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

The right child care provider for your child and family. Stay involved; respectfully communicate with your provider if you have any concerns.

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.

State & Federal Funded Programs Early Head Start/ Head Start/ CSPP

• Amador California State Preschool Program. (209) 283-0844
  
  
• Calaveras California State Preschool Program Growing Together- (209) 754-2318
  
  
• Building Bridges- (209) 736-6014
  
  
• Amador Early/Head Start (209)- 223-7333
  
  
• Calaveras Early/ Head Start (209) 754-2000