Requirements for Family Child Care Homes
A family child care home is licensed to care for five or fewer preschool age children, and an additional three school age children. This includes preschoolers living in the home but the provider's own school-age children are not counted (Individuals caring for one or two children are exempt from being licensed.) Licenses are issued to family child care home providers who meet the following requirements:
- Home providers who received a license on or after January 1, 1998 must be 21 years old with at least a high school education or its equivalent, and mentally and emotionally capable of caring for children.
- He or she must undergo a criminal records background check.
- As of March 1998, all household members over age 15 who are present in new family child care homes when children are in care must also undergo a criminal records background check.
- All family child care home providers must have training in child development and CPR each year. They must also have first aid training every three years.
- All family child care homes must meet basic health and safety standards. Providers must maintain verification of children’s immunization and health status. They must provide age-appropriate toys and activities, as well as nutritious meals and snacks for the children in care.
Transportation
Family child care homes providing transportation for children must meet all motor vehicle laws, including inspection, insurance, license, and restraint requirements. Children may never be left alone in a vehicle and child-staff ratio must be maintained.
Records
Homes must keep accurate records such as children's attendance, immunizations, and emergency phone numbers. A record of monthly fire drills practiced with safe evacuation of children must also be maintained.
Discipline
Each program must have a written policy on discipline, must discuss it with parents, and must give parents a copy when the child is enrolled. Changes in discipline policy must be shared with parents in writing before going into effect. Corporal punishment (spanking, slapping, or other physical discipline) is prohibited in all family child care homes and centers. Religious-sponsored programs which notify the Division of Child Development that corporal punishment is part of their religious training are exempt from that part of the law.
Parental Rights
- Parents have the right to enter a family child care home at any time while their child is present.
- Parents have the right to see the license displayed in a prominent place.
- Parents have the right to know how their child will be disciplined.
- The law and rules are developed to establish minimum requirements. Most parents would like more than minimum care.