Who is a Licensed Child Care Provider? The licensed family child care provider is an early childhood primary caregiver and educator able to meet the specific needs of children (aged infant through school-age) in his/her approved personal residence, by nurturing in developmentally age-appropriate practice for the physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth of each child, by establishing and maintaining an effective child care environment, and by cooperating with parents in promoting the growth and development of each child. To view records of any child care facility or home, contact the Colorado Department of Human Resources in Denver at 1-800-779-5876, or go to  www.cdhs.state.co.us/childcare and scroll down the paragraph to "Licensing Histories of Child Care Facilities"..

In the State of Colorado a licensed provider must initially complete 15 hours of training including 1.5 hours of Universal Precautions. Also required is CPR and First Aid training along with a course in Medication Administration. In applying for a Child Care License an applicant must submit his/her fingerprints for a CBI check and so must all those 18 years and older living in the same household. All applicants must receive physicals annually or when recommended by their physician. The residence must be inspected by the licensing agent appointed by the state. Those providers requesting a renewal of their permanent license must, each year, complete 15 hours of additional training, (as of May 1, 2008) plus a CPR course. Every 3 years, a licensed provider must renew First Aid, Universal Precautions and Medication Administration in addition to the yearly requirements.

It Is Illegal In the State of Colorado to care for children from more than 1 family without a child care license. If you know of someone who has a child care business in their home without having a child care license, please call 574-9363, locally or 1-800-799-5876 in Denver. This number can also be called if there are concerns about child abuse or neglect in a licensed home or child care center.

For Child Care Referrals to licensed family child care homes in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, call 475-8828.

More information for parents: Being prepared for interviews with providers.

 

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS AND PROVIDERS TO DEVELOP A PARTNERSHIP. Some points to consider in this quest:

• Communication - providers need to know if your child had a rough night or morning, as well as if a visit from Grandma is in the near future. This helps her deal with situations and behavior that may come up during the day.

• Sickness - be aware of your providers sick policy and abide by it. Many parents use the 6 hour fever reducer, thinking the "provider won't know". Nothing breaks down the trust more that a parent thinking they can sneak a sick child to daycare. This may save you a sick day from work but makes an uncomfortable day for your child, and just as important - exposes a houseful of children to an infection as well as your provider. Trying to avoid one sick day may actually result in a week without care for your child if your provider should get sick. Your provider has policies for a reason. If you don't understand them, ask!

• Arguing with your provider in front of your child - This does nothing constructive for your child. Diminishing the importance of your provider's concern also diminishes her authority in your child's eyes. To snicker about a concerned behavior or to say "He does that all the time at home" only makes the situation worse. Parents should work together with the provider, showing your child you are a team. If you question her decisions, that should be done away from your child.

• Payday - Parents would not work for an employer if they had to ask for their paycheck or if they had to work late hours without overtime pay. Be aware of payday, as well as drop-off and pick-up times.

• Ask questions - If parents are not sure about any situation or policy, don't assume - just ask! Letting things fester inside only makes them get worse. Children may be little tape recorders but only when they talk to the minister or our in-laws! Their comments are not always accurate when they talk about their day. If you need clarification about something your child said happened at daycare, call your provider ASAP. She can answer your questions and put your mind at ease.