Regulations and accreditation for childcare providers

Family Child Care Home, Child Care Center, or School-Based Program?

What is a family child care home?

In brief, a Family Child Care Provider cares for one to ten children, full- or part-time, in a private residence. He/she is required by law to be licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, and must meet minimum requirements. Family Child Care homes typically care for children ages newborn—14 years, and are most often open year-round. Children who attend a Family Child Care program may enjoy the warmth of a home-based setting and the family feeling of participating in a mixed-age group.

What is a child care center?

A Child Care Center serves children ages newborn-14 years, part- or full-time, in large common spaces or individual classrooms. Children are typically grouped by age. Children who attend a Child Care Center program may appreciate the advantages of a school setting and the opportunity to spend time with like-aged peers. Child Care Centers and their staffs must be licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care.

What is school-age care?

School Age Care, for children ages 5-14 (or 16 with a disability), may also be called before school, after school, extended day, or out-of-school time care. These programs are open before school and/or after school and/or during school vacations. School Age Care may be offered by a school, child care center, or family child care home. Some programs are exempt from licensing if they are operate as part of a school system. For more specific information about Family Child Care and Child Care Center licensing requirements, contact the Department of Early Education and Care at www.eec.state.ma.us or 617-988-6600.

Features of a Quality Child Care Program for School-age Children

Pleasant and safe environment

A child care program should take place in a facility that is clean, well ventilated, adequately heated (NO portable space heaters) and well lit. The electric wiring and fixtures should be safe and in good repair. The kitchen should be clean, with food kept stored or refrigerated. The bathrooms should be well maintained, clean, and supplied with soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. The facility should have more than one clearly marked exit, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and smoke detectors. (Inquire about carbon monoxide detectors.) There should be a clear plan for evacuation and periodic practice drills. There should be first aid supplies and appropriate medical emergency contingency plans. Emergency phone numbers should be posted by the phone. All hazardous or potentially dangerous items should be stored safely and accessible to adults only.

The teachers and/or staff members should have consistent schedules in order to give children a sense of security, familiarity, and trust. They should enjoy spending time with children and work well with each other. Teachers and Directors should be interested in learning about your child and your family. They should be comfortable with diversity. Children should feel safe, physically and emotionally.

Communication with parents

It's important that parents/guardians feel welcome at the facility and that the Principal, Director, teachers, and staff members be accessible. Do not leave your child in any school, center, or home where there is a policy prohibiting you from having access to your child at any time. (For safety reasons, outer doors may have a lock or security system, and you may have to check in at an office.)

Safety policies

Be sure the program has safety policies in place:

• Your child will be released only to you or to a person you specify.
• Your contact information is readily available.
• Your child's health information is on file.
• Parental permission slips are signed before field trips.

What should a good before school program offer?

A before school care program is generally more low-key than an after school program. Children should be offered quiet spaces where they can prepare themselves mentally for the day ahead. A reading nook or homework table should be available, as well as puzzles, quiet games, and crayons/paper. Some moderately active play is fine as long as children remain clean and kempt for the start of the school day. Children may be allowed to watch an educational television show or video or listen to music. Breakfast may be provided by or eaten at the program. Group activities, such as Calendar Time or Stretching, may be offered.

What should a good after school care program offer?

A school-, center-, or home-based after school program should not be a continuation of the school day, with the same focus on academic activities. However, it should not be a “sitting” service, where children have little structured programming.

Consider what your children generally like to do when they come home after school. Depending upon their personalities and the events of the school day, they might feel more or less energetic. Some children need quiet time for themselves while others need to be outside playing team sports, roller skating, or shooting hoops. Others might want to play with their friends.

An after school program should be flexible enough to accommodate the different ages, needs, and moods of the children, offering stimulating and interesting activities but not insisting on participation. Children should have some choices. Boys and girls should be encouraged equally, without gender bias. Cultural differences should be celebrated and provide learning opportunities.

Facilities for active play

Most children have probably spent a good part of the day sitting and will need a chance to be active. The program should have a good outdoor space for physical activities either on the grounds or nearby.

Some programs may have a large room or gym. Not every center or home can provide this space, and you may decide it is less important than other qualities.

Equipment in the outdoor spaces should be safe - swings well attached, seesaws securely bolted - and there should be a deep rubber, sand, or mulch surface to help prevent injuries from falls. The area should be defined by bushes or fencing, and protected from roads and driveways.

Spaces for quiet activities

After a day at school, children may need time alone. They may need a quiet place to do homework, read a book, or paint. Some may want to do things with just one friend or two, such as play checkers, cards, or Monopoly. There should be a few quiet corners in the facility. Some programs allow children to watch educational movies or television shows.

Variety of activities and materials

An after school program can give children a chance to do some of the same things they do at school but in a less-structured way. Look for a good variety of supplies: crayons, markers, paints, scissors, paper, glue, puzzles, books, games, building sets, a CD player, dolls, cars.

Children may develop their athletic abilities at an after school program. Sports supplies such as a basketball and hoop, softball equipment, a volleyball, etc. should be available.

Activities such as basic cooking, carpentry, and sewing may also be offered.Some larger programs may even offer art instruction or a chorus, computers or drama.

Nutritious food

Children are usually hungry at the end of a school day, and they should be provided with nutritious and filling snacks like fruit, low-fat cheese, peanut butter, milk, and juice. Water should always be available.

Small groups and adult supervision

In an after school program, children should have the opportunity to be in smaller groups. For children between the ages of five and seven, there should be at least one adult for a group of ten children. For older children, a group could be as large as thirteen with one adult. (If the program is in a Family Child Care home, the number of children can never exceed ten.) In general, a program can be more flexible and children can receive more individual attention with additional adult support.