Resource and Referral Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Division of Children and Family Services Children s Services Unit Resource and Referral Parent Handbook The Division of Children and Family Services provides quality programs and services that focus on children and families reaching their fullest potential.

2 Table of Contents Welcome... 2 Resource & Referral... 3 Resource & Referral Policies... 4 Child Care Referral Services... 4 Choosing Child Care... 5 Choosing Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care... 7 Choosing Quality School Age Child Care... 9 Oliver s Law Riverside Area Freebies...11 Toddler s Creed Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 1

3 Welcome! Welcome to the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) where children and families are the focus! This handbook was created to assist parents in understanding the broad range of services provided to them through CFS Resource and Referral program. We hope this information is helpful to you. As a parent in our program we want you to be aware of all the services that are available in addition to Resource and Referral. Some of these services are: Subsidized child care Mental health respite child care Centralized eligibility list Parent trainings and conferences Parenting resource information on selected topics If you have any questions or need assistance, please call your assigned child care liaison at the following numbers: Riverside Regional Office 2300 Market Street, Suite 200 Riverside, CA (951) [951] FAX Indio Regional Office Oasis Street Indio, CA (760) [760] FAX Or Countywide toll-free numbers: for Resource and Referral KIDS for Subsidized Child Care 2 Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)

4 Resource & Referral Resource & Referral is an important part of the Division of Children and Family Services. We provide information on how to access quality child care for all families of all income levels, anywhere in Riverside County. Information is available in English and Spanish. Frequently asked questions by parents: How can I find a licensed child care provider near my home, my child s school or my workplace? What kind of care is best for my child? How can I obtain child care? How can I judge the quality of a center or a child care home? Is 24-hour care available? Who can help me pay for my child care? Can I visit a provider/center without an appointment? Are child care providers required to provide transportation? This state and federally funded program assists parents in Riverside County to find quality child care near their home, work, or child s school. The computerized, geographically based program lists over 1,500 licensed centers and family child care homes. Resource and Referral receives over 8,000 child care referral calls every year and over 40,000 requests for technical assistance. Child care referrals are given to any parent who lives in Riverside County from a computerized, geographically base program. The referrals are based on the parent s request: location, type of care, hours and days needed, ages of the children, special needs, etc. The parent is also given a brochure on Choosing Quality Child Care and a checklist on what to look for and questions to ask. Technical assistance calls come in from a wide variety of people: a child care provider may call and ask for assistance in setting up their program, how to become licensed, or how to use the lending library. A community agency might call for regulations pertaining to child care, ask how to help a family get subsidized child care, or inquire about what resources and types of trainings CFS provides. Through Resource and Referral, we also assist with licensing orientations throughout the county, provide conferences and workshops on a wide variety of child development topics, and assist agencies and individuals with all types of resources for young children and their families. Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 3

5 Resource and Referral Policies The Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) believes that parents are best able to choose the child care that meets their particular family situation. It is our goal to provide parents with information on a broad range of child care services in the community and ways to assess these services. CFS will provide information about providers as it is available, but cannot make recommendations. The choice of care remains with the parents. CFS is not responsible for arrangements between parent and provider. CFS strongly recommends that before placing a child in child care, parents exercise their rights and responsibilities to review a potential child care provider s licensing history, which is available at the child care facility. A more complete file, including complaints or violations for licensed programs, may be available at the Community Care Licensing office listed below. You have the right to access any public information in these files. Community Care Licensing (951) Child Care Referral Services Child care referral services are provided free to all parents in Riverside County, regardless of income. CFS makes referrals to licensed public and private child care centers and family child care homes. Referral staff explain child care options in the family s community and provide information on how to choose and evaluate child care services. Each parent receives referrals that are appropriate to the location of the family home, child s school, parent s workplace, age of children, and family income. All referrals reflect a variety of program types available in order to provide a range of choices for the family needing care. Referral staff can assist families who need subsidized programs by referring them to our Alternative Payment Program eligibility staff. Information received from parents in the course of the referral will remain confidential. CFS does not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, sex, or sexual orientation. Child Care Resource and Referral: (800) (County Wide) Children and Family Services: (951) (Riverside) (760) (Desert Areas) 4 Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)

