Two-tiered system about to change

Maine currently has a confusing two-tiered system of ''registered'' and ''licensed'' day-care homes.

Under existing regulations, registered homes are not inspected. Anyone who is at least 18 years old, pays $20 for a two-year registration and passes a fire inspection and criminal background check can get a two-year registration. The state has about 1,500 day-care homes that are either registered or have applications for registration pending.

Licensed homes, by comparison, are supposed to be inspected annually and have a book of regulations to comply with. They pay a $10 fee for a one year license.

There are about 1,600 day-care homes and centers that are licensed.

By July, all new day-care homes must move into a new licensing system that issues one type of certificate for all day-care operators.

The new rules are intended to require all day-care homes to meet the same set of standards. Day-care providers, for example, will have to be certified in first aid and CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and pass a criminal background check. Certified homes will pay a $40 fee.

All the homes will also have to pass inspections by the Department of Human Services and the state Fire Marshal's Office to get a certificate. In addition, the state is supposed to inspect all homes at least once every two years.

Homes already licensed or registered will operate under the old rules until their licenses expire.

By Andrew Garber