Licensed day cares safest choice for concerned parents

With the new school year just days away many parents are also searching for new daycare options for their preschoolers.

The Child Care Licensing division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is urging parents to choose legal, regulated child care and do some homework before putting their children in someone else's hands.

The goal of the second annual "Don't be in the dark about child care" campaign is to educate parents about the dangers of illegal child care and to encourage unlicensed operators to get licensed.

"Unfortunately, more and more child care operations are going underground," said Diana Spiser, DFPS Assistance Commissioner for Child Care Licensing.

"Illegal operations may seem attractive. They may be less expensive, but there are no checks and balances to protect your children," continued Spiser.

Licensed day care must adhere to state health and safety standards and undergo periodic inspections.

For more information go to www.donbeinthedark.org or www.txchildcaresearch.org or call 1-866-TX-CHILD for assistance.