CHILD CARE

HANDBOOK

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 CHILD CARE HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO SELECT CHILD CARE
INTRODUCTION 3
NEXT STEPS 3

WHAT IS QUALITY CHILD CARE? 4

LICENSING REGULATIONS
CHILD CARE CENTER REGULATIONS 5
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME REGULATIONS 5

TYPES OF CHILD CARE

CHILD CARE CENTERS 6
FAMILY CHILD CARE 6
SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE 6
VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN (VPK) 7
IN-HOME CARE 8

OTHER TYPES OF CARE

SICK CARE 9
DROP-IN CARE 9
PLAY GROUPS 9
MOM AND ME PROGRAMS 9
SUMMER CAMPS 9

ON MONEY MATTERS 10

CAN YOUR SCHOOL AGE CHILD STAY HOME ALONE? 11

PLAN ON SICK DAYS 12

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 13

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 HOW TO SELECT CHILD CARE
INTRODUCTION
Choosing a good child care arrangement is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child.

This Handbook is designed to help you make the best decision in selecting care for your child. Please read through the
information carefully. If you have questions, call Family Central, Inc.’s (FCI) Child Care Resource and Referral office at
954-724-4609 or 1-877-5-FAMILY in Broward County, and 561-514-3300 or 1-800-683-3327 in Palm Beach County. A
Resource and Referral Counselor will be happy to help you. FCI’s Public Resource and Referral service is free of
charge. In addition, you may also call these numbers if further information is needed on how to access financially
assisted child care.

NEXT STEPS
 Call providers to ask about openings.
 Make appointments for interviews.
 Know your child care licensing regulations.
 Try to visit more than one provider and visit each provider more than once.
 At least one visit should be unannounced.
 Schedule one visit near closing time and ask other parents for feedback.
 View all rooms in the family child care home or child care center and check the outdoor play area.
 Trust your instincts. If you feel good about a provider and program, chances are your child will do well there.
 View the files at the Child Care Licensing Office for each program you are seriously considering. This is a free
public service.

For Broward programs: Broward County Child Care Licensing Office

For Miami-Dade programs:
For Palm Beach programs:
2995 North Dixie Highway
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-537-2800
Website Address: www.myflorida.com/childcare or www.broward.org/children
Child Care Licensing Office (Department of Children and Families)
401 NW 2nd Ave Ste. N.221
Miami, FL 33128
305-377-5509
Website Address: www.myflorida.com/childcare
Licensing in Palm Beach (main office)
800 Clematis Street
West Palm, FL 33401
561-837-5971
Website Address: www.myflorida.com/childcare

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 WHAT IS QUALITY CHILD CARE?
From research about quality child care programs, it has been found that the following factors are usually indicators of
quality child care:

 Small class size.

 Staff/child ratios that allow providers to give children more individualized attention.
 A high degree of adult-child interaction.
 Stable, continuous relationships between caregivers and child. For example, low staff turnover.
 Caregivers trained in early childhood development.
 Programs are organized around a specific curriculum or set of principles for learning, and the caregivers are
trained in the curriculum.
 Programs are regularly assessed to ensure that the goals for high quality are being met.
 Programs are designed, equipped, and set-up by trained staff.
 Play is encouraged by providers because it has been found to be a universal need for normal child
development.
 Parent involvement and a shared relationship between parents and caregivers are encouraged.
 Attention is paid to basic health and safety standards including adequate nutrition.
 Provider accreditation, which means that the program meets some professionally agreed-upon standards of
quality. Accredited programs are not necessarily better than those that are not accredited, but programs that
have applied for and received accreditation have a strong interest in quality and have met a set of standards
higher than licensing standards.

These factors make the difference between “custodial care” (which is making sure the basic needs of children are met
by providing food, rest, and toys) and “quality care” (which meets the developmental needs of children). Families can
access the Florida Performance Standards for children aged birth to 5 years by going to the Florida Office of Early
Learning website http://www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/oelperformance.html. The Florida Voluntary prekindergarten
Education Standards may be downloaded from the State of Florida Department of Education website:
http://www.fldoe.org/earlylearning/perform.asp. These standards describe age appropriate understandings related to
the ways young children think, reason, create, and recreate as they engage in the learning process. They also
incorporate an exhaustive analysis of research, a review of best practices and standards used across the nation,
principles developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and input from early
childhood practioners and kindergarten teachers.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 LICENSING REGULATIONS
CHILD CARE CENTER REGULATIONS

Staff/Child Ratios:
Under Age 1 - One Staff Person per 4 Infants
Age 1-2 Years - One Staff Person per 6 Toddlers
Age 2-3 Years - One Staff Person per 11 Children
Age 3-4 Years - One Staff Person per 15 Children
Age 4-5 Years - One Staff Person per 20 Children
Age 5 and Up - One Staff Person per 25 Children

