Video: State Web site tracks childcare centers' histories

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SEATTLE - It can be one of the hardest decisions parents have to make: Where to leave their children while they're at work. Now, the state is trying to help parents in their quest for quality childcare.

Parents can find this new information on the Department of Early Learning Web site. Enter the county you live in and the Web site will tell you the complaint history of the childcare center you're considering.

At Bayview Children's Center, frequent hand washing for staff and kids isn't only good practice, it's one of many requirements to keep their license in good standing.

"One of our requirements is that we can only clean with a bleach-water solution," said Jackie Schooley, Bayview Intergenerational Children's Center.

State licensures monitor and keep track of potential violations at all childcare centers. Violations can range from not having a completed first aid kit to more serious allegations.

But finding out if a childcare center has violated any standards has been hard to come by, until now. The Washington State Department of Early Learning has created the licensed child care information system.

Parents can now find all licensed providers in the state online, whether or not they've had any valid complaints and whether they've been resolved. It's a system gaining applause from childcare providers and parents.

"I think it's great access for parents who are looking for quality childcare," said Schooley.

"It's really tough to find childcare and anything that helps the parent get more information about the places that they're thinking about is a good thing," said Myla Causing, parent.

According to the Department of Early Learning, when you look at all the rules that providers have to comply with, it's not uncommon to have a violation.

If you see a complaint and would like more details about the case, you can call the Department of Early Learning and talk with staff.