Study: Many Mass. Day Care Centers Deficient

A study has found that about one-third of the state's child care centers that serve low-income communities have serious deficiencies.

The survey of 182 day care centers by the Children's Investment Fund found unsafe play equipment, lack space for active indoor play and poor ventilation that can make children drowsy.

Other problems include poor acoustics that make conversation between teachers and children difficult and facilities that are too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

Mav Pardee, program director for the organization, tells The Boston Globe that day care centers in low-income areas must improve significantly to give children the kind of early development and learning that pays dividends as they mature.

It's especially important since many low-income children spend most of their time at a care center.