Latest News from the Bureau of Child Care
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ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS FOR RE-OPENING OF CHILD CARE FACILITIES FOLLOWING FLOOD DAMAGE Unless all the following are adhered to a childcare will not be allowed to reopen. WATER SAFETY: 1. Tap water that is on “boil precautions” should not be used in the child care that is providing care for infants. Only bottled water from an approved source may be used for drinking in any child care until the water has been cleared by IDEM. 2. Public water sources that have been approved by IDEM may be used. If the public water source has not been approved then for drinking purposes only bottled water from an approved source may be used. For hand washing purposes the water should either be boiled at a rolling boil for 1 minute or mix 1/8 tsp. of newly purchased, unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water. 3. If water is provided from a private well the water should be tested by a lab certified for drinking water. Your county health department may be able to assist you with the sampling. 4. Prior to reopening the Bureau of Child Care must see a copy of the result of this sampling. 5. Boiling water for 5 minutes at a full rolling boil and then aerating it by pouring it from one container to another. The purpose of aerating it is to remove the flat taste. The child care should follow boil water guidelines as long as they are in effect for their area. 6. IDEM is the governing body for all public water sources in the State of Indiana. Childcares must adhere to all IDEM regulations prior to opening. SEWAGE: 1. Prior to reopening the child care must have functioning toilet facilities. 2. Any standing water in the facility must be gone. Floors and furnishing must be completely dried out. If carpeting, upholstered furniture, dry wall or insulation has been saturated it should be removed. It would not dry out quickly enough prior to mold growing. 3. Children should not be allowed to play outside if there is any standing water. This water may have been contaminated with animal feces in the flooding. 4. Everything in the facility should be cleaned with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water. FOOD: 1. Throw away any food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. 2. If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water and allow to air dry. Relabel the cans with a marker. 3. Use only ready to feed formula for infants. 4. Dispose of any baby food that may have come in contact with flood water. References: Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/) Indiana State Department of Health (www.in.gov/isdh) |
There's a lot happening with the Bureau of Child Care. Funds have recently been made available to enroll children from the CCDF wait list, Licensed Homes rules are being reviewed, a voluntary Quality Rating System for providers is being implemented, and much more. Click on the link below for an update on the latest news from the Bureau of Child Care.
BUREAU OF CHILD CARE 2007 ANNUAL REPORTThe mission of the Bureau of Child Care is to provide all parents with informed child care choices that promote their children's health, safety and future success in school.
Read the Bureau's second annual report to find out how this mission is being accomplished and more.
INDIANA'S WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs year-round. To view Governor Daniels’ Proclamation for Week of the Young Child, click here.
QUALITY RATING SYSTEM
Indiana has chosen to implement a voluntary Quality Rating System that builds on a home grown model. All regulated child care providers will have the opportunity to participate. The original model was implemented by Early Childhood Alliance in Allen County and is known as “Paths to QUALITY.” The model and its replication in other areas of the state have shown dramatic success in assisting parents in locating quality child care and in improving the overall level of care in these areas. There will be a phased in statewide implementation period beginning 1/1/08 through 1/1/09. The system will be implemented in partnership with the Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children.
For more information on Paths to QUALITY, such as the rollout schedule and standards for participation, click here. For information about Quality Rating Systems in other states, visit the National Child Care Information Center web site at http://www.nccic.org/.
CHILD CARE INTERPRETATIVE GUIDELINES
The Bureau of Child Care (BCC) is pleased to announce the release of Child Care Interpretative Guidelines for Licensed Centers, Licensed Homes, and Unlicensed Registered Ministries. These guidelines are much like a training and policy manual that will be used by child care inspection staff.
The purpose of these guidelines is to:
- Provide child care inspection staff with a tool for determining compliance with regulations
- Increase consistency of inspections and enforcements
- Build better relationships with providers by providing shared language and expectations
- Assist child care providers in preparation for inspection visits
- Ensure that the intent of regulations are being met
These guidelines were developed through consultation from the National Association for Regulatory Administration http://www.nara-licensing.org/ and with input from child care providers and inspection staff.
EFFECTIVE 4/01/08, THE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE INTERPRETATIVE GUIDELINES:
During the first inspection of a facility following these updates, the facility will not be cited if found to be out of compliance with any of the new updates. Any deficiencies with the new clarifications will be documented as having been discussed with the provider, and the facility will be expected to be in full compliance at the next visit.
Providers will receive a hard copy of the added clarifications during their next inspection visit; or you may request a copy now by calling 1-877-511-1144. Please identify the type of program being operated.
Families & Employers
"A Parent Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care" by the US Department of Health and Human Services. 1.45mb
Providers
UPDATE TO PROPOSED CHANGES TO LICENSED CHILD CARE HOME RULES
To see a copy of the newly proposed licensed child care home rules, please click here. These are draft rules only and not officially adopted at this time.
LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
In an effort to improve communication and relationships with providers, the Bureau of Child Care (BCC) initiated a Licensed Child Care Center Advisory Board. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to make formal recommendations to BCC about statewide policy and program decisions. The Advisory Board will meet on a quarterly basis and is open to the public.
LICENSED CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In accordance with IC 12-17.2-2.5-1, the Division of Family Resources (DFR) has established a child care home advisory committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide DFR with information, advice, and assistance concerning implementation of child care regulations. The advisory committee will meet on a quarterly basis.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Family Resources
Bureau of Child Care
402 West Washington Street, Room W386
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Child Care Information Line: 1-877-511-1144
Parent Information Line: 1-888-463-5473