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME REGULATIONS

All family child care homes must be licensed by the State of Florida if two (2) or more children from unrelated
households are cared for in any part of a 24 hour day.
Caregiver/Child Ratios:
a. A maximum of four (4) children birth to 12 months of age, or
b. A maximum of three (3) children from birth to 12 months of age and other children for a maximum total of six
(6) children, or
c. A maximum of six (6) preschool children if all are older than 12 months of age, or
d. A maximum of ten (10) children if no more than five (5) are preschool age and of those five, no more than two
are under 12 months of age.
e. In large family child care homes, a maximum of twelve (12) children with no more than four (4) under 24
months of age, and at least two staff present in the home.
(A family child care home provider caring for the child/ren of just one (1) family is exempt from licensing.)

 If you would like further information on licensing regulations, what to look for in licensing files, and background
screening requirements for personnel, please access Family Central’s website at www.familycentral.org.

If you choose to employ a non-regulated or license-exempt caregiver:

 Check the applicant's character references and employment history.

 In Broward County you can conduct a local criminal background check by visiting or writing the Police
Clearance Unit at the Broward Sheriff's Office, 2601 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, 954-831-
8700. You will need the applicant's full name, date of birth, race, sex, and a $2.00 fee. The request must be
made in writing.

 Conduct a statewide criminal background check by contacting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
(FDLE) at 850-410-8109, or mail to: FDLE, Attention: Criminal Inquiry, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
A state background check costs approximately $24.00. You may also contact your local police department.
Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.
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 TYPES OF CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE CENTERS:
A child care center provides full or part-time child care with planned educational activities in a group setting. A child care
center is licensed and must meet minimal health, safety and staffing requirements. Many part-time programs are known
as nursery schools.

If you choose a child care center, your child will generally be in a group of children his/her own age with activities
planned especially for that age group. This is particularly important to children who are ready to make friends and play
with others.

ADVANTAGES OF A CHILD CARE CENTER:

• Reliable arrangement
• Designed specifically for children
• Planned curriculum

DISADVANTAGES OF A CHILD CARE CENTER:

• Less opportunity for individual attention
• High teacher turnover
• Little privacy, group living

FAMILY CHILD CARE:

Family child care offers a small group setting within a private home. These homes are licensed.

ADVANTAGES OF FAMILY CHILD CARE:

• Relaxed, home-like setting
• Small group of children
• Individual attention from a single caregiver
• Location in a residential neighborhood
• May be more flexible than a child care center

DISADVANTAGES OF FAMILY CHILD CARE:

• Variations in supervision and standards of care
• Limited supply of homes
• Backup needed if caregiver is ill or on vacation

SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE:

A school age child care program is designed to provide recreational activities and supervision to elementary and middle
school children before and after school hours. Care may be located in:

CHILD CARE CENTERS:

• Provides transportation from school to child care center
• May also transport from child care center to school in A.M.
• Provides care on school vacation days
• Easily converts to camp type atmosphere during summer
• Often combines children from several area schools

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 TYPES OF CHILD CARE (CONT’D)
SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE (cont’d):
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES:
• Provides care on vacation days and in summer
• Frequently includes provider's children
• Smaller group/home environment
• Transportation rarely available; must be within walking distance or along bus route

SCHOOL BASED:
These programs are housed in elementary school sites. A community school, YMCA, JCC, city recreation
department, or county school board may operate them.
• School age children only
• Familiar school setting
• Students usually attend at their own school
• No need for transportation
• Often need to supplement with holiday/summer care
• Often a large group with K-5 all together

SCHOOL DAY OFF PROGRAMS:

• Often run by city recreation department or YMCA
• Often located in parks
• Usually inexpensive

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN (VPK):

This is a high quality educational program with an early literacy focus. It is free for all children 4 years old on or before
September 1, who reside in Florida. There is no registration fee.
 Both public and private providers may participate
 School year program – 540 instructional hours; class size maximum is 2 teachers to 18 students or 1
teacher to 10 students; VPK instructors must have an approved early childhood credential or higher
degree.
 Summer program – 300 instructional hours; class size is 1 teacher to 12 students; VPK instructors must
have a Bachelor’s degree in an approved field or a Professional Education Certiicate from the School
Board.
 All VPK providers must meet high standards required by Florida law
 Parents have the option of choosing the provider that meets their own family’s needs
 Options for parents include: public schools, private child care centers, and licensed family child care
homes
 The curriculum must be developmentally appropriate, focus on early literacy skills, and prepare the child to
be ready for kindergarten based on standards adopted by the State Board of Education
 Families are responsible for their children’s transportation
 Parents/guardians must sign a VPK attendance policy upon enrollment of their child in a VPK program

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 TYPES OF CHILD CARE (CONT’D)
IN-HOME CARE:
In-home care is care provided in the parent’s/guardian's home. Caregiver may live in or live out. This care is not
licensed nor regulated by any government agency.

