Many parents at one time or another need help with child care. Locating and securing high quality child care can improve the quality of life for children and their parents. When quality child care is in place, parents have “peace of mind” – knowing that their child’s life is being enriched during the hours they are apart from each other. Parents seeking child care have many options: family child care homes, employer sponsored child care, child care centers, nannies, and mother’s morning out programs are a few. Whatever the choice, parents need to be knowledgeable about the choice they make.
Look for child care as intentionally, carefully, and thoroughly as you would the perfect family car. Safety is paramount. Does the center meet and exceed state health and safety standards? Do you see fire extinguishers? Are cleaning supplies within children’s reach? Is the furniture in the classroom designed for children? This is just the tip of the iceberg. Finding quality child care is not a quick or easy task. It will require effort on your part, but your child is worth it. Remember, the first years of your child’s life are crucial ones. Children who are nurtured and stimulated during these years are much more prepared for formal reading and math, and are more likely to have the social skills they need when it is time for kindergarten.
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Child Development
No two children are alike; therefore, no children develop at the same rate. Although children develop at their own pace, there are benchmarks that tell us what an infant or toddler might be able to do during certain age ranges. Pediatricians, early childhood teachers, and other professionals use these benchmarks to determine whether a child is developing normally.
There are many factors that contribute to normal child development, such as:
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
There are many factors that contribute to normal child development, such as:
- Pre and postnatal care set the stage for the child’s development
- Knowledge of the primary caregiver regarding child development
- Proper nutrition
- Talking to and reading to the child prepares him/her to develop language and fosters an interest in reading
- Surroundings that engage the infant, such as a mobile above the crib and other environments that allow the child to use all of his/her senses
- Allowing the toddler to play with manipulatives such as blocks, puzzles, and objects that move to help develop cognitive abilities
- A nurturing and loving caregiver who allows the child to explore and learn about his/her surroundings in a safe and supportive environment.
Keep in mind that children grow at their own pace. Some children will walk or talk sooner than others. Some children take longer to toilet train than others. If you have any questions about your child’s development, consult with your child’s pediatrician.
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Understanding the Types of Childcare in SC
In your quest for quality child care, don’t forget that all child care centers are not created equal. In South Carolina, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is the regulatory agency for child care facilities. This agency is responsible for ensuring that minimum standards are met. DSS issues a license or registration to child care facilities that meet those standards. Below is a summary of some of the more significant regulations, for more details visit www.state.sc.us/dss/childcare .
DSS recognizes four types of child care (Note: child care centers that operate four or fewer hours per day are exempt from licensure)
1. Family Child Care Home (FCCH) – FCCH may provide care for up to six (6) children at any given time. Registration or licensure is required if a person provides care to more than one unrelated family of children on a regular basis (more than two days a week and more than four hours a day).
2. Group Child Care Home (GCCH) – GCCH applies to facilities operating with a capacity from seven (7) to twelve (12) children, and may care for (8) children without an additional caregiver. When the attendance reaches nine or there are more than three children under the age of 24 months, an additional caregiver must be present at all times. In addition, an emergency backup person not included in the staff to child ratio must be available. A GCCH must be located in the residence of the operator.
3. Child Care Center (CCC) – CCC applies to facilities operating with a capacity of 13 or more children. The center must be approved or licensed (definitions listed below) if the program operates more than four hours a day and more than two days a week. Programs that operate less than four hours a day may keep children during school vacations and holidays and may be exempt from licensing.
4. CCC or GCCH Sponsored by a Religious Entity – These centers may choose to be licensed or registered. (see below)
Registered, Licensed, and Approved Child Care
DSS can assign one of the three types of operating titles to child care facilities. They are as follows:
Registered – The child care facility must meet certain basic DSS regulations as required by DSS. The requirements include: Fire Inspection, Health/Sanitation Inspection, State and Federal fingerprint checks, CPR/First Aid certification, and Zoning Approval.
