We have deep concern over the proposed changes.  Though our centers meet most of the proposed standards and will therefore see little impact on us, we are concerned about the negative impact it will have on the children of VA.

Our main concern is that it will dramatically reduce the number of children that may be served in VA.  Existing and future centers will be licensed for fewer children than is currently allowed.  Many small centers will be forced to close since it will be financially impossible to stay in business.  With reduction in licensed care comes the danger of more unlicensed providers opening, putting the children of VA in a situtation potentially far worse than what currently exists.

We applaud your efforts to improve the care offered to the children of VA.  May we suggest that instead of these proposed changes that you first give the Dept of Social Services the power to enforce the regulations currently on the books.