Family Child Care Certification Start Up Meeting

Helping Communities Help Children

Family Child Care Certification

www.4-c.org

Certification Start-Up Meeting

Revised July 2014



www.4-c.org

Before We Begin…

Welcome

Housekeeping issues

COLUMBIA, DANE, & WALWORTH

Counties

Please silence your phone & do not

receive or make calls or texts during

the meeting.

Sign in with full legal name

Powerpoint Slides in your folder



www.4-c.org

Introductions

4-C Certification Staff

Participants

Name

Experience in child care

Why you’re here tonight



www.4-c.org

Agenda

Levels of Care in Wisconsin

Maximum # of Children

Application Process and Background Checks

Short Break

Health & Safety Standards

Business of Childcare

Wisconsin Shares Subsidy Program



www.4-c.org

Levels of Care in Wisconsin

Unregulated

Provisional Certification

Regular Certification

Licensed

City or National Accreditation



www.4-c.org

Unregulated Child Care

In Wisconsin you can legally care for 3 children under the age of 7 (who are unrelated to you) in addition to your own without being regulated.



www.4-c.org

Certified Child Care

• Certified child care providers can care for 3 unrelated children under the age of 7 in addition to their own children.

• Maximum group size cannot exceed 6.

• Numbers are the same for both Provisional and Regular providers.



www.4-c.org

Levels of Certification

PROVISIONAL Certification• 3 unrelated children under the age of 7• Maximum group size 6• SIDS & SBS training required

REGULAR Certification• 3 unrelated children under the age of 7• Maximum group size 6• SIDS & SBS training required

Both levels of certification require the same application process and same regulations & standards to maintain.



www.4-c.org

So What’s the Difference?

• REGULAR CERTIFICATION– Entry level training required

• Fundamentals of Family Child Care• Introduction to the Child Care

Profession– Continuing Education-5 hours annually

• PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION– Entry Level Training-NONE required– Continuing Education-NONE required

• Regular providers and the children they care for benefit from the provider’s education and training and parents often seek out providers who have training and are often willing to pay more.



www.4-c.org

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death

Syndrome) SBS

(Shaken Baby Syndrome)4-C

www.4-C.org (See schedule in folder)

Madison Collegehttp://matcmadison.edu/

Remember: All Substitutes and Assistants need SIDS & SBS Training

http://www.4-c.org/

http://matcmadison.edu/



www.4-c.org

What is Entry Level Training

and Who Offers it?Introduction to the Child Care Profession

ANDFundamentals of Family Child Care

Madison College offers these entry level courses. Please call Madison College at 258-2301 for

their current course offerings.

If you have taken other classes that you think may meet the requirement, you can submit

the certificates/transcripts for review.



www.4-c.org

Can I Get Certified Before I Complete Entry Level

Training?

YES

• Completing the entry level training is voluntary and can be done at any time.

• You can begin as a Provisionally Certified Provider and move up to Regularly Certified.



www.4-c.org

Maximum Number of Children

• The following slides have charts describing the allowable number of children in a Certified Child Care. When reviewing the charts, please keep in mind the following:

– A child care operator’s natural, adopted, step, or foster children 7 years of age and older as well as any children 7 years of age and older who reside in the operator’s home (“residential children”) are not counted in the maximum number of children.

– When referring to “related children” the DCF definition is:

• The provider’s natural or adopted children, foster children, stepchildren, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, first cousins, nephews, nieces, uncles and aunts.

• Great grand children, great nieces and nephews, and 2nd cousins are NOT considered related under this definition. The relationship is either by blood or law (marriage).



www.4-c.org


Related Children under 7 years of

age

Un-Related Children under 7

years of age

Additional Children age 7 -

12


0 3 3 6

1 3 2 6

2 3 1 6

3 3 0 6

4 2 0 6

5 1 0 6

6 0 0 6

• A child care operator’s natural, adopted, step, or foster children 7 years of age and older or any child 7 years of age and older residing in the operator’s home are not counted in the maximum number of children.

• A state license is required when caring for 4 or more unrelated children under age 7 in a home even when there are multiple providers caring for children at the same time.



www.4-c.org


Number of Children under age 2


0 6

1 6

2 6

3 5

4 4

When Children Under the age of 2 are Present

• A child care operator’s natural, adopted, step, or foster children 7 years of age and older or any child 7 years of age and older residing in the operator’s home are not counted in the maximum number of children.

• The only way a provider may care for 4 children under the age of 2 is if at least one of those children are related to the provider.



www.4-c.org

Can I care for more children with more caregivers ?

NO!

Only 1 certified provider per home and no more than 3 unrelated children

under age 7 with the maximum group size of 6.



www.4-c.org

What about Assistants, Substitutes, etc?

• All substitutes, assistants, employees, and volunteers must be approved in writing by 4-C before work begins.

• In order to be approved, a Daycare Contact Application must be completed: 4-C needs to conduct background checks and receive documentation of each individual's SIDS/SBS training.

• If you are regularly certified and you use a substitute:– Your substitute must complete entry level

training before working for 240 hours.– Your substitute will also need to complete

continuing education.



www.4-c.org

What if I want to care for more children?

• Licensing through the state is required if caring for 4 or more unrelated children under age 7.

• Licensed providers can care for a maximum of 8 children.

• Additional training and standards are required.

• For more information contact 266-2900.



www.4-c.org

Can I Do Care in My Home or the Child’s Home?

• YOUR HOME• In rare cases, where the care is

subsidized and pre-approved in writing by the county, care can be provided in the child’s home.



www.4-c.org

Review of Levels of Care in WI

Unregulated

Provisional Certification

Regular Certification

Licensed

City or National Accreditation



www.4-c.org

Agencies • Regulatory Agencies

– Certification: 4-C– Licensing: State of WI (266-2900)

• Accreditation:– City of Madison: Satellite (275-6740)– National: National Association of Family Child

Care (NAFCC) 1-800-359-3817

• Department of Children and Families(DCF)– The Early Care and Education Division within

DCF oversees Certification and determines the policies and procedures for Certification.

– For more information regarding DCF, as well as a list of the Certification rules & statutes and a rule commentary manual please visit their website: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/default.htm

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/default.htm



www.4-c.org

What are the advantages of being a regulated

provider?Professionalism

Commitment

Participation in Child Care Food Program

Parent Referrals

Tax Advantages

Trainings

Technical Assistance



www.4-c.org

Review Questions

True or False:I have two children of my own under

age seven, if I get certified I can legally care for four more unrelated

children under the age of seven to get to my maximum of six children.

True or False:I can care for more children if I have an

assistant to help with the children.



www.4-c.org

Review Questions

True or False:Provisional Certification is a

temporary certificate until my real certificate is issued.

True or False:If my assistant or sub is only coming

occasionally they must take the SIDS/SBS class as well.



www.4-c.org

Application Packet• Your application packet includes:

(forms are described in more detail on the following slides)

– Application – W-9 form– TB test– Landlord permission form (completed by

landlord)– Background release forms (BIDs)

• There is a $75 non-refundable application fee.



www.4-c.org

• Application must be completed with full legal name and submitted to 4-C.

• On the application, you must list an emergency contact person – this is an adult located within 5 to 10 minutes, who can provide assistance in the event of an unexpected emergency

• References– Applicants must provide 3 references on the

application form with full name, address, and phone number.

– We will NOT ACCEPT references who are related to the applicant or living in the applicant’s home.

– Choose references who are able to comment on the applicant’s home and ability to care for children.

Application



www.4-c.org

W-9 Form• This form needs to be turned in for:

– New applicants– Provider name changes– Tax ID type change– Tax ID number change

• There are instructions for completing the W-9 included with the form.

• If you are interested in obtaining a Federal EIN number, there is information at the back table.



www.4-c.org

TB Test

• Tuberculosis Skin Test

• Test must have been administered in the past 12 months.

• Where to get a TB test:– Your regular doctor or clinic– see the Public Health – Madison &

Dane County website for more information:

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/TB/testing.cfm





www.4-c.org

Landlord Permission Form

• If you do not own the location where you reside, your landlord needs to give permission for you to run a child care on the premises.

• The Landlord Permission Form must be completed by the LANDLORD, not the applicant.



www.4-c.org

Background Information Disclosure Forms (BIDs)

• Must be completed for:– Yourself (the child care provider)– Anyone 12 years of age and older living in

the home– Substitutes, assistants, volunteers (prior to working)– Persons temporarily staying in the home (prior to moving in).

• There are 3 pages to the BID form. Please make sure to fill each out completely as well as sign and date each page where indicated.



www.4-c.org

Background Information Disclosure Forms (BIDs)

• Please make sure that each person fills out their own BID form.