6 Choosing Child Care Each child is an individual with different needs and desires. Some children are happier in a home environment and some are better suited to the larger group setting of a center. The Division of Children and Family Services can assist you in deciding the best alternative for your child. Does your child need much individual attention? A family child care home offers care in a home setting. Is your child comfortable with a number of children? A child care center offers a rewarding group experience. Each home and center is unique in atmosphere and program. You, as a parent, are the person who can best determine what program meets the needs of your child and your family. Points to Consider: Center/Home Is the area large enough for the number of children? Is it safe (fence, gates and repairs)? Is it reasonably clean? How many children is the home/center licensed for? Are parents welcome to visit anytime? Equipment and Materials Are the items appropriate for age level of your child? Is there a variety for different experiences? Providers/Teachers Do they like children and have an understanding of child development? What training or experience do they have? Do they encourage exploration and the desire to learn? Can the provider/teacher care for your child during illness? Fees How much does the care cost and what do the fees cover? Do you pay for absent days and holidays? Meals What types of food are the children fed? Is it nutritious? Is there an extra charge for meals and snacks? Discipline What does the provider/teacher expect of your child? Is the discipline consistent with your ideas? Transportation Is transportation provided to school or appointments? Daily Schedule and Play Activities Will children get fresh air or exercise? Are arts activities, games, literature and music offered? Is TV allowed? How much? Which programs? Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 5

7 Choosing Child Care State Approved Ratios Centers Child care centers are licensed by the state of California. Centers can be located in public, private or religious facilities to provide care for children in a group setting. Centers large and small can offer full or part time infant, preschool or school age programs. Adult** Children 1 4 Infant (birth 24 months) 1 12 Preschool Children (2-5 years) 1 14 School Age Children (5-12 years) **The adults must meet Community Care Licensing qualifications. Family Child Care Licensed family child care is provided in a private home. This arrangement tends to be less formal and usually models a family oriented atmosphere. Small Family Child Care Homes are licensed to provide care for a maximum number of 8 children, including the caregiver s own children under the age of 10. Adult Children 1 4 Infant (birth 24 months) 1 6 Preschool Children (2-5 years) No more than 3 infants 1 8 School Age Children (5-12 years) No more than 2 infants and at lest 2 school age children. Large Family Child Care Homes Licensed to provide care for a maximum number of 14 children, including the caregiver s own children under the age of 10. When care is provided for more than 6 children, an assistant caregiver must be present. Adult Children 2 12 No more than 4 infants (birth-24 months) 2 14 No more than 3 infants and at lest 2 school age children (5-12 years) For more information contact Community Care licensing at (951) Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)

8 Choosing Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care All children should be treated with respect and as individuals. Special qualities should be present in the child care provider and the child care setting for infants and toddlers. The following suggestions can guide you as you observe child care settings to make a choice for your own infant or toddler. These guidelines can aid you in specific areas for the care of very young children. Caregiver Genuinely likes and enjoys infants and toddlers Understands infants and toddlers have individual patterns of behavior and development Engages in positive physical contact with the young child: holds, strokes, carries, hugs, etc. Watches baby for clues to determine when baby is hungry, tired, uncomfortable, bored, or over stimulated and responds to baby s cues Talks to baby and responds to baby s attempts at communication (coos, babbles, new words) Understands parent s needs and is able to communicate to parent about what has occurred during the time the baby is in child care Environment Safe for age of the child Arranged to promote the growth of the baby by providing a challenging environment Clean, comfortable and pleasant surroundings A quiet place provided for sleep Equipment and space to encourage muscle development Supervised by an adult at all times when baby is awake or asleep Feeding Babies are fed nutritious food according to current nutritional guidelines provided by the parents and recommendations by the baby s doctor Attention is paid to the baby s hunger cues rather than a strict schedule for feedings New foods are introduced to promote variety and development of new skills At the appropriate age the baby is encouraged to feed himself with fingers, cup, spoon, etc. The baby is held for bottle feedings: the bottle is never propped If the mother wishes to nurse, the caregiver will cooperate with her breast feeding plans Physical Care Diapering is done as often as needed, and checked regularly The parent may choose to have either cloth or disposable diapers used for the baby Diapering, bathing and dressing is done in a positive manner and the cooperation of the baby is sought High standards of hygiene and cleanliness are practiced Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 7

9 Choosing Quality Infant/Toddler Child Care Crying The caregiver responds to baby s cry and acknowledges this as the way babies communicate Crying babies are responded to quickly Babies are not left to cry for long periods (no more than a few minutes) Sleeping An appropriate place is provided for sleep The caregiver is aware of child s sleep preferences (wrapped in a blanket, rocked, back rubbed, etc.) and ensures that each infant s sleep needs are met The baby is not wakened from sleep unnecessarily Caregiver is aware infants should be placed on their backs to sleep Travel Young children are taken on walks in the neighborhood with the parent s written permission Young children are taken in the caregiver s car with written permission only When traveling by car with the caregiver, approved car seats are properly used to secure the child Language Activities The caregiver communicates directly with the baby, and engages the child in communication The caregiver also talks to the baby while doing other activities The caregiver calls people and things in the environment by name for the baby Books and appropriate toys are available for the baby to use Play Opportunity is provided for manipulating small objects, as age appropriate Opportunity is provided for moving around on the floor and in the yard Time is provided for the child to initiate his or her own activities The infant/toddler is encouraged to sometimes play with or near other children The infant/toddler is allowed to engage in messy play (water, sand, dirt, etc.) Separation The parent is invited to spend time with the baby to help them feel comfortable with the new environment and caregiver The caregiver helps and supports the parent and child in saying good-bye Crying by the baby for good-bye is accepted and, at the appropriate time, the baby is directed to other activities that interest them The caregiver helps the baby reunite with the parent at the end of care 8 Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)

