WHAT IS A GOOD CHILD CARE PROGRAM?

Quality child care offers the child healthy, social and educational experiences under qualified supervision in a safe, nuturing, and stimulating environment.  In such a center, children not only are well cared for but also participate in daily activities appropriate for their ages and individual development levels.  Through these activities each child will have the opportunity to develop many skills, learn to get along with others, and build independence self-respect.

To provide a child with a sense of security, child care centers should provide a daily schedule that has some flexibility.  These are not required by Florida law.

*     Children - including infants and toddlers - have easy access to safe toys kept for them on open shelves.

*     There are age-appropriate toys and games to build eye-hand coordination such as grasping toys for infants; nesting cups for toddlers; and puzzles, small building toys, and safe scissors for older children.

*     Building toys, such as blocks and other accessories are added to enhance imaginary play.

*     Soft toys and dolls, toy dishes, and dress-up clothes are available for imaginary play.

*     Varied experiences with language and books are provided.

*     Activities are children initiated but teacher facilitated.

*     Time to run, exercise, and develop coordination.

*     Time for art activities and puzzles.

*     Field trips to local parks, libraries, museums, firehouses, etc.

*     Active and quiet play.

*     Clean sand and water are available for play outdoors and sometimes indoors.

*     Organized and free activities.

*     Space is provided for children to play alone or in small groups, protected from pressure and competition of other children.

*     Children's artwork is displayed where it is visible to children.

*     Time for meals and snacks.

*     Colorful pictures of everyday things are hung at the child's eye level without the use of sharp objects such as tacks.

*     Sufficient number of trained staff and special time for individual adult attention and interaction.

*     Scheduled rest time.

EVERY LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER SHOULD: (Minimum State licensing requirement) CENTER HOURS:

*     Have a valid license, which bears the distinctive seal of the State of Florida and is posted in a conspicuous place within the center for the parents to see.

*     Adhere to the number of children for which the center is licensed at any given time.

*     Post a schedule of daily activities.

*     Have a working telephone with police, fire, poison control, and rescue numbers posted near the telephone.

*     Know the statewide toll-free telephone number, 1-800-962-2873, for reporting child abuse, and have it posted near all telephones.  Reports of suspected and actual cases of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect received through the Florida Abuse Hotline number are referred to the Department of Children and Family for investigation. 

*     Have no less than the required minimum staff/child ratio for each age level, which is as follows :

This is the state minimum licensing standard.   This standard may not indicate an adequate child/staff ration for quality care.

*     Have a working fire extinguisher and conduct monthly fire drills with children and staff.

*     Have a locked storage place that is out of the reach of children for storing cleansers, poisons, sharp instruments, matches, and other dangerous supplies.

*     Have adequate, safe indoor and outdoor play apace and equipment.

*     Have an adult who is trained in first aid and CPR on the premises at all times.  The center also must have a full-stocked first aid kit.

*     Keep all medication in an area that is inaccessible to children.  Medication must be in the original container and written authorization must be obtained from the parent before medicine can be administered.

*     Have clean, child-sized bathroom facilities, which are appropriate for the age groups served.

*     Post the weekly menu.

*     Have clean cots or mats and cribs so children may rest and nap.

*     Have enough space for children to work and play quietly and actively with materials and equipment.

*     Be accessible and appropriate for children/persons with special needs.

*     Use safety restraints and car seats every time a child is in a car, bus, van, or other moving vehicle.

THE PARENT'S ROLE

Quality childcare involves not only the child but also a close working relationship between the caregiver and parents.  The parent's responsibility in establishing the relationship includes:

*     Providing the center with complete enrollment information including currents home telephone number and numbers where they can be contacted during the day; telephone numbers of two local persons in case of an emergency (friend, neighbor, relative), and names of authorized persons with permission to take the child from the center.

*     Being able to come to the center at any time during operating hours

*     Providing current and up to date immunization and physical records.

*     Telling the caregiver any special needs the child may have, including food allergies or dislikes, procedures for nap times, toilets habits, favorite toys and games.

*     Asking the caregiver about the qualifications and experience of childcare staff.

*     Discussing with the caregiver the center's capacity to provide activities, which meet the needs of all children including those who have special needs.

*     Discussing with the caregiver the center's policy for disciplining children.

*     Asking about childcare transportation policy -- Is it the responsibility of the parents, or does the center provide transportation?

*     Asking about the center's hour of operation (including days and times).

*     Making sure to be on time when picking up children from the center and notifying the center if you are going to be late to pick up the child.

*     Never bring a sick child to the childcare center.

*     Notifying the childcare center if the child is sick or if the family is going out of town and the child will be attending the center.

*     Finding out the cost of childcare and what this includes.

*     Are food, diapers, laundry, toys, educational materials, and trips extra, or are they included in the fee?

*     Finding out what the payment schedule is.  Does the parent pay in advance or at the end of the week?  Is there a registration fee?

*     Making sure children are dressed adequately for the weather and in clean and neat clothing, and that they have an extra set of clothing to change into.