• If you provide false information or intentionally withhold information on your BID form, this may cause your application to be denied.



www.4-c.org

Background Checks

The following background checks are required to be conducted:– Department of Justice/DOJ (criminal

information)– CCAP (criminal information)– DHS (abuse, neglect, etc. findings)– Social Services (abuse, neglect, etc.

findings)– SOR (Sex Offender Registry)



www.4-c.org

Sex Offender Registry (SOR)

• 4-C is required to check information in the National Sex Offender Registry.

• Checks will be done on all individuals as well as your address to determine whether any registered sex offenders live in your home.

• If it is discovered that any registered offenders live in your neighborhood (within a .25 mile radius) 4-C will inform you of this information.

• http://wisconsindco.familywatchdog.us • http://wisconsindoc.familywatchdog.us

http://wisconsindoc.familywatchdog.us/




www.4-c.org

• There are two reasons you may be fingerprinted:– You have lived out of state within the

past three years (which you would indicate on your BID form).

– You want to be eligible to receive WI Shares Subsidy payments (which you would indicate on your application).

• Who does this apply to:– You – the certified child care provider– Any residents in your home age 18 years

and older– Any substitutes, assistants, volunteers,

etc.

Fingerprinting



www.4-c.org

Once you submit your application packet to 4-C, if it is indicated on any BID forms that someone has lived out of state, or on your application that you wish to be eligible to receive WI Shares Subsidy payment, 4-C

will provide you with the information and documents needed to get fingerprinted.

How To Get Fingerprinted



www.4-c.org

1. FieldPrint (digital)• Preferred method• DCF will pay the $7.75 per person fee • 4-C has handouts regarding locations,

how to schedule appointments, codes needed, etc.

2. Local Law Enforcement• 4-C will provide you with the cards

needed as well as extra forms to be signed.

• There may be a per person fee that you will be responsible for paying.

NOTE: There is an additional $34.50 per person fee to run the fingerprinting checks. At this time, 4-C is able to waive this fee, but this may change

in the future.

How To Get Fingerprinted (2 Options)



www.4-c.org

Frequency of Background Checks

• Background checks on providers, residents age 12 and older, employees, and volunteers are run annually by 4-C.

• New Background Information Disclosure (BID) forms for providers, residents age 12 and older, employees, and volunteers are required to be submitted to 4-C annually.



www.4-c.org

WI Caregiver Background Law

• There are certain convictions that are considered “serious crimes” and that bar a person from being certified or from residing in and/or working in a certified home.

• There are 3 main categories of “serious crimes” or “bars.”



www.4-c.org

3 Categories of Serious Crimes / “Bars”

1. Permanent Bar: these convictions will not permit a person to be a certified provider, reside in, or work as a caregiver for a child care setting.

2. 5-Year Bar: these convictions will not permit a person to be a certified provider, reside in, or work as a caregiver for a child care setting until 5 years has passed since completion of probation, parole, or extended supervision.

3. Bar w/ Rehabilitation Review: these convictions will not permit a person to be a certified provider, reside in, or work as a caregiver for a child care setting until rehabilitation review approval has been granted.



www.4-c.org

List of Convictions• Copies of the crimes table that lists all convictions

are on the back table.

• General Categories include (but are not limited to):– Violent Crimes– Crimes against children– Certain business crimes – Certain drug offenses– Findings by a governmental agency of neglect or

abuse of a client and/or misappropriation of client’s property

– Findings by a governmental agency of child abuse or neglect

– Fraudulent activity as a participant in the Wisconsin Works Program

• When looking through the table, it is important to know the statute number of the conviction as well as if it was a misdemeanor or felony.



www.4-c.org

Application Process• All application materials must be submitted

together to 4-C, with the exception of documentation of your SIDS/SBS class. However, it is your responsibility to submit this documentation before a home visit can be scheduled.

• Please make sure to check over all the paperwork and make sure it is filled out and signed completely and accurately.

• If your paperwork is incomplete, it will be sent back to you – this will delay the process and could potentially cause your application to be denied.

• You are welcome to bring your application in to 4-C when submitting it and have someone from the Certification Department look it over.



www.4-c.org

Application Process • If you plan on moving within 3 months of

applying for certification, please wait to submit your application materials until after you move.

• When your application has been processed:– If it has been approved, a 4-C Certification

Specialist will contact you to schedule a home visit.

