At their Tuesday morning board meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to explore the feasibility of establishing a child care rating system similar to the ones in place for restaurants and nursing homes.

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Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presented the motion, calling for a report on developing a countywide quality rating program for child care providers.

“Parents unknowingly utilize licensed child care homes or day care centers that do not provide quality care,” Antonovich said. “It is vital that parents have the information necessary to make informed decisions on the facilities and providers charged with caring for their children.”

Tony Bell, spokesman for Antonovich, said that while the issue is still in the infancy stages, standards would most likely be based on previous complaints and inspections by Health Department officials.

Criteria might include cleanliness, proximity to hospitals and fire departments, hazards on the property and whether employees and owners have the proper credentials.

The county’s restaurant and nursing home grading systems already in place establish consistent standards and make ratings and inspection reports readily available to the public. In addition, these programs encourage facilities to establish higher standards and better management practices.

Bell said that a child care rating system could similarly include making inspection findings public on the internet.

The feasibility report, which will be developed by the county Office of Child Care, is due before the board within 45 days.

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