Last year VDSS decided to cease allowing 2 year olds to be considered toddlers for social services reimbursement. This was done on 30 days notice and the reason given was that in standards a 2 year old is categorized preschool. For centers like ours which serve a large community of children receiving assistance it was devastating. This recategorization caused a loss of over 24000 dollars, which sadly has certainly affected quality. Teacher salaries, programs, and staff training have all been affected. VDSS maintains that it wants policies to be consistent, but may i point out that there other programs sponsored by VDSS that recognize a two year old as a toddler, such as the infant and toddler program.  In 2004         the ratio for  twos were changed to 1 to 8, different than preschool. thus they should be in a different category. thousands of children would benefit if the cdcc would simply call 2 year olds toddler#2, thus restoring the toddler reimbursement  level. It costs more to care for a 2 by cdcc's own standards and yet VDSS wants to treat them the same as a 4 year old for reimbursement reasons. If a 2 year old is viewed as different from a 4 for ratios it should be labeled differently and reimbursed acoordingly. Sadly VDSS is promoting quality but cutting funding for 2 year olds at same time. By simply calling twos toddler #2 in stndards this should cause the office of early childhood development to reverse what i feel is a harmful decision to children across the commonwealth. Also, may i add that centers have not had a market rate increase in 6 years and that increase was based on a survey done in 2001, nearly 9 years ago. Thank you for your consideration.         I iurge the CDCC to insist that VDSS address the market rate issue soon  or                                    go back to pre-ratios which none of us want. Thank you                                                                                            

I agree with Mr. Mabry if VDSS wants 2 year olds treated differently for ratio and educational reasons then they should continue the 20 plus year practice then compensation of social services should be at the toddler level.it is not fair that ratios were changed (which most of us support) but now the department is using CDC's language to reduce funding.  To centers who serve these children this has been a major set back in providing quality programs.  Your consideration of the above is greatly appreciated.   Thank You     Ann Clowser

Virginia Department of Social Services Licensing considers a two year old a toddler.  The city of Norfolk considers a two year old a toddler.  If this is true then why does the Department of Social Services Child Daycare consider them a preschooler? 

I'll tell you why--they do not want to pay!!

In this struggling economy many preschools are struggling to make ends meet and the changes in pricing that the Child Care Unit is paying is undercutting our ability to pay our staff and provide a good program. 

Virginia Child Care Centers need to take a stand and bring back the pay that was once paid to us and that we have worked so hard to recieve.  Our centers already wait a month or longer to get paid.  Now we have a cut in rates.  This issue needs to be addressed and changed. 

i strongly agree with the above comments.  centers should be compensated for children based on their ages.  i agree with lower raitos, we just need to be compensated money wise for proper supervision and over head costs that certainly that has not gone down. thank you for taking time to review.lorraine williams

We agree with Mr. Mabry's comments.  In a struggling economy, the child care centers and families need help.  One of the primary levels of difficulty is the reimbursement of a 2 year old.  All of the market rates are difficult to accept.  Standards are higher which is certainly good for the well being of the children and all involved with the children.  However, the group which needs the most help financially and educationally is being forced to accept less and less because the cost of providing the care greatly surpasses the amount of government reimbursement.   We are asking for help.

The above comments are all so VERY TRUE.  My Two Year Old takes alot more care than a 4 year old and if centers are not being paid differently that is a real problem.  The center my child is in is a GREAT center...They follow all rules and regulations and I know they are struggling with trying to keep the program at a high standard.  Myself as a parent can not avoid more money for childcare it takes almost everything I make to be able to keep my son in a learning environment .  Please help all of us.....Thank you....

Every center I toured before putting my 2 year old in had the same comment...They were having to charge an upcharge for what social services didn't cover.  If parents that were going through social services could pay on there own they would.  I don't understand all the politics but I am sure that all this nonsense about rate reductions and so forth is all politically motivated and I sure wish you all would really take into consideration before regulations are made the well being of the children...you all say you do...but how can you when the centers that are providing care for OUR children YOU are taking money away from them and still expecting them to have quality programs.  Thank You

Boy...do I agree with the gentlemen that started this comment area...It is rediculous how under paid teachers are and how better training cannot be afforded for us.  Now I understand.  How could they provide more salary and better training...they are loosing their shirts and no help is in sight..This just doesn't seem fair to me..does it to YOU?????

Thanks to all that have commented.  I work in a childcare facility.  We work very hard and deserve every penny we make...however...we really are the lowest paid profession....and have the most important job....I can also tell you that we don't work in this field for the money...we work in it because we love children and want them to become the best they can be....but parents can not avoid what is being charged them for child care....and now i understand that more money has been taken from the facilities...this is unbelievable....but I bet you won't  take a salary cut will YOU........??????? You really do need to look at this and give back what you have taken from us...