THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 17, 1995 TAG: 9505160135
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
EVERY THREE YEARS, standards for day-care operations change in Virginia because of people like Deborah White, a member of the state's Child Day Care Council.
White, who was appointed to the council recently by Gov. George Allen, says the process of changing standards in the day-care system takes a little more than a year. But the changes are actually implemented every three years.
``There are some things that almost never change, like regulations that affect the well-being of the child,'' she says. ``We make changes in minor things like playground equipment and supply regulations.''
White is the preschool director of the day-care program at Isle of Wight Academy, and she is one of 17 council members who sets standards and regulations for licensed day-care centers in Virginia.
Though council members normally serve four-year terms, White's appointment is valid only through June because she replaced a representative who resigned. She hopes to be reappointed.
``I may not always be in a teaching capacity,'' she says, ``but I will always be working with children in some way.''
Name: Deborah M. White
What brought you to Isle of Wight? My husband, Lloyd, works at the Surry Nuclear Power Plant.
Hometown: Chesapeake
Birthdate: Dec. 20, 1956
Occupation: Preschool and day-care director at Isle of Wight Academy
Marital status: Married for 16 years
Children: Katie, 13, and Laura, 6
Favorite movies: All Disney movies; ``Ghost,'' ``Dirty Dancing'' and comedies
Favorite magazine: Southern Living and Guideposts
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: The Bible. It holds the answers to all problems. I also love to read ``The Cat Who . . . '' books.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a play
Favorite bar or restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite food and drink: Seafood/shrimp and Diet Coke
Few people know . . . that I am working on my master's in education at Regent University.
Worst habit: Pulling and twisting my hair
Pets: Cat named Ricky and a bird named Tweetie
Hobbies: Reading mysteries; crafts; and I'm active in church.
Ideal vacation: Nags Head
Pet peeve: Driving slower than the speed limit
First job: Sales clerk at Rices Nachmans - men's department
Worst job: None
Of what achievements are you most proud? My two daughters, the preschool program at Isle of Wight Academy and my state appointment to the Child Day Care Council.
What would you like as your epitaph? ``Devoted mother and wife who spent her time caring for young children - child-care advocate.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB