Providers at the city’s 52 licensed child care centers face enhanced background checks and lower child-to-provider ratios under new regulations to be considered by the City Council at its meeting today.

The regulation changes, mandated by the federal government, will require a new level of criminal background checks in addition to those already required by the city, Deputy Clerk Kelley Setters said.

Currently, day care providers must pass a background check performed by the city. Under the rule changes, operators must also submit to state screening. Setters said the city could have opted to implement only the state background check but has chosen to continue requiring the city’s screening as well.

“Our Child Care Commission wanted more stringent licensing requirements,” Setters said.

The new regulations also will lower the provider-to-child ratio to one day care worker per 12 children, down from one provider for every 13 kids. The changes, if approved, will be implemented in December.

Setters said providers generally agreed to the changes during a recent workshop with the city’s Child Care Commission.

“They thought it was a great idea,” she said. “They know it is needed.”

There were some concerns raised over the fee increases associated with the state background checks, which will cost day care operators $65 for each child care provider they employ.

State background checks will also be required for employees who have lived in other states during the past five years at a cost ranging from $65 to $95, depending on the state. Background checks must be renewed every five years.

Coeur d’Alene has 435 licensed day care providers in the city, Setter said. In the past two years, roughly eight prospective workers have been denied employment as a result of the background checks.

The City Council will consider the day care regulation changes during its regular meeting this evening at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.

The council also will consider a resolution to enter into a 25-year lease agreement with the Museum of North Idaho for relocation of the museum.