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Mothers’ Day Radio Address on CC [Child Care]
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Copyright 1998 The Buffalo News
The Buffalo News
May 10, 1998, Sunday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NEWS, Pg. 4A
LENGTH: 513 words
HEADLINE: PRESIDENT RENEWS PROPOSAL FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS ON;
CHILD-CARE WORKERS
BYLINE: ROBERT L. JACKSON; Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
President Clinton on Saturday called on Congress to approve initiatives aimed
at helping working parents, including legislation to ensure that child-care
workers have no criminal backgrounds.
In his weekly radio address on the eve of Mother's Day, the president sought
to inject new life in his administration's package of child-care reforms,
including a little-noticed "background check" proposal he submitted to Congress
last fall.
That proposal would allow criminal record checks on all child-care employees
through the FBI's fingerprint section by eliminating state barriers to the
process.
His proposal would facilitate background checks on child-care providers by
removing provisions in state laws that prevent the sharing of criminal history
information for noncriminal purposes. As such, the measure would require
approval by Congress and most of the 50 states.
Last month, the president directed that all federal day-care centers use the
FBI's fingerprint facilities to make background checks on all employees.
Clinton said improving the quality and safety of child care would help give
mothers "peace of mind."
To help parents find the best care for their children, Clinton also released
a consumer guide published by the Department of Health and Human Services that
suggests four steps that should be taken in choosing a child-care center:
"Interview the potential caregivers, check references, evaluate how the
caregiver meets your child's needs, and stay involved."
The White House said the guide would be available to parents on the Internet.
In January the president unveiled the keystone of his child-care package -$
21.7 billion in proposed tax breaks and federal subsidies to reduce the
financial burden on working parents.
The administration plan would give states an extra $ 7.5 billion over five
years to increase child-care subsidies they provide to parents. As a result,
the number of children eligible for such assistance would double to more than 2
million.
Promoting this package, which is languishing in Congress despite a measure of
bipartisan support, Clinton said, "I urge Congress to join me in making
child-care better, safer and more affordable for those who need it."
But Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., who has an alternate plan for child-care
funding, said the president must do more to support the cause.
"The momentum that we were building toward consensus on a child-care bill
earlier this year has sputtered out," Chafee said. "It's going to take a
stronger and much more active push from the White House to get the proverbial
ball rolling again."
Chafee has offered legislation that would provide tax credits for
stay-at-home parents and double funding levels for the Child Care Development
Block Grant program, which helps low-income and working parents with children in
day care.
Some congressional Republicans have criticized Clinton's plan as favoring
families where both parents are working, to the exclusion of what they call
"traditional" families where the mother stays home with the children.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: May 11, 1998
PAGE 4
2ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1998 Times Mirror Company
Los Angeles Times
May 10, 1998, Sunday, Home Edition
SECTION: Part A; Page 6; National Desk
LENGTH: 670 words
HEADLINE: CLINTON URGES AID FOR CHECKS ON CAREGIVERS;
LEGISLATION: BILL GIVES ACCESS TO ANY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND ON
CHILD-CARE WORKERS.
PRESIDENT SAYS MEASURE OFFERS MOTHERS SOME 'PEACE OF MIND.'
BYLINE: ROBERT L. JACKSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
President Clinton on Saturday called on Congress to approve initiatives aimed
at helping working parents, including legislation to help ensure that
child-care workers have no criminal backgrounds.
In his weekly radio address on the eve of Mother's Day, the president sought
to inject new life in his administration's package of child-care reforms,
including a little-noticed "background check" proposal he submitted to Congress
last fall.
That proposal allows criminal record checks on all child-care employees
through the FBI's fingerprint section by eliminating state barriers to the
process.
His bill, known as the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, allows
background checks on child-care providers by removing provisions in state laws
that prevent the sharing of criminal history information for noncriminal
purposes. As such, the measure would require approval by Congress and most of
the 50 states.
Last month, the president directed that all federal day-care centers use the
FBI's fingerprint facilities to make background checks on all employees.
Clinton said improving the quality and safety of child care would help give
mothers "peace of mind."
He cited figures showing that "three of five mothers with children under 6
are working to meet their obligations to their children and their employers."
"Juggling those responsibilities is even more difficult when quality child
care is either hard to find or too expensive for those who need it," the
president said.
