As a parent, one of your major concerns can be finding appropriate childcare for your
         children. Let us assist you in locating the widest range of childcare options in Licking County. 

       Our services include:

• Free referrals to your child care
• Information about starting and running a successful business
• Provider Trainings:   Go to Professional Development Registration Form*
• Problem solving technical assistance
• Use of our resource library
• Newsletters

• Free referrals to your child care
• Information about starting and running a successful business
• Provider Training: Go to Professional Development Registration Form*
• View: Child Care Employment Opportunities*
• Problem solving technical assistance
• Use of our resource library
• Newsletters

       We are here to help you succeed and provide the assistance you need.

• Training for your employees  Go to Professional Development Registration Form*
• Submit your open positions to our website: Employment Opportunities Form*
• Problem solving technical assistance
• Fingerprinting both State and FBI
• Use of our resource library
• Referrals to your child care center
• Newsletters 

     Links to assist you:

                     ***PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR*** 

        Child Care Aware-
            helps parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources
            in their community. http://www.ChildCareAware.org  
     
        NACCRRA's Parent Central-
          is the source for resources and information about issues affecting children and families. 
          http://www.naccrra.org/parent/

          Action for Children-
            search for Child Care through Action for Children's website.  eSearch

        OCCRRA-
          the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association. http://www.occrra.org/

        TEACH Early Childhood Ohio-
            provides scholarships to teachers and family child care providers to earn degrees and credentials
            in Early Childhood Education. http://www.occrra.org/TEACH.htm

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          For more information, please email Child Care Connections @ ccc@pathwayslc.org or 
          call Teri at 740-345-6166, ext. 209.

                                          

The Ohio Family Child Care Workgroup recommends: “Top Ten” Tips for Parents choosing child care. This list informs parents of Ohio child care rules and resources. o Know the Types of Care: Ohio Law defines "child day care" as attending to the needs of children outside of school hours, by persons other than their parents or guardians, on a less than twenty four hour basis. Some types of child care must be regulated in Ohio; other types of child care may operate without a license. To learn about the different choices, go to. http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/page2.stm o Start Early in Your Child Care Search: Child Care providers say start at least 3 months before you need care to plan, meet with providers, and interview your final choices. There is more need than openings and you should not be surprised with possible waiting lists. o Know Who To Turn To: Do you know your resources? Get to know the role of the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency in your area. Also familiarize learn the roles, resources, and responsibilities of the county and state Departments of Job & Family Services. http://jfs.ohio.gov/families/child_care/index.stm o Know How to Recognize Quality Care: Know what questions to ask and what to look for when interviewing providers including number of children per adult, caregiver training/experience, whether the program is accredited. For more information from a trained child care counselor contact www.occrra.org or http://www.actionforchildren.org/page5063.cfm or the County Department of Job and Family Services. o Look for good health & safety practices: Are outlets covered? Do you see fire extinguisher/smoke detectors? Are hands washed often? Does everyone have their own utensils and a separate resting space? Are children well supervised? o Be Aware of the Consumer Provisions of House Bill 11: House Bill 11 was enacted in May of 2005 requiring child care providers to tell parents about a death or serious injury to children that required a hospital stay of over 24hrs. Parents have rights under this legislation to view county and state child care inspection reports. http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/cdc/query.asp o There is a Big Difference Between a Child Care Provider and a Babysitter. Child care providers have made a profession of caring for your child. Many have years of experience and training in the latest standards regarding health, safety, developmental needs of your child. o Your Rights as a Child Care Consumer. You should be aware of the provider’s policies and your right to accept or not accept them in making your child care choice. Some policies may include: visitation, absence, discipline, napping, and meals. View inspection reports often. o You Have Responsibilities Too: Caring for your child involves a partnership between you and your provider, so talk with your provider about things that affect your child. Providers appreciate that parents pay on time, pick up as scheduled, keeping sick children at home, and telling them when your address or phone number changes. It is important that the provider know the name and phone number of your child’s doctor. o Family Child Care Home Businesses are the Preferred Care Settings: Did you know that more families choose family child care home businesses over any other type of child care setting? The child care industry in Ohio consists of over 57,000 professionals in centers and in homes. As a professional in this career it is the provider’s job to give children safe and nurturing care. o Know How to Spot Health & Safety Risks: Steps are being taken in Ohio to find situations that put children at risk. Children are most at risk when there isn’t enough supervision when they are playing, eating and sleeping, or in a vehicle. In other words, children need close supervision at all times. Ohio has designated some “Serious Risk Rules” that are so important that every parent should know. Parents should report when rules are not followed. To learn more about Serious Risk Rules, call 1-866-886-3537 or go to: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/docs/rules_bullet_format.pdf. Selecting child care setting doesn’t have to be so confusing. This tip sheet was created with you in mind. Our goal is to provide clarity as you make a decision to select a provider for you child. This is one of the most important choices you will make as a parent and the Ohio Family Childcare Workgroup and Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association are here to assist you. A more informed parent can make a decision in the best interest of their children.