Family Child Care Home Accreditation Presented By: Jill Norris Child Care Resource & Referral at Western Kentucky University

Accrediting Body National Association for Family Child Care Homes (NAFCC) Some states have accreditation programs Kentucky does not have a state accreditation program Accreditation is a requirement for the Kentucky STARS for KIDS NOW Quality Rating System at Level 4

NAFCC Accreditation Does the Following: DEFINES STANDARDS of quality for the field of family child care HELPS PARENTS AND POLICY MAKERS recognize high-quality family child care PROMOTES PROVIDERS’ SELF- ASSESSMENT and professional development MOTIVATES PROVIDERS to put training into practice SERVES AS A CORNERSTONE in state professional development systems

The NAFCC Standards Are Organized Into Six Categories: Relationships, The Environment, The Activities, Developmental Learning Goals, Safety and Health, and Business Practices

Accreditation Qualifications: Offer care and education to children in a home, spending at least 80% of the time with the children; Be at least 21 years old; Have a high school diploma or GED and at least 90 clock hours of relevant training, or a current child development associate (CDA); and Have at least 18 months experience in FCC, regulated at the highest level available in the state. Be a member of NAFCC (fee $25 annually)

The Process (9 Months to 3 Years): Contact NAFCC to request an application packet. Submit an application with first half of payment ($247.50) and receive the Self-Study Packet. Using the Self-Study Packet, evaluate program, set goals for quality improvement, and make needed changes. Distribute surveys to parents. Submit observation request with the second half of payment ($247.50).

The Process (9 Months to 3 Years): Complete a formal self-evaluation. An NAFCC-trained observer visits for the day to document the program, review records, and conduct an interview with the provider. NAFCC’s Accreditation Commission makes the final decision on awarding accreditation. A letter is sent to the provider with personal feedback.

The Observation: Arranged with provider in advance Takes place on a typical day Must be a day when the youngest child enrolled is in attendance Preferably on a day when they have the most children in attendance At least 4 hours of observation plus a 1 hour interview

Observation Items: Routines (38 standards) Arrival & Departure Food Preparation Snacks & Meals Diapering & Toileting Washing Hands Play Time Transitions Time Outdoors Rest Time Relationships (40 standards) Caring & Responding Using Positive Guidance & Discipline Supervision The Provider Does No Harm The Children with Each Other

Observation Items: Learning Activities (26 standards) Sensory-Motor Activities Reading & Writing Activities Math & Science Art Activities Music & Movement Television & Computers Environment (51 standards) The Child Care space Equipment & Materials Books & Language Art Materials Indoor Safety & Health Checklist General Conditions Home furnishings & Materials Exits & Stairs Pets Outdoor Safety & Health Checklist Swings Swimming Pool or Spa

Observation Items: Records (19 standards) Program Records Provider’s Records Assistant’s Records Parent & Family Records Child Records Pet Records Observer completes summary impressions on break away from providers home Observer conducts Interview of provider

Accreditation Mini-Grants: Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department for Community Based Services, Division of Child Care Applications usually available between June 1, 2005 and August 31, 2005 Applicants must complete the self-study process and be ready for the observation visit no later than June 30, 2006 Pays the application fee ($247.50) and observation fee ($247.50)

For More Information: National Association for Family Child Care Homes Click on Accreditation