Minnesota regulators: More training for home day cares

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials are hoping that a new set of recommendations could help prevent child deaths at in-home day cares.

The state Department of Human Services is calling for more training of home day-care providers and better compliance with safe-sleeping requirements.

The number of deaths in licensed in-home day cares has nearly doubled over the past five years, to almost one per month.

An investigation by the Minneapolis Star Tribune found that 82 of the 85 deaths in licensed child care in the state since 2002 happened in home day cares.

The state’s child-mortality review panel now recommends that day-care providers get more frequent training on safe-sleeping arrangements for infants. The panel also recommends enhanced CPR training.

More recommendations are expected when the panel releases its report next month.