– If it has been denied, you will receive a letter in the mail detailing the reason for denial.

• 4-C has 60 days after receiving a completed application AND determining an applicant is fit to either approve or deny an application.



www.4-c.org

What does “fit” mean?

• “Fit” means the applicant displays the capacity to successfully nurture and care for children and includes considerations of any of the following:

– Abuse of alcohol or drugs– A history of civil or criminal conviction or

administrative rule violation that substantially relates to the caring for children

– Exercise of unsound judgment – A history of civil or criminal offenses or

any other actions that demonstrate an inability to manage the activities of a child care program



www.4-c.org

Certification File• Information in your certification file is

considered “open” record.

• The following information may be shared:– Home Visits– Non-Compliances– Complaints– Open References

• Juveniles records, mental health records, AODA or social service information is confidential and will NOT be shared.



www.4-c.org

Review QuestionsTrue or False

On the application, I write my reference names and phone numbers, and 4-C will call the

reference to get their address.

True or FalseI can fill out the top of my landlord form and

have my landlord sign it at the bottom.

True or FalseMy cousin from Illinois is coming to visit for the

summer, I have to submit a background form before she comes.



www.4-c.org

Short BreakDuring the break please take the opportunity to check out the various displays around the room regarding:

Home Safety Supplies Poison Information Activity Ideas Business Organization Ideas

PLEASE NOTE:

The front door is locked, so if you need to leave the building during the break, please notify us so we can let you back

in.



www.4-c.org

Home Visits• 4-C will visit you periodically

throughout your certification.

• Any of the following visits may be announced or unannounced– New Home Visit– Annual Home Visit– Renewal Home Visit– Relocation Visit– Complaints/Compliance Home Visits– Technical Assistance Home Visits



www.4-c.org

Home Safety• It’s essential to ensure that your

home is safe for children of all ages.

• Walk through the rooms in your home that you plan on using for child care and take a close look to spot any potential hazards.

• The next few slides have pictures to use to practice “spotting the hazards.”



www.4-c.org



www.4-c.org


The following must be kept locked or inaccessible to children:• Knives/Knife Blocks (not on counter top)

• Sharp objects (scissors or utensils)

• Cleaning supplies and other potential poisons

• Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

• Plastic bags

• Animal food and water

• Alcoholic beverages



www.4-c.org

Health & Safety StandardsAnything harmful to children, including any personal care items labeled “keep out of reach of children” cannot be accessible to children in the bathroom. We recommend they NOT be stored in the bathroom at all. A high shelf in the hallway or kitchen are potential alternatives.



www.4-c.org


• Electric, cable, and phone cords should not be lying loosely.

• Outlets need to be covered.

• Blind cords should be out of children’s reach and separated for safety.

• Garbage can needs to be covered.



www.4-c.org


• Working smoke detectors are required on every level of your home.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:• Wisconsin Act 158 (2009) requires all one

or two family dwellings to have a working carbon monoxide detector installed in the basement and on each level of the building excluding the attic and the garage.

• For all other dwellings, Certification rules require one carbon monoxide detector.



www.4-c.org

Health & Safety Standards• Guns and ammunition need to be

locked and stored separately and must be kept inaccessible to children.

• All areas of the home should be kept clean and uncluttered.

• The premises may not have any chipping, peeling or deteriorating paint on exterior or interior surfaces in areas accessible to children.



www.4-c.org

Health & Safety Standards• No smoking on premises (inside or

outside) during day care hours – this includes parents and caregivers.

• Rabies vaccination for cats, dogs, and ferrets need to be current, on file, and available at all home visits.

• Well water needs to be tested for bacteria and nitrates every 2 years. This must be done BEFORE you can be certified.



www.4-c.org


• Please have standards ready for the home visit. If standards are not met, certification may be denied.

• At home visits, the entire home will be checked for potential hazards; this includes areas not used for child care.



www.4-c.org

Additional Certification Standards

• You can not provide more than 16 hours of care within a 24 hour period.

• Daily Attendance– Child’s name/time in & out/date– Each child listed separately– Must be kept for all children present

regardless of payment or frequency of care

– Kept on file for 3 years



www.4-c.org


• Enrollment Forms– These will be given to you by your

certifier at your new home visit (they are also available on the 4-C website).

– These forms must be filled out by the parents and kept at your home at all times.

– These forms need to be on file regardless of frequency of care.



www.4-c.org


• Your home needs to have at least one working telephone.

