Maintaining Quality
Maintaining Quality
There is no absolute guarantee of quality in childcare programs. However, several factors help to assure quality care in regulated programs:
Parent Involvement – As a parent, you are a key to quality childcare. You have the right to drop in at any time to observe the program or to see your child. You will probably see the provider often and have a good idea of how things are going in the program.
Adult-Child Ratios – Regulated programs must limit the number of children each adult cares for based on standards set in the regulations. These standards help to ensure that children are properly supervised and get all the attention they need.
Training and Experience – Regulated childcare providers must have prior experience caring for children and must receive ongoing training in areas such as safety, nutrition, and child abuse prevention.
Regulation and Oversight – Programs regulated by the state Office of Children and Family Services must be licensed or registered. With only a few exceptions, every program that cares for more than two children three hours or more per day must have a license or registration certificate.
To become licensed, providers must be 18 years of age or older, have at least 2 years of experience providing care, be certified in first aid and CPR, go through a background check, 15 hours of health and safety training, and two inspections.
When you visit a regulated child care facility, ask to see the license or registration certificate. You should also check the provider’s history and complaint file by calling the State Office of Children & Family Services at 423-1202 for group family day care homes, or our office at 343-2344 for school age programs and family day care homes.
Inspections – Every licensed childcare program must be inspected at least once before each license renewal. At least 50% of all registered providers are inspected annually.
Complaints – The State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) maintains a statewide, toll-free Child Care Complaint Line at 1-800-732-5207. Anyone can file a complaint of a possible regulatory violation in a day care program by calling this number or the nearest regional OCFS office. If you have any concerns regarding any program, please contact our office at 343-2344.
Rates
The average cost for weekly care (Monday – Friday day time work hours) is $130-150.