About
Children's Resource and Referral
Referral
and Complaint Policy
Parents' Rights & Responsibilities
Identifing Child Care Needs
How to Choose a Child Care Center
How to Locate & Choose Quality Child Care
As a parent, you have certain rights and also certain responsibilities for your child's well-being while s/he is in child care.
You Have The Right...
- to have your child cared for in a safe place, where you feel comfortable with the provider and the environment;
- to choose who will care for your child, whether it is license-exempt care, such as a neighbor, friend, or relative, or licensed care such as family child care home or a center;
- to change your child care provider whenever you feel it is necessary;
- to visit any child care setting unannounced whenever your child is there;
- to report to Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing, or other appropriate authorities, any complaint you haven’t been able to resolve with the caregiver;
- o access information on the background of the child care provider or facility you choose. State law requires licensed day care facilities to make accessible to the public a copy of any licensing report pertaining to the facility that documents a visit of a substantiated complaint investigation.
You Have The Responsibility...
- to learn how to assist and participate in your child’s education, beginning in the infant/toddler years;
- to select a child care arrangement and environment that is age appropriate, safe and a provider who is caring;
- to check your child care situation continually to be sure your child receives the kind of care you request.
Most importantly...listen to your child. Always ask your child how his/her day was. Monitoring by government agencies can never replace this communication.
NOTE: STATE LAW PROHIBITS CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, MENTAL ABUSE, AND/OR ANY PUNISHMENT ASSOCIATED WITH FOOD, REST, OR TOILET TRAINING, EVEN WITH PARENT'S PERMISSION.
Family Child Care Home Licensing Regulations
Each family child care provider operates a unique business. Rates may vary according to the age of the child, number of children per family, number of hours of care, time of day, and the type of program provided. All must meet minimum state standards of adult to child ratios as follows:
- Criminal record statement (one for each adult residing on premises of home and each adult provider 18 years of age or older)
- Fingerprints for all adults over 18 years of age living in the home
- TB clearance for all adults caring for children
- Fire and safety standards for the home
- Prohibition of all physical and humiliating punishment
- Training requirement of 15 hours of Health & Safety training
- Small License capacity: providers can care for 6 children with no more than 3 under two years old, or only 4 children all under age two.
The school-age plus option (SB265) allows child care providers to have 2 additional school-age children (6 years and older) if: a) no more than 2 infants are cared for; b) parents are notified of this option in writing.
- Large License capacity: providers can care for 12 children with no more than 4 under age two. An aide must be present for 7 or more children. The school-age plus option (SB265) allows child care providers to have 2 additional school-age children if (a) no more than 3 infants are cared for; b) parents are notified of this option in writing.
- Formal training is optional. However, many providers have completed some training. Ask about the provider’s educational background and experience.
What To Look For In a Licensened Child Care Setting
- Is the setting clean enough for health standards but relaxed enough for children's activities?
- What activities are planned for the children and is there enough room for indoor and outdoor play?
- Are there adequate toys and games appropriate to your child's developmental level?
- Will meals be provided? Is there a charge? How is the food that parents provide going to be stored and served? Is the provider on a Child Care Food Program? Are menus posted?
- How many other children will be cared for? What are their ages?
- How will the child be cared for when he or she becomes ill?
- How will the child be disciplined? Are discipline policies consistent with your values?
- Are staff actively engaged with children? Are they willing to share information with you about your child's day?
- Do children appear to be happy in the environment? Observe how staff assists children who need re-direction, support or assistance.
- Ask what type of training, experience and education the caregiver has.
Family Service Agency