Finding Child Care - Amador Referrals - Calaveras Referrals - Choosing CC - Referral/Complaint Policies

CHOOSING CHILD CARE


[Click here for a printable PDF brochure]

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