Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law new legislation to help parents make more informed decisions regarding child care.
The law — AB 2036, as introduced by Assemblywoman Patty Lopez — requires online childcare job posting services, which advertise non-licensed caregivers (e.g., nannies and babysitters), to notify customers of California’s TrustLine Registry as well as provide a detailed overview of what is included in their third-party background checks.
Customers may even bring civil action suits against these companies for failing to comply.
“As longtime advocates for safety in childcare, the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network was honored to sponsor AB 2036,” said Cindy Mall, the organization’s Senior Program Manager. “It takes a major step towards protecting children cared for by babysitters or nannies and also gives parents the necessary information, resources and tools to assist in deciding who they will hire and entrust with the important task of caring for their children.”
“When it comes to the safety of our kids, there is no such thing as being too
careful,” Lopez said. “Every parent has a right to know exactly who they are bringing into their home and into their daily lives. [AB 2036] will hopefully offer parents a little added peace of mind.”