• A list of emergency numbers needs to be posted by each telephone.

• You must report to 4-C any changes in your phone number.



www.4-c.org


In-ground, above-ground, and inflatable pools, hot tubs, and large outdoor trampolines may not be used during hours of care and need to be inaccessible to children.



www.4-c.org


• You need to plan a variety of daily activities that give each child opportunities to be involved in play that will enhance:– Creativity – Language development – Large & small motor skills– Imagination

• There should be enough indoor play equipment to allow each child at least 3 activities when all children are using equipment at the same time.



www.4-c.org

Outdoor Play• When children are outside, a provider

must be outside with the children and provide both sight and sound supervision at all times.

• Outdoor activities must be developmentally appropriate for the ages of children in care.

• Equipment must be in good working care.

• Space used for care must be free of hazards and animal feces.

• There should be enough outdoor play equipment to allow each child at least one activity when all children are using equipment at the same time.



www.4-c.org

Vehicle Alarm

• If you transport daycare children in a vehicle that has a seating capacity of 6 or more passengers in addition to the driver, Wisconsin law requires that your vehicle have a safety alarm.

• Information on this law as well as how to obtain a vehicle alarm in in your folder.



www.4-c.org

Night/3rd Shift Care

• Even if you are planning on doing only night or 3rd shift care, you are still required to have equipment, toys and activities available for the children.

• Children sleeping over night in your care need to be sleeping on something more substantial than nap mats, sleeping bags, etc.



www.4-c.org

Providing Care in a Basement

• If you are planning on allowing children access to a basement area, you are required to have at least 2 exits.

• If the 2nd exit is a window, it must meet the following specifications:• At least 20 inches wide and 24 inches

high. • No more than 46 inches above the

floor • Opens directly to the ground or to a

window well with an area at least 6 square feet that is not more than 46 inches below the ground.



www.4-c.org

Caring for Infants

A safe crib or pack’n’play shall be available for each child under one year of age to use for napping. (Please Note: you need this equipment BEFORE caring for an infant.)



www.4-c.org

Crib Standards• All cribs provided by a child care program

must meet federal safety standards.

• These standards apply to all full-size and non full-size cribs including wood, metal, and stackable cribs.

• Portable cribs, playpens, etc. that have mesh or fabric sides are not subject to these standards.

• Certification staff will require documentation that your crib is in compliance with these standards if your was made prior to June 28, 2011.

• Please see handout at back table for more information.



www.4-c.org

Supplies & Equipment

If you have supplies and equipment in storage, please make sure you have them available before your initial home visit.

If your home does not meet Certification Standards your application can be denied.



www.4-c.org

Review Questions

True or False:My home must be set up for child

care even if I am not currently caring for any children.

True or False:Children who I am receiving subsidy

payments for are the only children that need to be documented on the

daily attendance records.



www.4-c.org

Review Questions

I start providing care at 7am- what time can I do care until?

I start providing care at 3pm- what time can I do care until?



www.4-c.org

Business of Child Care



www.4-c.org

Costs to Consider

• There are many potential costs to consider when starting a family child care:– Application fees – Health and Safety items

• gates, outlet plugs, car seats, carbon monoxide detector, etc.

– Equipment • nap mats, high chairs, sippy cups, bottles,

pack’n’play, child-sized chairs/table– Business supplies

• folders, binders, etc.– Toys and Activities– Food



www.4-c.org

No-cost or Low-cost Ideas

• Visit the public library for books, activity bags, and other resources.

• Use recyclables for art projects, musical instruments, and homemade blocks.

• Make homemade play dough.• Use household items for playful purposes

(funnels, measuring spoons, bowls, etc). • Use cardboard boxes for pretend play.• Look through your closet for dress-up

clothing• Make homemade puzzles or books.• Check garage sales and thrift stores.



www.4-c.org

Contracts

• Certification rules require a written contract between provider and parent. It should include agreed upon days and times of care, fees for care, and signature of both parent and provider.

• Providers should also consider policies they wish to implement as part of their business such as: guidance, illness policy, vacation, termination, etc.

• There is a sample contract in your folder for you to review and consider.



www.4-c.org

Contracts

• Contract disputes often lead to complaints.

• Protect your business by ensuring your contract accurately reflects the services you provide.