ADVANTAGES OF IN-HOME CARE:

• Personalized, individual care
• Flexibility
• Less exposure to contagious illnesses
• May include light housekeeping responsibilities

DISADVANTAGES OF IN-HOME CARE:

• Most costly child care option
• Limited socialization with peers
• High turnover rate
• Lack of regulation

THERE ARE MANY PLACES TO FIND IN-HOME CAREGIVERS:

• Nanny/Au Pair Agencies
• Domestic Service Agencies
• WorkForce One/WorkForce Alliance
• Senior citizen organizations
• Religious organizations
• Neighbors, friends, co-workers

If you hire through a nanny agency, check into its background and its policy for screening nannies.

ONCE A CAREGIVER HAS BEEN SELECTED:

• Draw up a contract outlining salary and caregiver responsibilities.
• Review work performance and salary on a regular basis.

YOUR OBLIGATIONS AS AN EMPLOYER:

• You must pay Social Security taxes on behalf of your employee.
• You must pay unemployment taxes on behalf of your employee.
• You do not have to withhold federal income tax unless your employee requests it.

Note: To secure appropriate Social Security and Unemployment forms, contact the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) at 1-800-829-1040.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 OTHER TYPES OF CARE
SICK CARE:
There will be times when your child is too ill to attend the child care program. It is wise to have a backup plan in place
for such emergencies. Check with relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers and caregivers to recruit prospects. Several
nanny and home health agencies will send a caregiver to your home. Costs range from $6-$12/hour.

DROP-IN CARE:
Some child care centers and family child care homes will provide child care on an as needed basis. Caregivers require
pre-registration and ask to be notified of needs as much in advance as possible. Rates are charged by the day or the
hour. Care is provided on a space available basis.

PLAY GROUPS:
Play groups are part-week, part-day programs designed to give toddlers and young preschool children an opportunity
for socialization. Programs may be offered by licensed child care centers, by church or temple groups, by local parks
and recreation programs, or by parent groups.

MOM AND ME PROGRAMS:

Mom and Me programs are designed to bring parents and their infants or toddlers together. Developmentally
appropriate activities are offered to help parents learn more about child development in a social, supportive
atmosphere.

SUMMER CAMPS:
Many licensed child care centers convert to a camp-type atmosphere during the summer months offering a variety of
field trips and special activities. Additional license-exempt summer camp programs are located in parks, schools, and
other locations such as specialty camps for dance or Karate, sports camps, computer camps, etc. Some are operated
by private individuals; others are offered by county and municipal parks and recreation departments. Still other camps
are offered through the local YMCA’s and Boys & Girls clubs. Some are available only for limited periods during the
summer. Many programs offer extended care hours to meet the needs of working parents.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 ON MONEY MATTERS
Research indicates that child care costs are the fourth (4th) highest item in the average family budget. It is no wonder
that parents seeking child care are concerned with costs.

DO ASK PROSPECTIVE CAREGIVERS:

• For Social Security numbers and Tax I.D. numbers when enrolling.
• Are all costs - such as meals and field trips - included in the weekly fee?
• When is payment due? Are checks accepted?
• Are there fees for late pick-ups? For sick days? For vacations?
• What expenses do registration fees cover? Are there supply fees?
• Are discounts offered if more than one child in the family enrolls?
• Are discounts offered to employees of certain companies?
• Are discounts offered to parents who bring in new business?
• Are discounts offered if parent pays monthly rather than weekly?
• If they have a contract?
• If they provide a substitute when they are unavailable to care for your child?

DO CHECK WITH YOUR EMPLOYERS:

• Is a Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) available? (This plan allows the employee to set aside pre-tax
dollars for child care expenses.)
• Is a child care subsidy available to employees?
• Are employee discounts available at area child care facilities?

DO SELECT THE TAX OPTION THAT BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS:

• The child care tax credit allows for a 20% to 30% refund of child care costs either at tax time or in regular
paycheck increases.
• A DCAP allows you to set aside monies in a pre-tax account. This money cannot be claimed as a child care
expense at tax time.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 CAN YOUR SCHOOL AGE CHILD STAY HOME ALONE?
LOOK FOR SIGNS OF READINESS:
• Expresses interest in self-care
• Completes tasks with little/no direction
• Is able to lock-unlock doors
• Uses telephone appropriately

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
• Is there a responsible adult nearby in case of emergency?
• Do you feel your home/neighborhood is generally safe?
• Does the child have seizures, violent behavior?
• Does the child have a disability that may require supervision?
• Is the child attracted to hazardous or dangerous materials?
• Is the child afraid of the dark?

