Information for Parents - Choosing Child Care

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CHOOSE THE BEST CHILD CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

One of the most important decisions parents make is choosing a child care program. Enrolling your child in a quality program means your child is receiving care from a caring, trained child care provider in a safe, healthy, nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Your child's experience in child care will build a foundation of learning that will last a lifetime! Our Guide to Quality Child Care gives you step-by-step instructions on choosing a high quality program.

QUALITY INDICATORS

Have you ever wondered what to look for in a child care program? Our list of 6 Quality Indicators provides parents with a source of topics to be aware of and a list of questions to ask when choosing a child care provider.

CHILD CARE OPTIONS

What type of child care best suits your family's needs? What's the difference in a Child Care Center and a Family Day Care Home? Our list of Child Care Options describes the types of child care that are available. For more information and resources, contact one of our Family and Community Services Consultants at 205-252-1991 ext. 317.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Do you need assistance paying for child care? You have options. We have compiled a list of Financial Assistance and Tax Credit programs that you may qualify for.

OVERVIEW OF LICENSING REGULATIONS IN ALABAMA

What is "Licensed" Child Care? In Alabama the licensing authority is the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). Being licensed means that child care centers, family and group day care homes have been inspected to determine whether minimum standards are met as required by the State Department of Human Resources. Some facilities are also inspected by the State Department of Public Health and the State Fire Marshal's Office. All programs that require a license must have the license renewed every two years. Providers exempt from licensure include centers operated by the following: religious or faith-based organizations, state agencies, local governments, military facilities and programs that operate less then 4 hours a day. Minimum standards for licensure include, but are not limited to:

Child/staff ratios based on ages of children and types of activities
Safety requirements for facility and equipment
Records on children and staff, including immunization and health records
Minimum educational or training requirements for staff
Nutritional requirements for children
Transportation requirements
Requirements for basic program operations
Disciplinary procedures

CHILD CARE CENTERS and NIGHT TIME CENTERS

What are the Licensing Regulations for Child Care Centers? This helpful guide lists the state regulations on teacher qualifications, health and safety, staff to child ratios, and questions you should ask when visiting a child care center.

FAMILY DAY CARE and GROUP DAY CARE HOMES

What are the Licensing Regulations for Family Day Care Homes? In Alabama, legally operating Family Day Care Providers must have a license if they are providing care for one or more unrelated children, with or without compensation, away from the child's home, for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. This guide explains the regulations for home care and a list of questions to ask if you visit a Family Day Care Provider.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING

Alabama law is clear on reporting abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18. If you are someone who comes in regular contact with children - physician, teacher, social worker, nurse, child care worker - you should be aware of your legal obligation to report such incidents of suspected or obvious child abuse or neglect. If you are a concerned citizen, neighbor, friend or family member who is aware of such incidents, you should make a report to those who can take action. All Childcare Resources' employees are mandated reporters. To report suspected child abuse and neglect please call:

Blount County 205-274-5200
Jefferson County 205-918-5100
Shelby County 205-669-3000
Walker County 205-387-5400

CHILD CARE CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Serious complaints involving licensed child care centers that cannot be satisfactory resolved between the parent and the caregiver should be reported to the Office of Child Care Licensing Intake at 334-242-1425
or 1-866-528-1694. Complaints involving family day care homes should be reported to your local County Department of Human Resources, in all counties except Jefferson.

Blount 205-274-5200
Jefferson 205-528-1694
Shelby 205-669-3007
Walker 205-387-5400