Miss. mulls child care center rules

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Child care operators worry that new health and safety rules being proposed by Mississippi officials could be costly.

The state Department of Health is moving to update its rules this fall to more tightly regulate subjects such as where infants sleep, how much television a toddler can watch and what kinds of vehicles can be used to haul children.

Officials held a meeting Friday to listen to comments from operators of the 1,683 child care centers that are licensed by the state. A number of operators complain that the new rules will cost them more at a time when their finances are already pinched.

State officials say they're necessary to bring Mississippi in line with recommendations on the best ways to care for children, as well as federal safety standards.