Program Accommodations

• Providing you with a website address to access, at your convenience, a list of registered or licensed child care providers meeting the criteria you select.
• Providing you with the resources and guidance for evaluating a child care provider.
• Providing you with a Babysitting Exchange list posted outside the program office.
• Upon request, we will assist you in accessing the website and print a list of child care facilities that meet the criteria you select.
• Upon request, we will make initial telephone contacts for you to determine possible openings and provide you with a limited list of potential care providers.

Types of Registered Child Care Available

• An Infant/Family Child Care Home is a private residence providing care on a regular basis for 1-4 infants (under 2 years of age) only with one adult care provider. No other children may be in the home.
• A Family Child Care Home is a private residence providing care on a regular basis for 1-6 children ages 0-12 years old with one adult care provider. Provider is allowed to have no more than three children under the age of 2 in care at any time. Provider may be approved for overlap care for up to 2 children for up to 3 hrs/day.
• A Group Child Care Home is a private residence or other structure providing care on a regular basis for 7 to 12 children ages 0-12 years old with two care providers. Providers are allowed to have no more than 6 children under the age of 2 in care at any time. Providers may be approved for overlap care fo up to 4 children for up to 3hrs/day.
• A Child Care Center provides care on a regular basis for 13 or more children.

How to Find Alternate Programs

Finding the right care can be frustrating, however time spent now finding a suitable child care home may prevent problems later on.

• Step 1: To access a list of registered home child care facilities/centers and information on choosing quality child care go to www.childcareresources.org. You will be able to input the type of care you are interested in, the age of your child, days care is needed, and other criteria important to you. You will then get a list of care providers who meet your criteria.
• Step 2: Call providers to inquire about possible openings for the times you need care. Set up an appointment to visit the homes/centers of your choice.
• Step 3: Review the information on the website "Evaluating a Child Care Provider," or the brochure "How to Choose a Good Child Care Home." Visit the homes/centers and ask questions.
• Step 4: Choose the home/center that best meets your needs and the needs of your child.
• Step 5: Meet with the provider of your choice and complete all enrollment paperwork. Your care provider will need a copy of your child's immunizations record.
• Step 6: Communicate with your care provider often.

What Parents Can Expect

• Care meets minimum standards as outlined in regulations
• The right to visit child without an appointment
• Access to rooms and outside area that are used during program operating hours
• The right to written policies and fee schedule
• The right to be informed about daily routines and activities planned
• The right to be informed immediately of a serious injury
• The right to be informed of changes regarding your child's care

Ways to Support Your Provider

• Assure child is rested, well fed and dressed appropriately for the day
• Drop off and pick up child as scheduled
• Be prompt with payments and considerate of non-working hours
• Adhere to policies
• Appreciate the fact that provider is caring for a group of children and may be dealing with a variety of issues and other parents as well
• Understand provider may not do everything your way. Know that you will need to concede on some issues.
• Communicate about concerns early to avoid resentment