On another note, if the line was extended officially to include providers, should it include unlicensed providers also? Afterall, they do the same job don't they?[/quote]

I would say no to the unlicensed providers, because in Oklahoma its against the law to operate a childcare without a license. And I'm sorry, but although we don't pay for the actual license, it does cost money to maintain a compliant childcare and I don't think that someone who doesn't take the time to be legal should be given anything that licensed providers are given. However, that would start a whole other issue as I know some states don't require licenses and other states have varying degrees of registration/licensure.