To help parents find the best care for their children, Clinton also released
a consumer guide published by the Department of Health and Human Services that
suggests four steps that should be taken in choosing a child-care center:
"Interview the potential caregivers, check references, evaluate how the
caregiver meets your child's needs and stay involved."
The White House said the guide would be available to parents through the
Internet.
In January, the president unveiled the keystone of his child-care package, $
21.7 billion in proposed tax breaks and federal subsidies to reduce the
financial burden on working parents.
The administration's plan gives states an extra $ 7.5 billion over five years
to increase child-care subsidies they provide to eligible parents. As a result,
the number of children eligible for such assistance would double, to more than 2
million.
Promoting the package, which is languishing in Congress despite a measure of
bipartisan support, Clinton said, "I urge Congress to join me in making child
care better, safer and more affordable for those who need it."
But Sen. John Chafee (R-R.I.), who has an alternate plan for child-care
funding, said the president must do more to support the cause.
"The momentum that we were building toward consensus on a child-care bill
earlier this year has sputtered out," Chafee said in a statement. "It's going to
take a stronger and much more active push from the White House to get the
proverbial ball rolling again."
Chafee has offered legislation to provide tax credits for stay-at-home
parents and double funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant program,
which helps low-income and working parents who have children in day care.
Some congressional Republicans have criticized Clinton's plan as favoring
families in which both parents are working, to the exclusion of what they call
"traditional" families in which the mother stays home with the children.
In his radio address, Clinton also criticized a proposed reform of the
nation's bankruptcy laws, currently pending in Congress, that he said would
unfairly penalize mothers who are owed child support. The proposal forces such
mothers to compete with large creditors, such as banks and credit card
companies, when a father owing support files for bankruptcy.
"That's not the law now, and if that competition starts, we all know who will
lose the contest: our children," Clinton said. "They shouldn't have to stand in
line for the support they need."
GRAPHIC: PHOTO: ROTC cadets from the Aviation Academy salute President Clinton
upon his arrival in Newport News, Va. Clinton was in Virginia to attend the
Senate Democratic Issues Conference in Williamsburg. PHOTOGRAPHER: Associated
Press PHOTO: (A2) FOR MOMS--AND DADS: On the eve of Mother's Day, President
Clinton called on Congress to approve initiatives aimed at helping working
parents. Above, Clinton adjusts hearing aide on his way to Marine One.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Reuters
LANGUAGE: English
Maureen T. Shea
05/12/98 12:03:40 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
cc:
Jennifer L. Klein/OPD/EOP
Subject: Mother's Day and Child Care
RADIO ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION
The Oval Office
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Tomorrow is Mother's Day, a special moment to
express the gratitude, respect, and love we feel all year round. Our mothers give us life;
they offer us unconditional love, strong guidance, and the sense that we can grow up to
do anything we can dream of. From our first moments, mothers are our best teachers
and most selfless friends. And, like my own mother, whom I miss very much, especially
on Mother's Day, they rarely ask for thanks. A mother's main wish is to see her
children grow up healthy and happy.
Today, I want to talk about a few ways we, here in Washington, can give all mothers
that peace of mind, whether they work in an office, a factory, a hospital, or at home.
To make that tribute to motherhood, we must all take responsibility for the care of our
children. For many mothers who work, as my mother did, peace of mind requires
affordable, quality child care. Millions of American women have full-time jobs outside
the home. Three of five mothers with children under six are working to meet their
obligations to their children and their employers. Juggling those responsibilities is even
more difficult when quality child care is either hard to find or too expensive to afford.
That's why I've included in my balanced budget a significant new investment in child
care. I urge Congress to join me in making child care better, safer and more affordable
for those who need it.
To help parents find the best care for their children, today I'm releasing a report by the
Department of Health and Human Services. It's a consumer guide to child care quality
that recommends four steps for parents: One, interview the potential care-givers; two,
check the references; three, evaluate how the care-giver meets your child's needs; and
four, stay involved. As Mother's Day reminds us, governments don't raise children,
parents do. There is no substitute for a mother's love or a parent's responsibility.
We, too, in the national and state governments, however, have a responsibility; a big
one is to protect America's children from abuse and neglect. Nothing gives mothers
peace of mind like the knowledge their children are in safe hands. Today I'm also
releasing a new Justice Department set of guidelines for screening child care workers
and other care-givers; and again, I urge Congress to act on a proposal I put forth to
facilitate background checks on child care-givers. There is strong bipartisan support for
this proposal, and I'm hopeful that members of both parties will move quickly to give
America's children the care they deserve.
