When I connect with childcare owners and providers, we often start by talking about licensing issues, but inevitably everyone wants to talk about UTK and what’s going on with the “single license.” Most folks know about AB2131, which was supposed to eliminate the “toddler component” and eliminate the rule that toddlers cannot commingle with other age-groups. In practice, however, the licensing agency has kept all of the onerous restrictions in place (toddlers still cannot commingle with other age-groups), and the only change the agency has adopted is to give facilities one facility number instead of two or even three.
Many providers want to try to make change but don’t know where to start. I am no lobbyist, but I believe a good first step is simply to try to alert the lawmakers who passed AB2131 that the licensing agency is resisting both the spirit and letter of the law. Such a message is more likely to be heard if it comes from many childcare providers instead of just one. To add your voice or your center’s voice to this petition, just complete and submit the below.
This petition has already been finalized and submitted, so the opportunity to sign has passed. However, if you’d like to help with future efforts, please contact me directly: