HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced proposed child care regulations which include a new approach for increasing immunizations of young children. The new immunization initiative is contained in the notice of the proposed rule for the newly created Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).

"HHS is committed to a comprehensive approach on behalf of our children's health," said Secretary Shalala. "Today's proposed rules for the new child care program provide one more avenue for ensuring that children get all their vaccinations on time."

In spite of substantial progress in childhood immunization, with 90 percent of children having received the most critical vaccines by age 2, nearly a million two-year-olds are still not fully immunized. By age 2, when children should have received most of their vaccines, more than 20 percent of American children are not fully protected against all preventable childhood diseases.

The proposed rule mandates that all children receiving CCDF-funded services be immunized according to standards set by the state health department or an equivalent agency for non-state grantees. This requirement would apply to all child care providers but, in particular, would reach children in legal care that may be exempt from state licensing.

Since such a large percentage of children receiving child care assistance are under 5 years of age, the immunization requirement should have a positive impact in preventing the incidence of infectious diseases among preschool age children.

The proposed regulations will help guide states in the implementation of the new unified child care program included in the new welfare law signed by President Clinton in August 1996. The CCDF rule provides states with the flexibility they need to assist needy families, including families making the transition from welfare to work, and to implement policies which promote child care quality.

Another feature of the proposed regulation is its requirement for child care administrating agencies to coordinate care with public health, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, employment, and education agencies to expand child care opportunities and support efforts to enhance quality.

The rule was published in today's Federal Register. Written comments and suggestions received during the 60-day comment period are encouraged. Comments can also be made on the internet at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/hypernews/. Comments received from state child care agencies will be posted on the web site as a service to the public.

Note: HHS press releases are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/.

Contact: Michael Kharfen (202)401-9215