Concern grows in Royal Oaks over childcare in the wake of recent tragedy
ROYAL OAKS, Calif (KION-TV) -- The community of Royal Oaks is showing concern over the recent tragedy at a daycare center. A local organization that helps educate care facilities about the licensing process speaks out.
"We always need to be alert," says Carmen Ruiz, who adds that she is a mother of two, but has long stopped needing a childcare provider.
Still, she says she was concerned when hearing the Monterey County Sheriff’s office reported an infant had passed away in an unlicensed daycare center near Royal Oaks.
“To be able to get a certification from the state, you need to have some early childhood education credits from a local community college,” says Carmen Herrera. She is the director of El Pajaro Community Development Corporation.
Herrera helps families get a license to open up these child care facilities. She adds that the state inspects these homes thoroughly and provides training for the care providers.
“There are in California, two types of licenses. One license is up to six or seven kids, depending on the age of the kids, and then there's another one for 14 kids,” Herrera adds. “In that case, again, it depends on the age of the kids. It could be 14 or a little less. And you need to have an employee or an assistant.”
The Sheriff’s office reported that the unlicensed day care had two women overseeing 30 children, nearly double the requirement. Still, the high costs of childcare and lack of locations make it hard for parents.
“Our three counties, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito are considered child care deserts,” Herrera says. “That means that there are a lot more kids than there are child care spaces.”
She adds that in the last year, El Pájaro Community Corporation has helped nearly 140 providers open or expand nearly 300 locations around the county. Ruiz, a concerned mother, adds that this case should be a wake-up call for parents.
“Put aside your tiredness. What has priority in your life is the safety of your little ones,” she says.
