Tutor Time investigation shines spotlight on childcare worker vetting process
Following an alleged abuse case at a Massapequa childcare center, News 12 takes a closer look at New York's requirements for day care employees and infant-toddler teachers.
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Following an alleged case of abuse involving a 3-year-old at the Tutor Time in Massapequa, attention has turned to the qualifications and training required for people who work in New York childcare centers.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services requires childcare employees to undergo background checks before working in licensed programs. Those checks include fingerprinting, criminal history reviews and child abuse registry checks.
In addition to background screenings, employees must complete 30 hours of training every two years. Required training includes topics such as child development, safety and child abuse prevention.
Jennifer, a mother who says her son was abused at the Lindenhurst Tutor Time last year, believes additional safeguards are needed.
“There absolutely should be training where you talk to the child or do something else before ever laying a hand on them, especially with cameras, too," says Jennifer.
New York also sets qualification standards for lead teachers working with infants and toddlers. Those requirements include an associate's degree and at least one year of experience working with infants and toddlers. Alternatively, a candidate may qualify with as few as nine college credits in early childhood education, along with two years of childcare experience and a plan to earn a degree or approved credential.
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