There is one other thing I'd like to talk about that we must do to protect our children.
Fathers must take their share of responsibility, too. Children deserve to be raised by
both parents, but when that's not possible, children must still receive the support they
need. The unfortunate division of families cannot mean the end of child support. That's
why we have worked so hard to toughen enforcement of child support laws; and, since
1992, we've raised collections by 68 percent a year.
We've worked too hard for too long toughening enforcement of child support laws to
let our progress be accidentally undone. But that could happen if Congress goes ahead
with one part of bankruptcy reform legislation now under consideration. I'm willing to
work with Congress to pass responsible and fair bankruptcy reform. However, under
one leading proposal, when a father declares personal bankruptcy, a mother may have
to compete with powerful banks and credit card companies for the money they're
owed. That's not the law now, and if that competition starts we all know who will lose
the contest -- our children.
Parents have to step up to their responsibilities, and so does Congress. Some changes
to consumer bankruptcy laws are in order, but mothers and children should keep their
priority under the child support laws. They shouldn't have to stand in line for the
support they need.
America's mothers hold a special place in our hearts. In return, we owe them the love
and respect they have given us. On Mother's Day, we do so with cards, bouquets, and
gifts. But today and every other day, we should also do everything in our power to give
our mothers the peace of mind they deeply deserve.
Thanks for listening.
Message Sent To:
PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CHILD CARE AND
GIVE PARENTS PEACE OF MIND
This weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate Mother's Day and take time to recognize the
critically important role that mothers play in the lives of their children. To give our nation's mothers
the peace of mind they deserve, President Clinton today announced new steps to help parents choose
safe, appropriate child care and again urged Congress to take action on child care legislation this
year.
The President Announced New Justice Department Report to Help Protect Children in Child
Care. The Justice Department report is designed to help protect children, the elderly and the
disabled from abuse and neglect in care. Although the vast majority of child care providers are
dedicated to the teaching and nurturing of children, one tragedy in child care is too many.
Background checks are an important way to ensure that the people watching our children are fit for
this responsibility. Guidelines for the Screening of Persons Working with Children, the Elderly and
Individuals with Disabilities in Need of Support offers practical guidance for screening potential
caregivers and makes recommendations for developing statewide screening and background check
policies. The new report underscores the need for the National Crime Prevention and Privacy
Compact, which the President transmitted to Congress last fall, has strong bipartisan support, and
now awaits congressional action. The Compact will facilitate effective background checks on child
care providers by eliminating state law barriers to the sharing of criminal history information for
non-criminal purposes.
The President Announced New HHS Efforts To Help Parents Choose Child Care. Studies
confirm that consumer education is a key ingredient to child care quality. Today, HHS releases two
documents to help parents get the information they need to choose child care that is right for their
children:
New guide will help parents select high quality child care. The guide recommends four
simple steps for parents in choosing child care: (1) interview the potential caregivers; (2)
check references; (3) evaluate how the caregiver meets your child's needs; and (4) stay
involved. The guide will be available to parents through the Internet.
New report highlights model consumer education efforts in the states and urges greater
action. The new report, Reaching Parents with Child Care Consumer Education, will help
states improve parent education. It highlights successful state approaches and makes
recommendations to states and child care administrators on ways to provide information to
parents on how to assess their child care needs, locate services, obtain subsidies for income-
eligible families, evaluate quality, and choose the best, appropriate care for their children.
The President Urged Congress to Protect Child Support Collection. The President called on
Congress to join him in opposing a provision in proposed bankruptcy reform legislation that may
undermine the ability of single parents to collect child support and alimony. The Administration
supports responsible bankruptcy reform, but under one bill in the House of Representatives, some
parents who try to collect child support from former spouses who file for bankruptcy could find
themselves in competition with large credit card companies. Since 1992, child support collection
has increased by 68 percent, and the President is committed to safeguarding that important progress.
The President Called for Congressional Action on Child Care. Millions of Americans, struggling
to be both good parents and good workers, rely on child care and after-school programs for part of
each day. As part of his balanced budget request, the President called for significant new
investments in child care to help working families pay for child care, build a good supply of after-
school programs, improve the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning. Today, the
President renewed his call on Congress to put aside partisan differences and take action on child care
this year.
Draft 05/07/98 7:30pm
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON MOTHER'S DAY AND CHILD CARE
WASHINGTON, DC
May 9, 1998
Tomorrow is Mother's Day, a special moment to express the gratitude, respect, and love
we feel all year round. Our mothers give us life; they offer us unconditional love; they endow us
with self-esteem and a generosity of spirit. From our first moments, mothers are our best
teachers and most selfless friends. And, like my own mother, whom I miss very much, they
rarely ask for thanks. A mother's main wish is to see her children grow up healthy and happy.
Today, I want to talk about a few ways we can give all mothers that peace of mind--
whether they work at an office, a factory, a hospital, or at home. To make that tribute to
motherhood, we must all take responsibility for the care of our children. For many mothers,
peace of mind requires affordable, high-quality child care. Millions of American women, by
necessity or by choice, pursue full-time careers outside the home. Three out of five mothers with
children under six are attempting this delicate balancing act--between work and home, between
one's colleagues and one's kids. It is a difficult decision. And for many low-income families, it
is not a decision at all--because quality child care is either hard to find or too expensive to afford.
That's why I have included in my balanced budget a significant new investment in child
care. I urge Congress to join me in making child care better, safer and more affordable for those
who need it.
To help parents find the best care for their children, I am today releasing a report by the
Department of Health and Human Services. It's a consumer's guide to child care quality that
recommends four steps for parents: one, interview the potential care givers; two, check
references; three, evaluate how the care giver meets your child's needs; and four, stay involved.
Because, as Mother's Day reminds us, governments don't raise children; parents do. There can
be no substitute for a mother's love or a parent's responsibility.
We, too, in the national and state governments, have a responsibility--to protect
America's children from abuse and neglect. Nothing gives mothers peace of mind like the
knowledge that their children are in safe hands. Today I am also releasing new Justice
Department guidelines for screening child care workers and other care givers; and again I urge
Congress to act on a proposal I put forth to facilitate background checks. There is strong
bipartisan support for this proposal, and I am hopeful that members of both parties will move
quickly to give America's children the care they deserve.
But there is one other thing we must do to protect America's children: fathers must take
responsibility. Children deserve to be raised by both parents; and, when that's not possible,
fathers must provide the child support that's needed. If fathers simply walk away, mothers and
children wind up on the welfare rolls and taxpayers end up paying the bill. That's why my
administration has cracked down on deadbeat dads. Since 1992, we've raised child support
collections by 68 percent.
We have worked too hard for too long toughening enforcement of child support laws to
let our progress be accidentally undone. But that could happen if Congress goes ahead with one
part of bankruptcy reform legislation now under consideration. Under that proposal, when a
father declares personal bankruptcy, a mother may have to compete with powerful banks and
credit card companies for the money they're owed. We all know who will lose that contest:
America's children. Fathers have to step up to their responsibilities and so does Congress. Some
changes to the consumer bankruptcy laws are in order, but mothers and children shouldn't have
to stand in line for the support they need.
America's mothers hold a special place in our hearts. In return, let us give them the love
and respect they have given us. On Mother's Day, we do so with cards and bouquets. But today
and every other day, we should also do everything in our power to give America's mothers the
peace of mind they so deeply deserve.
002
05/06/98 WED 12:56 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DRAFT
Contact:
Michael Kharfen
(202) 401-9215
HHS HELPS PARENTS CHOOSE AND STATES BETTER INFORM PARENTS ON QUALITY
CHILD CARE
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today released a new, practical and easy-to-use guide for
parents to choose quality child care providers and a brochure for states on improving consumer education
to parents. Both were announced by President Clinton in his message for Mother's Day. The guide,
named "Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care Provider", will be available on the world wide web and
distributed to states and communities to share with parents. The brochure, entitled "Reaching Parents
with Child Care Consumer Education" will be sent to states and available on the web.
"As President Clinton says, no parent should have to choose between the job they need and the
children they love," said Secretary Shalala. "Millions of America's working parents struggle each with
three basic questions about child care: can I find it? can I afford it? and can I trust it?"
"This handy and helpful guide can give parents more confidence in selecting the best child care
provider for their kids," Shalala added. "The valuable information we provide to the states will help
ensure that parents learn the who, where and how of getting good child care."
The "Four Steps" guide suggests a simple, basic approach to selecting a quality child care
provider: interview the potential caregiver, check references, make the decision for quality care and stay
involved with the caregiver. Each step has a list of easy to follow questions for parents to ask and check
off to learn about how the potential provider interacts with children, responds to parents, ensures proper
health and safety standards, is affordable, and meets any special needs of their children. There are also
toll-free numbers for more information on health and safety and to find a local child care resource and
referral program.
