Childcare
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Child Care: Things you need to know

Family Day Care Homes

Type
Capacity
Training
Monitoring
Background
Insurance
State Licensed

9-12 children

Staffing ratio includes provider's children, but capacity does not

 6 hours of child care / child development, plus pediatric first aid 2 - 3 per year Criminal History and Child Protective Services Checks None Required
Child Care Assurance Program

Fewer than 9 children, 12 with variance

Must have assistant with more than 8 children

Provider's children under 6 count in ratio

 22 hours of child care / child development within first 6 months, plus an additional 2 hours quarterly thereafter 4 per year, at least 2 unannounced Criminal History and Child Protective Services Checks Liability and Accident Insurance
Social Service Approved Same as Voluntary Registration Depends on locality 2 per year Criminal History and Child Protective Services Checks None Required
Voluntary Registration Fewer than 6 children, excluding provider's over 7 years old None 1 initial visit, then random monitoring Criminal History and Child Protective Services Checks None Required
Military Approved

Fewer than 7 children

Only 2 can be under age 2

 Monthly training required Monthly Criminal History and Child Protective Services Checks Liability and Accident Insurance
Unregulated

Up to 5 children

Only 4 can be under age 2

 None None No Checks None Required
Key
Temporary: short term child care
Fluctuating hours: Hours change on daily basis
Rotating shifts: Hours change on weekly basis
Evenings: Open after 6:00 PM
Point Values and Staffing Ratios
Age
Points
Ratio
0 - 15 months 4 1:4
16 - 23 months 3 1:5
2 - 4 years 2 1:8
over 5 years 1 1:16

Things to look for:

  • Orderly environment
  • Variety of toys in good repair
  • Detergents & Medicines out of reach
  • Safety caps on outlets
  • Space for naps on individual beds
  • Emergency phone numbers posted
  • Regular, experienced staff
  • Parents encouraged to visit & participate
 Information provided is not an endorsement of any particular caregiver. You should assume that the caregivers have not been evaluated, screened, or recommended by The Planning Council or Old Dominion University. The information has been supplied by the individual providers. The final decision about your child care arrangements must be made by you, the parent or guardian. The quality of the provider must be determined and monitored by you. If you have any questions or concerns, call The Planning Councils Resource & Referral Program at 757-627-3993.