Letter: Distinguish among day care centers
Exterior of M.A.T.S.S. Kids Gym, one of many day care centers on Long Island cited for health and safety violations in a new state report. (May 30, 2013) Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
The article "LI day care troubles" [News, May 31] contains skewed statistical facts, making it appear as though Long Island child care centers are overflowing with violations.
Combining Nassau and Suffolk gives a statistical average of 4.5 violations per child care center on Long Island. A quick check with a calculator finds averages of 14.6 per center in Onondaga and 5.1 in Westchester, the two other counties mentioned.
Of course, there are centers with numerous violations, some serious but some with no more than a piece of missing paperwork. Many have no violations at all. All of this information is available on the state Office of Children and Family Services website. Parents should refer to the site and talk to providers and listen to their own gut feelings when it comes to choosing child care.
Newsday should, of course, report any center with numerous and uncorrected violations. It should also not sensationalize a story at the expense of hardworking providers to fill space in the newspaper.
Linda Ihle, East Northport
Editor's note: The writer is the owner of Country Garden Family Day Care.