A February 1998 report by the HHS Inspector General found that "most [states] were not able to
provide sufficient consumer education" for parents to decide on quality child care programs. HHS's new
guide to states provides successful examples and useful recommendations to states and child care
administrators on efforts to inform parents better on how to their assess their child care needs, locate
services, obtain subsidies for income eligible families, evaluate quality and choose the best, appropriate
care for their children. The guide contains examples of effective public awareness campaigns, use of the
world wide web and toll free telephone numbers, information resources, and state initiatives to enhance
child care quality.
The availability of quality child care is a challenge for parents to find. A survey of parents
revealed that 62 percent of working parents report major problems finding quality child care to meet
their needs. A study on quality and cost of child care in several states found that only 1 out of 7 child
care programs met an acceptable level of quality. Another reported that 13 percent of regulated and 50
percent of non-regulated care were found to provide inadequate care. Most importantly, a continuing
study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, shows that there is a direct
connection between higher quality care and better cognitive development for children.
"Though states are making investments to help improve the quality of care, most are using funds
to provide as many child care spaces as they can." Golden added, "The 'Four Step' guide and the
consumer education brochure for states won't go out of date to help parents find quality child care."
003
05/06/98 WED 12:57 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
DRAFT
Early this year, President Clinton proposed an historic investment in child care for America's
working families. The unprecedented $21.7 billion program will expand subsidies for low income
working families, increase tax credits for middle income families and provide resources to states and
communities to enhance and ensure that parents have quality choices in child care providers. The
President's plan gives parents flexible options to choose a child caretaker in their home, in a
neighborhood home or a center. There are 10 million children eligible for federal subsidies, yet only 1
million children receive support. With 70 percent of America's mothers in the work force, working
parents are desperately in need of help to continue to support their kids and have safe, healthy places for
their children for part of the day.
"Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care Provider" and "Reaching Parents with Child Care
Consumer Education" can be found on the world wide web at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov For the toll-free
number for a nearby child care resource and referral program, call Child Care Aware at (800) 424-2246.
For more information on health and safety in child care programs, call the National Resource Center for
Health and Safety in Child Care at (800) 598-KIDS.
###
05/06/98 WED 14:53 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
002
Interview
Four Steps to Selecting
Check References
a Child Care Provider
Make the Decision
Stay Involved
1. Interview Caregivers
Call First
Ask
Is there an opening for my child?
Do you provide transportation?
What hours and days are you open and
Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch,
where are you located?
dinner, snacks)?
How much does care cost? Is financial
Do you have a license, accreditation, or
assistance available?
other certification?
How many children are in your care?
When can I come to visit?
What age groups do you serve?
Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)
Look for
Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions
A variety of toys and learning materials,
between caregiver and children.
such as books, puzzles, blocks, and
Children who are happily involved in
climbing equipment, that your child will
daily activities and comfortable with their
find interesting and which will contribute
caregiver.
to their growth and development.
A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and
Children getting individual attention.
outdoor environment, especially
napping, eating and toileting areas.
Ask
Can I visit at any time?
Where do children nap? Do you know
How do you handle discipline?
that babies should go to sleep on their
What do you do if a child is sick?
backs?
What would you do in case of an
What training have you (and other
emergency?
staff/substitutes) had?
Are all children and staff required to be
May I see a copy of your license or other
immunized?
certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up
May I have a list of parents (current and
caregiver?
former) who have used your care?
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Child Care Bureau
05/06/98 WED 14:53 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
003
2. Check References
Ask other parents
Was the caregiver reliable on a daily
Was the caregiver respectful of your
basis?
values and culture?
How did the caregiver discipline your
Would you recommend the caregiver
child?
without reservation?
Did your child enjoy the child care
If your child is no longer with the
experience?
caregiver, why did you leave?
How did the caregiver respond to you as
a parent?
Ask the local child care resource and referral program or licensing office
What regulations should child care providers meet in my area?
Is there a record of complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find
out about it?
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
From what you heard and saw, ask yourself
Which child care should I choose so that
Is the child care available and affordable
my child will be happy and grow?
according to my family's needs and
Which caregiver can meet the special
resources?
needs of my child?
Do I feel good about my decision?
Are the caregiver's values compatible
with my family's values?
