to avoid confusion and encourage real family advocates to undertake the real life job of caregiver.

Mary Posey

The Learning Center   Kilmarnock, VA 804-435-6221