WASHINGTON (AP) — Federally subsidized child care providers will now have to conduct criminal background checks on their workers under new legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Obama says the law will improve safety and the quality of child care, plus give working parents more peace of mind. His remarks came as he signed the bill in the Oval Office Wednesday.
Obama says the law shows Democrats and Republicans can be united when it comes to kids. Lawmakers gave final approval to the law Monday in a rare bipartisan agreement.
It's the first revamping of the government's chief child care program in nearly two decades.
Under the program, low-income parents receive vouchers to help pay daycare costs at a provider's home or at centers.
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