10 Choosing Quality School Age Child Care Finding child care is often challenging, particularly for parents who have school age children. You as the parent are the persons who can determine what program meets the needs of your children. As a parent you may have found yourself asking the following question: What are the characteristics of quality school age child care program? Caregivers Treat children with respect and listen to what they say Make children feel welcome and comfortable Interact with the children to help them learn Relate to all children in positive ways Genuinely like and enjoy school age children Give positive attention to children when they cooperate, share, care for materials, or join in activities Meals Food and drinks that meet the needs of children and youth are offered Healthy food from the four basic food groups is offered Drinking water is readily available at all times Amount and type of food offered is appropriate for the ages and body size Snack and meals are scheduled at appropriate times for children Indoor Play Indoor space meets the needs of the children There is enough room for simultaneous activities, both active and quiet There is adequate and convenient storage space for equipment, materials, and personal possessions for children Children can get materials out and put them away by themselves with ease Outdoor Play The outdoor play area meets the needs of children, and the equipment allows them to be independent and creative Outdoor space is free of hazards, and is large enough for active play and sports Play Activities Arts and crafts, games and music are offered Children can choose from a wide variety of activities Daily schedule is flexible, and it offers enough security, independence, and stimulation to meet the needs of all children Discipline The provider s expectation of the children s behavior is age appropriate The discipline philosophy is consistent with your idea and home environment Transportation Is transportation provided to school or appointments? TrustLine Trustline Registry is the California registry of in-home child care providers who have passed a background screening. All caregivers listed with TrustLine have been cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice. This means they have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California. Parents can check if a provider is registered on TrustLine by calling and giving a persons full name, drivers license number or other approved identification. A parent can call TrustLine to find out how a potential provider can be registered. It s that easy, and it s free. Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 9

11 Oliver s Law What is Oliver s Law? The law is named after a young boy, Oliver Smith, who died of injuries he received while in the care of a child care provider. Oliver s Law took effect January 1, 2000 which required every Child Care Resource and Referral program and every Alternative Payment Program to advise every person who requests a child care referral, of his or her right to the licensing information of a licensed child care facility required to be maintained at the facility, and the right to access any public files that are maintained by California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. Current law effecting child care providers Current legislation AB 633 (Benoit) became effective January 1, 2007 to ensure that parents or guardians using a licensed child care facility are aware of situations that present the greatest danger to children. This current law requires each licensed child care facility to make accessible to the public a copy of any licensing report pertaining to the facility that documents a facility visit, or a substantiated complaint investigation. A conference with a local licensing agency management representative and the licensee in which issues of noncompliance are discussed; or A copy of an accusation indicating the California Department of Social Services intent to revoke the facility s license. As with an individual licensing report, these other licensing documents shall not be required to be maintained beyond three (3) years from the date of issuance and shall not include any non-public (confidential) information. Are child care facilities required to post any licensing reports? Yes. When received, a child care facility must post the following: Type A citation which is a violation, that if not corrected, will create an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care; or a Licensing report or other appropriate document verifying compliance or noncompliance with the California Department of Social Services order to correct a Type A deficiency. These reports are to remain posted for 30 days and should be posted during the hours of operation. Failure to meet the posting requirements shall result in an immediate $ civil penalty. 10 Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)

12 Riverside Area Freebies Airport: Go see the planes and explore the terminal at Riverside Municipal Airport Police Departments: Call ahead for a free tour or fingerprinting Fire Departments: Call ahead for a short free tour Home Depot: Saturday A.M. Kid s Club. Contact your local Home Depot store for more information. Library: Go browse the books and see if they have a story time Local Parks & Recreation: Parks are free, some activities have a fee Kinko s: Ask for waste black and white copies to use as scratch paper Fabric Stores: Ask for waste fabric, felt or yarn to use in creative activities you do with your children Appliance Stores: Ask for large boxes to use for dramatic play Check local newspapers for free area activities Imagine That Children s Books (Canyon Crest Towne Center): Call for schedule of story time (951) Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07) 11

13 Toddler s Creed If I want it, it s mine. If I give it to you and change my mind later, it s mine. If I take it away from you, it s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it s mine. If it s mine, it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what. If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine. If it looks like mine, it is mine. 12 Resource and Referral Parent Handbook (7-07)