I have worked in child care for several years in several states.  Like it or not VA is pathetic with the standard compared to other states.  I suggest looking at Oklahoma who has a star rating system.  Each facility recieves a rating of one - five star rating such as resturants and hotels.  Different standards for each rating.  This way each center can choose the standards they want to acheive.  The parents also get what they pay for.  With that said. 

Yes, these changes are going to be a finacial challenge.  Okay parents overall are happy with their child care.  So what about the children and the teachers?  Right now if a child care facility is not accredited by any national organization it is considered a babysitter if not by the parents then this is the perception of the teachers or this what they percieve others think of them.  I see it everywhere.  When we have high expectations of our teachers and support them because we know that they can do it then what a difference we make in children's lives.  Changes are hard we are creatures of habbit, but think beyound to the lives that they will be truely touching.  The teachers need our support, what do they think about these changes?  Many I have talked to say Yes!  They are excited to see someone hearing them cry HELP!  You go into a classroom of 20 two year olds.  Even with another teacher or 20 schoolagers by your self.  Good Luck! 

I too believe that help is also needed for the private owners.  Dropping ratios and increasing square footage is a huge challenge.  These changes are going to push private owners to close some doors because parents may not be able to aford the cost increase.  Help has got to be availiable from somewhere. 

Notice how we are struggling over the "big" things?  the "money" things?  I have learned that as I teach the children they teach me, so what do they think?  Why does this have to be a political thing, it should be a child thing!