Licensed – The child care facility receives a written notice from DSS approving the commencement of operations. The requirements include: Management, Administration, Staffing, Supervision, Health, Sanitation, Safety, Physical Site, and Meal Requirements
Approved – Applies to child care facilities that are publicly funded with federal, state, county, or city money. They must meet the same requirements as a licensed child care facility.
For more information about the specific requirements and regulations - see DSS's Guide to Key Regulations.
Advocates for Better Care (ABC)
South Carolina parents who meet established income guidelines may be eligible for assistance with the cost of their child care through the ABC Child Care Program. Income eligible parents must be working, in school, or in a training program. Some ABC approved providers choose to become "Enhanced" providers. These providers voluntarily choose to meet higher standards than the state's regulatory requirements.
Parents participating in the ABC Child Care Program may choose who they want to provide their care. The program offers parents a variety of choices for receiving child care services and makes child care more affordable. For more information call 1-800-476-0199.
Contributing Authors - Carolyn Gibson and Barbara Manoski, Spartanburg County First Steps
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
DSS recognizes four types of child care (Note: child care centers that operate four or fewer hours per day are exempt from licensure)
1. Family Child Care Home (FCCH) – FCCH may provide care for up to six (6) children at any given time. Registration or licensure is required if a person provides care to more than one unrelated family of children on a regular basis (more than two days a week and more than four hours a day).
2. Group Child Care Home (GCCH) – GCCH applies to facilities operating with a capacity from seven (7) to twelve (12) children, and may care for (8) children without an additional caregiver. When the attendance reaches nine or there are more than three children under the age of 24 months, an additional caregiver must be present at all times. In addition, an emergency backup person not included in the staff to child ratio must be available. A GCCH must be located in the residence of the operator.
3. Child Care Center (CCC) – CCC applies to facilities operating with a capacity of 13 or more children. The center must be approved or licensed (definitions listed below) if the program operates more than four hours a day and more than two days a week. Programs that operate less than four hours a day may keep children during school vacations and holidays and may be exempt from licensing.
4. CCC or GCCH Sponsored by a Religious Entity – These centers may choose to be licensed or registered. (see below)
Registered, Licensed, and Approved Child Care
DSS can assign one of the three types of operating titles to child care facilities. They are as follows:
Registered – The child care facility must meet certain basic DSS regulations as required by DSS. The requirements include: Fire Inspection, Health/Sanitation Inspection, State and Federal fingerprint checks, CPR/First Aid certification, and Zoning Approval.
Licensed – The child care facility receives a written notice from DSS approving the commencement of operations. The requirements include: Management, Administration, Staffing, Supervision, Health, Sanitation, Safety, Physical Site, and Meal Requirements
Approved – Applies to child care facilities that are publicly funded with federal, state, county, or city money. They must meet the same requirements as a licensed child care facility.
For more information about the specific requirements and regulations - see DSS's Guide to Key Regulations.
Advocates for Better Care (ABC)
South Carolina parents who meet established income guidelines may be eligible for assistance with the cost of their child care through the ABC Child Care Program. Income eligible parents must be working, in school, or in a training program. Some ABC approved providers choose to become "Enhanced" providers. These providers voluntarily choose to meet higher standards than the state's regulatory requirements.
Parents participating in the ABC Child Care Program may choose who they want to provide their care. The program offers parents a variety of choices for receiving child care services and makes child care more affordable. For more information call 1-800-476-0199.
Contributing Authors - Carolyn Gibson and Barbara Manoski, Spartanburg County First Steps
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
5 Steps to Choosing Quality Care
1. Start Early - Start looking as far in advance as possible, even before your baby is born. No matter what type of care you are considering - a child care center or care in someone else's home - finding the right child care option can take some time.
3. Visit and Ask Questions - Visit the child care options you are considering. Find out about these key indicators of quality:
Adult-to-Child Ratio: Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get plenty of attention. The younger your child, the more important this is. Babies need an adult-to-child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants); while four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1:10 (one adult for ten children).
Group Size: Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a group of 25 two-year olds with five adults, compared to a group of 10 two-year olds with two adults. Both groups have the same adult to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would be more like a family?
Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the caregivers' training and education. Caregivers with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Are the caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills? Do they regularly attend classes and workshops?
Turnover: Check how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It's best if children stay with the same caregiver for at least one year. Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on learning new things.
Accreditation: Find out if the child care provider has been accredited by a national organization. Accredited providers have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs.
For more information about the kinds of things to consider, check out the Parent Guide Book developed by the Trident United Way in Charleston, SC.
4. Make a Choice - After visiting several child care options, make the choice that is best for your child and family.
5. Stay Involved - The work isn't over when you find good care for your child. You and your child's caregiver are partners now.
Here are some ways to stay involved:
Contributing Authors - Carolyn Gibson and Barbara Manoski, Spartanburg County First Steps
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
2. Call Resource and Referral - To learn about some of the child care options in your area, call Child Care Resource and Referral of the Upstate, SC at 877-467-4800 or visit http://www.childcarehelpline.org/.
Make sure to ask:
- What are the child care options in my area?
- What are the licensing requirements in my area?
- How can I get information about complaints and licensing violations?
- Are there child care financial assistance programs for which my family may qualify?
- Are there any nationally accredited child care centers in my area?
3. Visit and Ask Questions - Visit the child care options you are considering. Find out about these key indicators of quality:
Adult-to-Child Ratio: Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get plenty of attention. The younger your child, the more important this is. Babies need an adult-to-child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants); while four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1:10 (one adult for ten children).
Group Size: Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a group of 25 two-year olds with five adults, compared to a group of 10 two-year olds with two adults. Both groups have the same adult to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would be more like a family?
Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the caregivers' training and education. Caregivers with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Are the caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills? Do they regularly attend classes and workshops?
Turnover: Check how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It's best if children stay with the same caregiver for at least one year. Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on learning new things.
Accreditation: Find out if the child care provider has been accredited by a national organization. Accredited providers have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs.
For more information about the kinds of things to consider, check out the Parent Guide Book developed by the Trident United Way in Charleston, SC.
4. Make a Choice - After visiting several child care options, make the choice that is best for your child and family.
5. Stay Involved - The work isn't over when you find good care for your child. You and your child's caregiver are partners now.
Here are some ways to stay involved:
- Have parent-caregiver meetings regularly, and ask questions.
- Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating in clean-up days, fixing broken toys, etc.
- Be there for your child's birthday party.
- Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.
- Join in special events, like field trips, Career Day, or other holidays.
Even if you can't get time off from work during the day, you can still check in at drop-off and pick-up times. Ask the caregiver how things are going, and how your child is doing.
Visiting and participating in events at your child's child care sends a strong message. It tells your child and your child's caregiver that you think what your child is doing and learning is important.
Contributing Authors - Carolyn Gibson and Barbara Manoski, Spartanburg County First Steps
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Choosing Child Care for Special Needs Children
Finding child care for a child with special needs can be an overwhelming experience. While there are providers in the Upstate who are willing to work with special needs children, be prepared to invest significant time in finding the right one for your situation.
For purposes of this discussion, the term "special needs" identifies children with physical and/or mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, or Down syndrome.
When exploring child care options for the special needs child, be prepared to ask a lot of questions. ( a list of potential general questions can be found here )- The child care provider will probably have many questions for you, but you should take the lead. Inform the caregiver as much as possible about your child. If you are asked to bring along your child to the meeting, do not hesitate.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 should be of great assistance to you. ADA Title III specifically prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against a person with disabilities on the basis of the disability. Public accommodations include child care centers. Children with a disability and their parents must be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the child care's programs and services. Go to www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm and look for "Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care and the ADA". These questions should help you in your search for quality child care.
Two other websites that address this specific issue are Child Care Choices of Boston and Connect for Kids.
Contributing Author - Paula White, Community Volunteer and Parent
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
For purposes of this discussion, the term "special needs" identifies children with physical and/or mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, or Down syndrome.
When exploring child care options for the special needs child, be prepared to ask a lot of questions. ( a list of potential general questions can be found here )- The child care provider will probably have many questions for you, but you should take the lead. Inform the caregiver as much as possible about your child. If you are asked to bring along your child to the meeting, do not hesitate.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 should be of great assistance to you. ADA Title III specifically prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against a person with disabilities on the basis of the disability. Public accommodations include child care centers. Children with a disability and their parents must be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the child care's programs and services. Go to www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm and look for "Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care and the ADA". These questions should help you in your search for quality child care.
Two other websites that address this specific issue are Child Care Choices of Boston and Connect for Kids.
Contributing Author - Paula White, Community Volunteer and Parent
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Helpful Sites
The following list of links provide a variety of information regarding early childhood development and the care of young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/)
Information concerning children’s health, wellness, and safety.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (http://www.aapd.org/)
Information for parents concerning dental issues.
American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/)
Information on children’s developmental and mental health issues.
Born Learning (http://www.bornlearning.org/)
Gives parents and other caregivers ideas about how to turn everyday experiences into fun learning opportunities.
Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org/en)
Helps parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources.
Child Care Resource and Referral of Upstate, SC (http://www.childcarehelpline.org/)
Information about “how to choose” and evaluate quality child care in the Upstate, plus resources on various parenting issues.
National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (http://www.naccrra.org/) Mission is to ensure that families in every community have access to high-quality, affordable child care.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org/families)
Information about quality child care programs and educational activities that parents can do at home with their children.
National Child Care Information Center (www.nccic.org/index.html)
A national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that links parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.
PBS Parents (www.pbs.org/parents)
Information about child development from birth through the early school years; educational activities to help children get ready for school; and information about PBS KIDS programs.
Scholastic Parents (www.scholastic.com/parents/index.asp)
Articles and activities for each developmental stage of childhood.
SC DSS Division of Child Care Services (www.state.sc.us/dss/childcare/index.html)
Information concerning the state child care regulations.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/)
Information about products (toys, cribs, etc.) that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
ZERO TO THREE (http://www.zerotothree.org/)
Information about the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
Contributing Author - Ida Thompson, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/)
Information concerning children’s health, wellness, and safety.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (http://www.aapd.org/)
Information for parents concerning dental issues.
American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/)
Information on children’s developmental and mental health issues.
Born Learning (http://www.bornlearning.org/)
Gives parents and other caregivers ideas about how to turn everyday experiences into fun learning opportunities.
Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org/en)
Helps parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources.
Child Care Resource and Referral of Upstate, SC (http://www.childcarehelpline.org/)
Information about “how to choose” and evaluate quality child care in the Upstate, plus resources on various parenting issues.
National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (http://www.naccrra.org/) Mission is to ensure that families in every community have access to high-quality, affordable child care.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org/families)
Information about quality child care programs and educational activities that parents can do at home with their children.
National Child Care Information Center (www.nccic.org/index.html)
A national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that links parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.
PBS Parents (www.pbs.org/parents)
Information about child development from birth through the early school years; educational activities to help children get ready for school; and information about PBS KIDS programs.
Scholastic Parents (www.scholastic.com/parents/index.asp)
Articles and activities for each developmental stage of childhood.
SC DSS Division of Child Care Services (www.state.sc.us/dss/childcare/index.html)
Information concerning the state child care regulations.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/)
Information about products (toys, cribs, etc.) that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
ZERO TO THREE (http://www.zerotothree.org/)
Information about the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
Contributing Author - Ida Thompson, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Monday, July 23, 2007
How to Report a Complaint against a Child Care Center
Reports should be made to the local DSS office. The following contact information should be used – or click here for the link to the same information:
Physical Address:
Spartanburg County DSS
Evans Human Resources Center
142 S. Dean Street
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Mailing Address:
P O Drawer 3548
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Telephone:
General Information (864) 596-3001
Physical Address:
Spartanburg County DSS
Evans Human Resources Center
142 S. Dean Street
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Mailing Address:
P O Drawer 3548
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Telephone:
General Information (864) 596-3001
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)