Township sorting out child care oversight

DINGMAN — What’s the difference between a state and locally authorized daycare business? Township supervisors addressed the question because state and local requirements vary. Daycare providers who provide care to more than four children need to have a township permit to operate a business which cannot be in a residential setting. Caring for four or less children is an allowed home occupation. Annette Nelson, a state licensed daycare provider in Dingman, now cares for six children. The state allows up to six children to be cared for in a home under state license. No state license is required for less than six. “If you don’t have a license then there is no criminal background check, no health code regulations to be followed, and no governmental agency inspects the facility. I’m licensed and I have regulations that I must follow or I lose my license,” Nelson said. Child Care Information Services of Pike County Director Jill Gamboni said that the township is in desperate need of daycare providers. “People want smaller providers rather than having to bring their kids to a large facility where they don’t get personalized child care,” said Gamboni. Township Solicitor John Klemeyer said a home occupation daycare business with six children would generate at least two extra vehicles and four extra trips per day. “The state looks at things differently and so the comparison in regulations is not the same. The state is concerned with licensing regulations while we are concerned with the impact allowing more than four children to be cared for would have on the neighborhood,” said Klemeyer. Township Sewage Enforcement Officer Chris Wood suggested that the township might want to consider revising the ordinance to allow up to six children. Supervisors Chairman Tom Mincer told Nelson and Gamboni that he purchased his home in a residential community so the he would not have a business located next door. “There also may be an impact on the septic system because of the extra use it would get by having additional users and this is another concern,” he said. Gamboni asked Mincer if all townships had the same sort of regulations. “All have some regulations regarding home businesses,” Mincer told her. Mincer said he would ask the township planning commission to look into possibly revising the ordinance. Nelson later said she would have to abide by the township ordinance and this will mean closing. “I can’t make enough money providing daycare to fewer children.” She continued on, “I provide quality daycare, the children have to be fed and given snacks, the toys they play with have to be replaced from time to time. There is general wear and tear and I have to be able to make a living.”