Introduction

Dear Texans,

I think we all agree that children are our most precious resource because they represent the future of our society. That is why I am proud to announce the “Don’t be in the Dark About Child Care” campaign. Working with a variety of community partners throughout the state, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is setting out to increase awareness of the dangers of unregulated childcare.

Over the last couple of years the number of regulated childcare operations has dropped, not because of falling demand for childcare but because more operations are going underground. This trend is part of a cycle we have seen before and it’s up to all of us to reverse it as soon as possible.

These underground operations may be attractive to parents because they are smaller and may be a little less expensive, but they are likely more dangerous. Unregulated childcare means no oversight, no checks and balances and no guarantees of properly trained staff. Parents need to understand that not only are these operations illegal, they also subject children to unnecessary risk.

I believe that if parents have better information about childcare options they will make better choices for their children. Thank you for your assistance in this important cause.

Diana Spiser
DFPS Assistant Commissioner for Child Care Licensing