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.