Latest News from the Bureau of Child Care
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.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWLY RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING BODYThe Bureau of Child Care is pleased to announce that the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has met the scoring requirements, and is considered an officially recognized accrediting body for child care providers in Indiana effective October 1, 2008.
Child care providers meeting ACSI standards may be eligible for a 10% above market rate reimbursement for CCDF voucher children. This accreditation now meets one of the requirements for Level 4 participation on the Paths to QUALITY program.
The Bureau of Child Care currently recognizes the following accrediting bodies:- COA - Council on Accreditation
- NAEYC - National Association for the Eduation of Young Children
- NAFCC - National Association of Family Child Care
- NECPA - National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
- ACSI - Association of Christian Schools International
VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The Voluntary Certification Program (VCP) is offered to all Indiana unlicensed registered child care ministry providers who want to ensure that the basic health and safety needs of the children they serve are being met. The voluntary program offers the tools, information, and assistance necessary to attain these standards. To access the program guidelines, click here; or if you would like a copy of the guidelines mailed to you, please call 1-877-511-1144.
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/.
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
