Dunn makes children’s safety priority in new daycare protocol passing Assembly today

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly advanced a measure, sponsored by Assemblywoman
Aura Dunn, requiring parents or guardians to notify child care centers of an absence
and vice versa when the center experiences an unexcused absence. It now goes to
the governor for his signature.

From Sesame Street to State Street, Dunn says that advocating for children’s health
and safety has been a constant in her life’s work. Prior to becoming a New Jersey
legislator, Dunn worked as a public affairs executive for Sesame Street and Mr.
Rogers’ Neighborhood.

“We have to remain vigilant to protect our children,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “We can’t let
our guard down while the coronavirus upends normal routines. Many of our safety nets
have disappeared because of disruptions to our schedules. Having an additional layer
of communication in the event something seems amiss in a childcare setting is
common sense when it comes to the safety of little ones.”

During the Assembly Women and Children Committee hearing, members discussed
how busy and distracted caregivers were more likely to forget to drop children off at
daycare and tragically leave them locked in a car. More than half of all hot car deaths
in the last 20 years were accidental.

Dunn’s bill (A3277) would codify policies that currently exist in many childcare centers
and guarantee consistency in communication between parents and facilities across
the state.

“During the state of emergency, parents have declined doctor visits and reports of
child abuse to the state hotline have decreased. We know that the issues of abuse
and neglect haven’t disappeared, but we certainly have less eyes on our children than
we used to,” explained Dunn. “Let’s get this law on the books so we can ensure
everyone has the same expectations and we put the safety of children on the top of
our priority list.”

The Senate unanimously passed the bill (S559) on July 30.