• Make sure to review with parents prior to enrollment.



www.4-c.org

Income/Fees

Can I set my own rates? YES(Information on average rates is on the back

table)

Sources of income/fees include:• Private pay clients• Subsidy Programs:

– WI Shares Child Care Subsidy – City of Madison subsidy for Satellite

providers



www.4-c.org

Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy

• Wisconsin’s child care subsidy program provides financial child care assistance to low-income parents who are working or preparing to enter the workforce and is administered by local Wisconsin Works (W-2) agencies and county or tribal human services agencies.

• In order to receive these payments, you must be a regulated provider.



www.4-c.org


• The County will NOT pay for children who live in the home of the provider.

• Providers will receive a written authorization from the subsidy agency confirming approved hours/rates for each child.

• Providers will either receive blank attendance reporting forms from The County or report online.



www.4-c.org

• Payments are attendance based so you will only be reimbursed for the hours that the children are in your care--not if they are sick, on vacation or absent for any other reason.

• Providers are to report ACTUAL hours of care in the appropriate box(es).

• False reporting to a subsidy agency is fraud and may result in revocation of certification, restitution &/or criminal prosecution.




www.4-c.org


• Payments are bi-weekly.

• Regularly Certified Providers are paid at a higher rate that Provisionally Certified Providers unless you are caring for relatives only.

• Maximum Rate information for Dane County is available at the back table.

• Please keep in mind that the amount of subsidy you receive is not intended to be the full payment for your care – you can charge the parent a co-pay.



www.4-c.org


• 4-C does not manage child care subsidy funds and does not make payments to providers, so questions should be directed to The County.

• There is a letter in your folder from Dane County with information on how to start the process of getting paid.

• For more information, and a link to the WI Shares Subsidy Policy Guide for Child Care Providers, please visit their website: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/wishares/default.htm

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/wishares/default.htm




www.4-c.org

YoungStar• Regulated child care providers in Wisconsin

who want to receive Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy payments are required to participate in YoungStar.

• YoungStar is a program of the Department of Children and Families created to improve the quality of child care for Wisconsin children.

• When you participate in the YoungStar program (and have children enrolled in your child care) you are eligible for help from a technical consultant as well as a $250 microgrant to support quality improvements.



www.4-c.org

YoungStar• You must be certified before you can be a

YoungStar-rated provider.

• We will hand out YoungStar applications at the end of the meeting as well as bring one along to your initial home visit.

• You will not receive subsidy payments until you have submitted a complete YoungStar application to your Regional YoungStar office.

• Your reimbursement rate for Wisconsin Shares subsidy payments is tied to your YoungStar rating.

• For more information: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/youngstar

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/youngstar



www.4-c.org

Regulated Child Care and YoungStar Public Search

• Both regulatory compliance information and YoungStar rating details on all regulated child care providers in the State of Wisconsin are on this public website.

• It includes results of monitoring by the certifying agency and rule violations – as well as a copy of noncompliance statements and correction plans.

• http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensed/search.HTM

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensed/search.HTM





www.4-c.org

Food Program (CACFP)• The Child and Adult Care Food

Program (CACFP) is funded as part of the National School Lunch Act. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding to help children in school and child care receive nutritious food.

• All children ages 0 through 12 years in child care are eligible to participate in this program. Each child can be paid for either two meals and one snack or two snacks and one meal per day.



www.4-c.org

Food Program (CACFP)

• Providers need to follow the same nutritional requirements regardless of participating in the food program.

• On average providers receive $250 a month when claiming on the food program. It depends on the number of children in care and the amount of meals/snacks being served.



www.4-c.org

Food Program (CACFP)• The food program will provide you

with recipes, nutritional information, meal plans and ideas, free nutrition training, newsletters, calendar keeper and more.

• Food program consultants will come to your home and explain the program to you in full detail.

• There is a CACFP WI Sponsors Forum brochure at the back table with more information or check out their website: http://www.foodprogramwi.org/

http://www.foodprogramwi.org/



www.4-c.org

Taxes

• As a child care provider you are legally obligated to file taxes with the IRS.

• Income is parent fees, county & other subsidy payments, food program reimbursement, etc. Taxes are not automatically taken out of these payments.

• You are responsible for tracking your income.



www.4-c.org

Taxes• Income-Deductions=Taxable Income

• Many expenses are 100% deductible while others are partially deductible.

• You may purchase materials to assist you with record keeping and tax preparation from the 4-C resource room (see brochure at back table).

