Governor Approves New Day Care Provider Standards

Friday, August 3rd 2007, 10:08 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Brad Henry on Friday approved tough new standards for day care providers in Oklahoma that were proposed by the Commission on Human Services following the death of a 2-year-old boy at an in-home facility in Tulsa.

Among other things, the rules would require day care operators to publicly post information regarding disciplinary actions and investigations involving their facilities, according to a news release from Henry's office. They would also give the Department of
Human Services greater latitude in shutting down questionable child care operations.

"These rules will help us better regulate the day care industry and protect the children and families it serves," Henry said.

The rules, most of which become effective Oct. 1, were approved July 24 and cover more than 5,000 licensed facilities.

DHS has been criticized for not moving more quickly to close a Tulsa day care after its owner, Vicki Chiles, acknowledged spanking an 8-year-old boy April 10 with a flyswatter. Parents of children at the day care also were not told she was being investigated.

DHS workers went to her day care May 17, after Chiles was charged with child abuse, to ask her to close her business. They found her trying to revive Joshua Minton, 2, who died later that day.

Chiles admitted placing masking tape over his mouth and binding his hands because he was whining at nap time, police allege.

She has been charged with first-degree murder.

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