Finding Child Care - Amador Referrals - Calaveras Referrals - Choosing CC - Referral/Complaint Policies
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The right child care provider for your child and family. Stay involved; respectfully communicate with your provider if you have any concerns.
CHOOSING CHILD CARE
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WHAT DOES QUALITY CHILD CARE LOOK LIKE?
- The ways in which a child care provider interacts with young children indicate the quality of care they can give. Look for a provider who: Shows love and respect for the children in their care.
- Is the facility safe, comfortable and clean?
- Is the provider responsive to the child's needs?
- Talks and reads with children every day.
- Are materials easily available to children? Are they appropriate to the different developmental levels of the children?
- Do the children seem happy, secure, and stimulated?
- Are there scheduled times for free play, structured activities, meals, quiet time, naps, and outdoor play?
- Discipline should be positive, clear, consistent, fair and should never include physical punishment.
TYPES OF CHILD CARE SETTINGS
Licensed-Exempt Child Care
- A license-exempt provider does not meet the state's licensing requirements.
- Hours of operation are usually flexible.
- Providers include relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles), other relatives, friends & neighbors.
- Providers can register with TrustLine.
Licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH)
- Licensed and regulated by the State of California.
- Large- cares for up to 14 children and requires an assistant.
- Small- cares for up to 8 children.
- Home setting for children of mixed ages.
- Often flexible schedule including evening, weekend or overnight care.
Child Care Center
- Licensed and regulated by the State of California
- Care Is provided in non-home facilities.
- Staff have Early Childhood Education college units.
FIVE STEPS TO FINDING CARE
Step 1: Be Informed
- Contact your local Resource & Referral agency to learn about your options for child care.
- Contact Community Care licensing to gather information about any substantiated or inconclusive complaints about a child care provider you select. (844) 538-8267
Step 2: Interview Care Providers
- Ask questions about children's care, discipline, and activities.
- What is their experience and/ or education in child care and child development?
- What is the provider's fee, and what does it include?
- Do they have a contract?
- If applicable, do they take child care subsidy payments?
Step 3: Visit and Observe
- Is the facility safe, clean, and comfortable?
- Is there a quiet place for naps?
- How do the children interact with each other?
- Is there the correct number of children per adult? (Small 8 to 1) (Large 14 to 2)
- Are you comfortable with the child-to-adult ratio?
- Listen to the noise level of the room. Joyful noise from the children, respectful attitude towards the kids.
Step 4: Check
- At least two references; ask what they think of the provider and the care their child is receiving.
Step 5: Choose
DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE?
State/ Federal Funded Programs Alternative Payment, CaIWORKS Stages 1, 2 & 3
The Resourece Connection Alternative Payment Programs (209) 754-1075
- Services offered: Vary
- Who Qualifies: Children in families with income below 85% of State Median Income (SMI) guidelines or currently receiving or recently received cash aid assistance
- Requirements: Depending on the program that the family is eligible for the required need may vary.