• Tax information in your folder will help you get started.



www.4-c.org

Insurance• Business liability insurance is

intended to protect you from accidents that happen during child care hours but is not required for Certification.

• Certified providers are required to inform parents of their liability insurance coverage in writing.

• Regular and homeowner’s insurance will not cover accidents that occur during child care hours.



www.4-c.org

Insurance• If your landlord is hesitant about

signing the landlord permission form, getting business liability insurance and naming them as “co-insured” may help.

• WI state law requires all drivers and vehicle owners to carry liability insurance on their vehicle. Certifiers may require proof of vehicle liability insurance during visits.

• There is an insurance fact sheet in your folder for review.



www.4-c.org

Preparing For Your 1st Clients

• What ages of children do you want to take care of?

• What hours are you going to run your child care?

• Do you know how many openings you have?

• Who will your clients be? Where and how will you advertise your business?

• Do you have a business name, flyer, business card, or website to share?

• Have you decided on your rates?



www.4-c.org

Preparing For Your 1st Clients

• What are your expectations of parents?

• Are you prepared to give parents a tour of your home?

• Do you have references prepared to give potential clients if they ask?

• Have you prepared a contract and have enrollment forms on hand?



www.4-c.org

Professionalism

What type of image do you want to portray for your child care business?

• Is your home clean, safe and inviting to children?

• Do you answer the door in your p.j.s?• Are the voicemail and ringtones on

your phone professional and appropriate?

• Is your enrollment paperwork dry and free of wrinkles and food stains?

• How do you conduct yourself in public?



www.4-c.org

4-C Referral Department• 4-C receives about 200 calls each

month from parents who are searching for child care options. About 75% are looking for infant care.

• 4-C referral department maintains a database of all regulated programs (certified family child care, licensed family child care, group centers) in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Green, Rock, Sauk, and Walworth counties.



www.4-c.org

4-C Referral Department• Providers’ location, hours, ages, and

days willing to do care are matched with parents calling 4-C. The parent is responsible for contacting providers regarding current openings.

• Providers should not rely solely on 4-C to obtain new clients. Providers should also advertise on their own.

• It is the providers’ responsibility to keep referral up to date regarding their program.



www.4-c.org

4-C Membership• Not automatically a member if

certified.

• $25 annual fee• Membership card & Certificate

• Four issues of Focus (newsletter)

• Access to Resource Room lending library

• Monthly Discounts (check with Resource Room staff for current discounts being offered)



www.4-c.org

4-C Resource Room– Themed Kits– Children’s Books– The Paper Shop– Lending Library– Books for Sale– The Lamination Station– The Die Cut Corner– P.C. Corner – Provider Computer– Activity and Craft Store



www.4-c.org

Need help?

• The Certification Department is here to help and offer technical assistance with the application process as well as throughout your certification.

• If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

608-271-9181www.4-C.org



www.4-c.org

4-C Websitewww.4-C.org

http://www.4-c.org/



www.4-c.org



www.4-c.org

Summary of Websites• Certification Commentary Manual

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/wishares/manual.htm

• DCF / Department of Children & Families http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/certification/default.htm

• Public Health Department http://www.publichealthmdc.com/

• Regulated Child Care and YoungStar Public Search http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensed/search.HTM

• Family Child Care Business Resources http://www.thinksmall.org/



http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/certification/default.htm

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/certification/default.htm

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/




http://www.thinksmall.org/



www.4-c.org

Summary of Websites• Sex Offender Registry

http://wisconsindco.familywatchdog.us • http://wisconsindoc.familywatchdog.us

• Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/wishares/default.htm

• Wisconsin CACFP Sponsors Forum http://www.foodprogramwi.org/

• YoungStar http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/youngstar/default.htm





http://www.foodprogramwi.org/

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/youngstar/default.htm



www.4-c.org

Recap of “Questions To Think About”

Why do I want to have a home child care?

What do I want my child care to look like?

0

What kind of a home child care would I want my own child to attend?

0

How much am I willing to put into it in order to have a successful and good quality home child care?



www.4-c.org

What’s Next• Fill out the yellow evaluation form in

your folder.

• Pick up an application packet, extra BID forms, and a YoungStar application.

• Call or stop by with any questions regarding the application process.

• Take your SIDS/SBS class.

• Look over the home visit checklist in your folder to prepare your home. Call us if you have any questions!

Family Child Care Certification Start Up Meeting

Education

Transcript of Family Child Care Certification Start Up Meeting