Hello S.,
If you will be receiving 4C, ONLY Certifed, Registered or Licensed Childcare Providers, will be able to take in your child. 4C will not pay others that do not fall under this category. Also, some childcare providers don't accept 4C because they only get paid once a month and only for the days that your child has attended. They have a certain rate and special rules, and some childcare providers prefer not to deal with it. Speaking from personal experience.
As far as the questions... here's the list...
Get REFERENCES; Hours of Operations; Days of Operations; Policy on Late Pick-up/Early Arrivals and Late Payment fee; Curriculum and it's source; their training and experience; Are meals provded?; What supplies do you need to provide (diapers, wipes, and etc.)?; Daily routine and schedule; The number of children that they currently have and the number of children that they plan on having (Maximum for 1yr-4yr olds is 6 children per provider and infants count as 2 children); Where will they be sleeping; What meal pattern do they follow (USDA)?; Evacuation Plan for Fire Drills; How do they make contact with your child's Emergency Contact?; Do they have a contract that explains most/all of this in BLACK and WHITE?? Do they have any pets?; Do they have any fireamrs?; Do they have a Hourly, Daily, Part-time, or Full-Time rate? I can go on and on.
Check the place out and your child will let you know if it's the place. Also see how that provider interacts with your child and if your child feels comfortable enough.
I'm a Registered Childcare Provider, myself, but all of my slots are currently filled and I do not go over my ratio. It's not fair for the children nor myself.... no matter how much money it brings.
Oh yeah, you ARE allowed to contact the providers whether you have 4C or not. You are still you child's parent and that's all that matters. www.myflorida.com/childcare/provider
Let me know if I can help you. You have a blessed day.
L.