4. Stay Involved
Ask yourself
How can I arrange my schedule so that I
How can I work with my caregiver to
can
resolve issues and concerns that may
- talk to my caregiver every day?
arise?
- talk to my child every day about how
How do I keep informed about my child's
the day went?
growth and development while in care?
- visit and observe my child in care at
How can I promote good working
different times of the day?
conditions for my child care provider?
- be involved in my child's activities?
How can I network with other parents?
These steps are only the beginning. Gather as much information as possible to help you find the
best care for your child. To find the Child Care Resource and Referral Program nearest you, call
Child Care Aware: (800) 424-2246. For more complete guidelines on health and safety in child
care, call the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care: (800) 598-KIDS (5437).
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
Booklet, "Reaching Parents with Child Care Consumer Education," 20 pages
REACHING
P
ARENTS
WITH CHILD CARE
CONSUMER EDUCATION
HUMAN
SERVICES
UNA
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
:
Administration for Children and Families
INTERESTED
Child Care Bureau
Interview
Four Steps to Selecting
Check References
a Child Care Provider
Make the Decision
Stay Involved
1. Interview Caregivers
Call First
Ask
Is there an opening for my child?
Do you provide transportation?
What hours and days are you open and
Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch,
where are you located?
dinner, snacks)?
How much does care cost? Is financial
Do you have a license, accreditation, or
assistance available?
other certification?
How many children are in your care?
When can I come to visit?
What age groups do you serve?
Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)
Look for....
Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions
A variety of toys and learning materials,
between caregiver and children.
such as books, puzzles, blocks, and
Children who are happily involved in
climbing equipment, that your child will
daily activities and comfortable with their
find interesting and which will contribute
caregiver.
to their growth and development.
A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and
Children getting individual attention.
outdoor environment, especially
napping, eating and toileting areas.
Ask
Can I visit at any time?
Where do children nap? Do you know
How do you handle discipline?
that babies should go to sleep on their
What do you do if a child is sick?
backs?
What would you do in case of an
What training have you (and other
emergency?
staff/substitutes) had?
Are all children and staff required to be
May I see a copy of your license or other
immunized?
certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up
May I have a list of parents (current and
caregiver?
former) who have used your care?
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
"
Administration for Children and Families
DEPARTMENT
Child Care Bureau
2. Check References
Ask other parents
Was the caregiver reliable on a daily
Was the caregiver respectful of your
basis?
values and culture?
How did the caregiver discipline your
Would you recommend the caregiver
child?
without reservation?
Did your child enjoy the child care
If your child is no longer with the
experience?
caregiver, why did you leave?
How did the caregiver respond to you as
a parent?
Ask the local child care resource and referral program or licensing office
What regulations should child care providers meet in my area?
Is there a record of complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find
out about it?
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
From what you heard and saw, ask yourself
Which child care should I choose so that
Is the child care available and affordable
my child will be happy and grow?
according to my family's needs and
Which caregiver can meet the special
resources?
needs of my child?
Do I feel good about my decision?
Are the caregiver's values compatible
with my family's values?
4. Stay Involved
Ask yourself
How can I arrange my schedule so that I
How can I work with my caregiver to
can
resolve issues and concerns that may
-
talk to my caregiver every day?
arise?
I
talk to my child every day about how
How do I keep informed about my child's
the day went?
growth and development while in care?
-
visit and observe my child in care at
How can I promote good working
different times of the day?
conditions for my child care provider?
-
be involved in my child's activities?
How can I network with other parents?
These steps are only the beginning. Gather as much information as possible to help you find the
best care for your child. To find the Child Care Resource and Referral Program nearest you, call
Child Care Aware: (800) 424-2246. For more complete guidelines on health and safety in child
care, call the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care: (800) 598-KIDS (5437).
PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CHILD CARE AND
GIVE PARENTS PEACE OF MIND
This weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate Mother's Day and take time to recognize the
critically important role that mothers play in the lives of their children. To give our nation's mothers
the peace of mind they deserve, President Clinton today announced new steps to help parents choose
safe, appropriate child care and again urged Congress to take action on child care legislation this
year.
The President Announced New Justice Department Report to Help Protect Children in Child
Care. The Justice Department report is designed to help protect children, the elderly and the
disabled from abuse and neglect in care. Although the vast majority of child care providers are
dedicated to the teaching and nurturing of children, one tragedy in child care is too many.
Background checks are an important way to ensure that the people watching our children are fit for
this responsibility. Guidelines for the Screening of Persons Working with Children, the Elderly and
Individuals with Disabilities in Need of Support offers practical guidance for screening potential
caregivers and makes recommendations for developing statewide screening and background check
policies. The new report underscores the need for the National Crime Prevention and Privacy
Compact, which the President transmitted to Congress last fall, has strong bipartisan support, and
now awaits congressional action. The Compact will facilitate effective background checks on child
care providers by eliminating state law barriers to the sharing of criminal history information for
non-criminal purposes.
The President Announced New HHS Efforts To Help Parents Choose Child Care. Studies
confirm that consumer education is a key ingredient to child care quality. Today, HHS releases two
documents to help parents get the information they need to choose child care that is right for their
children:
New guide will help parents select high quality child care. The guide recommends four
simple steps for parents in choosing child care: (1) interview the potential caregivers; (2)
check references; (3) evaluate how the caregiver meets your child's needs; and (4) stay
involved. The guide will be available to parents through the Internet.
New report highlights model consumer education efforts in the states and urges greater
action. The new report, Reaching Parents with Child Care Consumer Education, will help
states improve parent education. It highlights successful state approaches and makes
recommendations to states and child care administrators on ways to provide information to
parents on how to assess their child care needs, locate services, obtain subsidies for income-
eligible families, evaluate quality, and choose the best, appropriate care for their children.
The President Urged Congress to Protect Child Support Collection. The President called on
Congress to join him in opposing a provision in proposed bankruptcy reform legislation that may
undermine the ability of single parents to collect child support and alimony. The Administration
supports responsible bankruptcy reform, but under one bill in the House of Representatives, some
parents who try to collect child support from former spouses who file for bankruptcy could find
themselves in competition with large credit card companies. Since 1992, child support collection
has increased by 68 percent, and the President is committed to safeguarding that important progress.
The President Called for Congressional Action on Child Care. Millions of Americans, struggling
to be both good parents and good workers, rely on child care and after-school programs for part of
each day. As part of his balanced budget request, the President called for significant new
investments in child care to help working families pay for child care, build a good supply of after-
school programs, improve the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning. Today, the
President renewed his call on Congress to put aside partisan differences and take action on child care
this year.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 7, 1998
TAPED WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS
DATE:
May 8, 1998
LOCATION: Oval Office
TIME:
9:30 AM
FROM:
Bruce Reed
Megan Moloney
I.
PURPOSE
In honor of Mother's Day this Sunday, you will discuss
how all Americans must take responsibility for the care
of our children -- through protecting child support
collection and taking action on child care.
II.
BACKGROUND
Your Mother's Day radio address provides an opportunity
to focus on child care, urge congressional action, and
make two announcements aimed at giving parents greater
peace of mindon child care:
(1)
Background Checks for Child Care Workers: You will
release Department of Justice guidelines for
screening child care workers and other caregivers,
designed to reduce the incidence of abuse by care
providers. This report demonstrates the need for
the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact,
which you transmitted to Congress last fall and
which now awaits congressional action. The
Compact is designed to facilitate effective
background checks on child care providers by
eliminating state law barriers to the sharing of
criminal history information for non-criminal
purposes.
(2)
Parent Education on Child Care: You will release
two HHS documents: a new guide for parents on what
to look for in choosing quality child care, and a
report for states on improving child care consumer
education.
You will also make a statement on pending bankruptcy
reform legislation and the Administration's opposition
to one aspect of a bill in the House of
Representatives. Under this provision, certain credit
card debts would be nondischargeable under Chapter 7
and thus elevated to the same priority as taxes,
educational loans, and child support and alimony.
Former spouses could find themselves in competition
with large credit card companies to receive their
family support. Your advisers recommend strong
opposition to this provision; however, such opposition
should not be seen as inconsistent with our support for
responsible bankruptcy reform.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
Briefing
(9:15-9:30 am)
The President
Rahm Emanuel
Ann Lewis
Bruce Reed
Jen Klein
Jeff Shesol
Nicole Rabner
Radio Address
(9:30 am)
The President
Megan Moloney
Rebecca Cameron
White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Staff
White House Television (WHTV)
White House photographer
Approx. 30 guests (see attached for list)
IV.
PRESS PLAN
The ABC, AP, C-CPAN, CBS, NBC/Mutual/Westwood One, NPR,
UPI, USA, American Urban Radio and Standard News
networks will carry the address in its entirety to
their thousands of stations across the country this
Saturday at 10:06 AM ET.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
Briefing
Deliver Radio Address
Greet Guests
VI.
