Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan urged the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), John Johnson, to use practical awareness of the housing stock in Ridgewood, Long Island City and other sections of Queens when drafting new guidelines regarding “The Family Day Care Egress Regulation.” The new rules will soon be published in attempt to clarify inconsistencies that have resulted in the regulation's application.
“Because various interpretations of this regulation are being utilized in areas of western Queens, some family day care businesses are being licensed and others are being refused,” Nolan said. “The arbitrary nature of the interpretation means that businesses simply do not know what form of egress is required in order to operate. Families are being forced to turn to unlicensed care to make up this void.”
Nolan is particularly concerned with a provision that impacts the Ridgewood area.
“One aspect of the regulation, which negatively impacts Ridgewood, is that the only backyard egress acceptable is those extending for 50 feet,” she said. “There are a few backyards in Ridgewood which meet this qualification.”
Nolan is also working with OCFS to clarify this situation.
“Caution is certainly required in any application of this guideline because the well-being of children and families which care for them are at stake.”
AARP To Host Meeting For Members Next Week
AARP Chapter # 2889 will hold a meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown.
The church is located at 54-05 Seabury Street in Elmhurst. At the meeting there will be a tango show performed by Robert Browne to provide entertainment to those in attendance.
For more information about the organization or the meeting call (718) 639-8497.
