|
| |
Recommended Family Child Care Standards
Capabilities
These are recommended family child care standards. Many child care providers
already meet many of these standards. Many more are working toward meeting them.
Most communities have a network of resources that are very helpful to providers.
This list is provided as a guideline for parents.
The Provider:
- Is registered with the state.
- Has a current certificate in Infant and Child CPR.
- Has a current American Red Cross or equivalent first aid card.
- Has completed state sponsored child care education; or has accreditation
such as CDA, AA, BA, or BS in early childhood education or child development.
- Has completed at least 15 hours of training related to child care (e.g.,
conferences, workshops, classes).
- Has a backup care giver who has had a criminal record check.
- All other adults in the child care have undergone a criminal record check.
Buildings and Grounds
- There is at least 35 square feet of activity area per child in the home
(excludes kitchen, bathrooms, storage areas, and rooms not used by the
children) .
- The outdoor play area is protected by a fence or some type of barrier.
- Clear glass panels in sliding doors and storm doors are clearly marked.
- Playground equipment is securely anchored into the ground.
- Playground structures are surrounded by a cushioned surface.
- Playground structures do not have sharp edges, or exposed hardware.
- All rooms used by children are adequately lighted and temperature
controlled to protect the children's health.
- Water temperature is no higher than 120 degrees.
- If infants are in care, there is a diaper changing table with a waterproof
surface that can easily be cleaned, and a sink near the diaper changing table
for hand washing after diaper changes. This sink is not used for food
preparation.
- The provider has a container of first aid supplies available for use and
out of the reach of children.
- The provider has a written evacuation plan for use in an emergency that is
posted and practiced at least once per month.
Equipment
The provider has:
-
Play equipment,
materials, and furniture that are child-sized and appropriate to the needs of
children and a sufficient quantity for the number of children in care.
-
Beds, cribs, or mats for
each infant, toddler, preschool age child, and for each school age child who
chooses to nap. Each crib, portable crib, or playpen used by an infant has a
clean, waterproof mattress that fits snugly.
-
Bedding appropriate to
the season for each child.
Program and Care of Children
- The provider is within sight and/or sound of the children at all times.
- The provider gives the children's needs first priority, assuring that they
get adequate care and attention.
- The provider has simple, understandable written rules for discipline so
that expectations and limitations are clear to the child, the parent(s), and
to any other care giver.
- There are activities, materials, and equipment for both indoor and outdoor
play which provide a variety of experiences geared to the ages and abilities
of the child(ren).
- The children's activities allow choice and develop skills based on each
child's age and abilities.
- A balance of active and quiet play is provided, both indoor and outdoors.
- The provider has routines for eating, napping, and toileting, with
flexibility to respond to the needs of each child.
Children's Health and Safety
- If a child becomes ill, he/she is separated from the other children and
the parents contacted immediately and asked to remove the child as soon as
possible.
- lf care givers wash their hands with soap and water before and after
changing a diaper, before feeding a child or handling food, and after
assisting a child with toileting or nose wiping.
- All children wash their hands after toileting or nose wiping, and before
eating.
- Toys and equipment used by children are cleaned and sanitized often.
- Parents are notified if their child is exposed to any contagious disease.
- Foods are stored and maintained at the proper temperature.
- No more children are transported (in a vehicle) than there are seat belts
or child safety systems.
- The provider is extra vigilant during any water activity (e.g., swimming
pool, wading pool, hot tub).
Nutrition
- The choice and quantity of food and eating schedule is appropriate to the
needs of each child in care, based on the guidelines of the USDA Child Care
Food Program.
- When parents provide food for a meal, the provider assures that USDA
standards are met.
- Honey is not served to children under 12 months of age.
Record Keeping
The provider has:
-
Written authorizations from the parent(s) for each child at admission.
-
Authorizations allow the provider to obtain emergency medical treatment
for a child. The emergency medical release is on a form that is accepted by
the medical treatment facility used by the provider for emergency medical
care; call an ambulance or take a child to a doctor or medical treatment
facility; and administer medications or a topical substance to a child.
-
Written authorizations from the parent(s) for a child to participate in
field trips or any water activities.
-
Written record of medications administered listing the child's name, date,
the time of dosage, and the reason the medication was administered.
-
A written agreement between the provider and parents of school age
children on how the children will be transported to and from school.
-
A written agreement between the provider and parents about hours, fees,
and other services.
-
A completed, up-to-date certificate of Immunization Status (shot record)
for each child in care.
|