REMARKS
To be forwarded by the Office of Speechwriting
Clinton Presidential Records
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of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
Sention
GUIDELINES
FOR THE SCREENING
OF PERSONS WORKING
WITH CHILDREN,
THE ELDERLY,
AND INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES
IN NEED OF SUPPORT
OTDP
Possible Mother's
Day
APR. 28' 98 (TUE) 11:38
OASPA NEWS DIV
TEL: 202 690 6247
P. 002
HHS NEWS
DRAFT #91
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Kharfen
(202) 401-9215
HHS HELPS PARENTS CHOOSE QUALITY CHILD CARE
Public/Private Partnership with Gerber Foods will make information
available to millions of parents
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala joined First Lady Hillary
Clinton at the White House today to release a new, practical and
easy-to-use guide for parents to choose quality child care
providers. The guide, named "Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care
Provider," will be available on the world wide web and distributed
to states and communities to share with parents. In a continuing,
successful public/private partnership with Gerber Foods, an
abbreviated version of the "Four Steps" will be printed on Gerber
cereal boxes that will reach an estimated 4 million homes.
Early this year, President Clinton proposed an historic
investment in child care for America's working families. The
unprecedented $21.7 billion program will expand subsidies for low
income working families, increase tax credits for middle income
families and provide resources to states and communities to enhance
and ensure that parents have quality choices in child care
providers. The President's plan gives parents flexible options to
choose a child caretaker in their home, in a neighborhood home or a
center. There are 10 million children eligible for federal
subsidies, yet only 1 million children receive support. with 70
percent of America's mothers in the work force, working parents are
desperately in need of help to continue to support their kids and
have safe, healthy places for their children for part of the day.
"As President Clinton says, no parent should have to choose
between the job they need and the children they love," said
Secretary Shalala. "Millions of America's working parents struggle
each day with three basic questions about child care: can I find
it? can I afford it? and can I trust it?"
"This handy and helpful guide can give parents more confidence
in selecting the best child care provider for their kids," Shalala
added.
The "Four Steps" guide suggests a simple, basic approach to
selecting a quality child care provider: interview the potential
caregiver, check references, make the decision for quality care and
stay involved with the caregiver. Each step has a list of easy to
follow questions for parents to ask and check off to learn about how
the potential provider interacts with children, responds to parents,
- More -
APR. -28' 98 (TUE) 11:38
OASPA NEWS DIV
TEL: 202 690 6247
P. 003
-
2 - DRAFT #91
ensures proper health and safety standards, 16 affordable, and meets
any special needs of their children. There are also toll-free
numbers for more information on health and safety and to find a
local child care resource and referral program.
A recent report by the HHS Inspector General cited that there
is a shortage of consumer information for parents to decide on
quality child care programs.
"We are very thankful to Gerber Foods for their continuing
commitment to sharing important information for children and
parents. We're very excited that millions of parents will have easy
access to this helpful guide to choose child care by merely reading
the Gerber cereal box," said Shalala. HHS has had a successful
partnership with Gerber Foods to promote childhood immunization.
A continuing study by the National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development shows that there is a direct connection
between higher quality care and better cognitive development for
children. But at the same time, many surveys have found that
quality care is hard to find. A study by the Family and Work
Institute reported that 13 percent of regulated and 50 percent of
non-regulated care were found to provide inadequate care. A four-
state survey by the University of Colorado at Denver found that only
1 out of 7 child care programs met an acceptable level of quality.
"our recent report on state child care plans shows clearly that
states have set income levels for assistance that exclude working
families who are struggling to get by," said Olivia A. Golden, HHS
assistant secretary for children and families. "States are working
hard to meet the child care needs of families moving from welfare to
work, but they don't have enough money to help the low-income
working families who need it."
"Though states are making investments to help improve the
quality of care, most are using funds to provide as many child care
spaces as they can." Golden added, "This "Four Step" guide won't go
out of date to help parents find quality child care."
"Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care Provider" can be found on
the world wide web at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov. For the toll-free
number for a nearby child care resource and referral program, call
Child Care Aware at (800) 424-2246. For more information on health
and safety in child care programs, call the National Resource Center
for Health and Safety in Child Care at (800) 598-KIDS.
###
Note: HHS press releases are available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.hhs.gov.