PREPARE YOUR CHILD:

Set rules about:
 Calling in
 Using the phone
 Answering the door
 Having visitors
 Making snacks
 Doing homework
 Playing outside
 Doing chores
 Watching T.V.

Teach your child:

 Basic First-Aid
 Where to call for help
 What to do if someone follows him/her home
 What to do if it looks like the home has been vandalized

There is no specific age when children are ready to stay home alone because children mature at different rates. It is
important to know if your child feels comfortable being home alone and has the ability to handle an emergency. Practice
with short trial periods reviewing each experience afterward with your child. Make the transition to self-care a gradual
one if possible.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 PLAN ON SICK DAYS…THEY WILL HAPPEN
It is inevitable that working parents with a young child will sooner or later have to cope with their child being ill. Parents
need to develop a plan that allows them to manage the difficult problem of caring for their sick child in a way that:
 Decreases stress for the child
 Eases tension and guilt for you
 Makes business run smoothly for your employer

HOW SICK IS TOO SICK FOR CHILD CARE?

Child care centers and family child care homes are not allowed to care for children suspected of having communicable
diseases such as: chicken pox, measles or strep throat. Children exhibiting symptoms of illness such as:
undiagnosed rashes, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should also not be in care.
When enrolling your child in care, discuss the caregiver’s sick child care policies.

BE PREPARED
Before your child gets sick, consider what your choices will be. After thinking about your commitments, you will know
what problems you face in caring for your child when he/she is sick.

CARING FOR YOUR SICK CHILD YOURSELF

This is likely the very best choice for your child. What are the policies regarding use of sick leave at your workplace?
Can you rearrange your schedule at work or school or bring work home? If two parents care for the child and have
flexible schedules, you may want to share equally in caring for the child during an illness.

FINDING AN ALTERNATE CARE SITUATION

Most working parents will need an alternate caregiver to provide care for their sick child. Search for a dependable adult
whom the child knows and likes. Likely prospects are relatives, friends, neighbors, retirees, and college students. The
care may be in your home or theirs, but it is generally less stressful for you and your child if care can take place in your
home.
Discuss your situation with several alternate caregivers before you need them. You and your child should meet with
them before a sick day occurs. The better acquainted you are with each other, the easier it will be for your child when
sickness occurs. Agree in advance about times of availability, transportation arrangements, and fees.
Some nursing agencies in your area may provide sick child care. These services provide trained workers to care for the
sick child at home. If you are interested in this option, call the agencies in your area to find out how they operate (fees,
training of caregivers, etc.) Look in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under NURSES.
In addition, there may be a hospital in your area which provides sick child care services to the public. Before attempting
to leave your child in one of these programs, be sure to contact the hospital and discuss their policies. If possible, take
your child to visit the program before he/she gets sick in order to alleviate some anxieties and fears.

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If a parent suspects that his/her child might have a special need and would like additional community resources, he/she
can contact The Central Directory/FDLRS State Network at 1-800-654-4440 or the website at www.centraldirectory.org.

The following books are another resource in helping you select the right child care for you and your child’s needs:

AU PAIRS, MOTHER'S HELPERS AND CAREGIVERS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOME CHILD CARE, Lyn
Yeiser.
GOING TO DAY CARE, Fred Rogers. G.P. Putnam's Sons, N.Y., 1985.
1,2,3,...... THE TODDLER YEARS, Irene Vander Fande. Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center, Santa Cruz, CA, 1990.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHOOSING CHILD CARE, Judith Berezin. Random House, New York, 1990
(available from Family Central, Inc.)
SCHOOL’S OUT, Joan M. Bergstrom. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 1990.

The following national organizations provide additional child care information:

The American Camp Association American Council of Nanny Schools

5000 State Road 67 North English Nanny & Governess School
Martinsville, IN 46151-7902 37 South Franklin Street
(765) 342-8456 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
www.acacamps.org (800) 733-1984
www.nanny-governess.com
International Nanny Association
P.O. Box 1299
Hyannis, MA 02601
(888) 878-1477
www.nanny.org

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (N.A.C.C.R.R.A.)

1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 11th fl.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 341-4100
www.naccrra.org

National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.)

1313 L St. NW Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 424-2460
www.naeyc.org

Child Care Handbook (English) ©2010 Family Central, Inc.

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 BROWARD
840 SW 81ST AVENUE
NORTH LAUDERDALE, FL 33068-2001
PHONE: 954-720-1000
877-5-FAMILY (877-532-6459)
FAX: 954-724-3900

PALM BEACH
3111 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 222
WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33405-1548
PHONE: 561-514-3300
800-683-3327
FAX: 561-655-4575

1077 SOUTH MAIN STREET

BELLE GLADE, FL 33430
PHONE: 561-992-9290

©2010 Family Central, Inc.