Higher Staff Ratios for Childcare Moving Forward

(Des Moines, IA) — Republicans in the Iowa Senate have approved a regulatory change that would allow child care centers to have higher staff-to-child ratios. Republican Senator Jeff Edler of State Center says one person could oversee up to seven two-year-olds. He says they are trying to provide some help as the workforce shortages continue to challenge Iowans. Democrats opposed the move. Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque says the bill is a recipe for disaster and could compromise the safety of children. The bill now goes to the House where members have already begun considering changing the staff-to-child ratios in Iowa childcare centers.