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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FAMILY CHILD CARE
CONSUMER AWARENESS INFORMATION
Family Child Care (FCC) is provided by the home of a licensed provider for up to eight children with one
adult or up to 14 children with one adult and one assistant. FCC homes provide a home like setting.
Making sure that the licensed FCC homes are providing safe care is the job of the licensing agency, the
parents and the provider.
HEALTH and SAFETY
CHECKLIST
You should check for basic health and safety practices in
the home. Your FCC Provider, by state law and regulation,
must do the following:
Get a license from the local licensing agency.
Provide care to no more than eight children (with no
more than two children under age 2) or 14 children
with an assistant (with no more than 3 children under
age 2).
Make sure the home has heat in cold weather and is
cool in hot weather.
Keep detergents and cleaning products out of
children’s reach.
■ ■ Make sure swimming pools are fenced or have a pool
cover.
Baby gates must block stairs in facilities when children
less than five years old are in care.
Store guns, other weapons, and poisons in locked
areas.
Have an emergency plan in case of fire or earthquake.
Keep an emergency information card on every child in
care.
Keep a fire extinguisher and working smoke alarm in
the FCC home.
Provide a smoke free environment.
Not use baby walkers, bouncers or similar items.
WHAT SHOULD THE FAMILY
CHILD CARE HOME PROVIDE?
You should get answers to these questions before placing your
child in the home:
●
Is the home clean and safe?
●
Are there enough toys and games?
●
How will my child be disciplined? (Spanking, hitting,
slapping, shaking and so forth are not permitted in
licensed homes.)
●
What meals will my child be given?
●
How will the food I bring be stored and prepared?
●
Is there enough room
(indoor and outdoor)
for my child to
play?
●
What activities are planned for my child?
●
How will my child be cared for when he or she gets sick?
●
How many other children will be in care?
●
What ages are the other children?
●
What are the sleeping/napping/rest arrangements?
●
How will I find out if my child is hurt or injured while in care?
DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING WITH THE PROVIDER:
●
Setting times for arrival and pickup.
●
Bringing items from home
(food, toys, change of diapers,
change of clothes, toothbrush, infant furniture, and so forth)
.
●
Providing instructions for giving medicines or special food.
●
Providing telephone numbers for home, work, spouse’s
work, doctor and neighbor.
●
Providing a list of names and telephone numbers of people
who may pick up your child.
GOOD CHILD CARE INCLUDES THESE THINGS:
●
A provider who provides warm and loving care and guidance
for your child, and who works with you and your family to
make sure your child grows and learns in the best way
possible.
●
A home that keeps your child safe, secure, and healthy.
●
Activities that help your child grow mentally, physically,
socially and emotionally.
●
Your involvement in your child’s care.
LIC 9212 (10/05)
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