Prior to 2012 VA DSS followed standard payment practices by paying for their clients enrollment in care.  When the ECCC systemm was implemented, this changed and now parents must pay if their child has too many absences.  This has resulted in widespread illness in centers as children are brought to school sick.  Parents are placed in impossible positions when balancing what they can pay for and their child's care.  By changing this policy the State of Virginia is putting the health of these children at risk.  There are many legitimate reasons why a child's absences may exceed the number allowed and most have nothing to do with just not showing up!  And if that were the case, there are checks and balances in place to make sure that gets reported promptly.