NCJ Number
114893
Date Published
1985
Length
310 pages
Annotation
This document provides counsel, suggestions, and guidelines to help States and municipalities review and revise their licensing and registration standards and requirements in compliance with provisions of Public Law 98-473 relating to the prevention of child abuse (particularly sexual abuse) in day care centers, family day care homes, and group day care homes.
Abstract
Model child day care standards cover staff training, development, supervision, and evaluation; staff qualification requirements by job classification; staff-child ratios; staff probation periods; staff employment history checks; and parental visitation. Licensing authorities are encouraged to require extensive background screening, including fingerprint, reference, and employment history checks, for potential employees. Probationary periods for new employees are recommended during which further background checks and onsite evaluations should take place. Also advocated are increased staff training in the prevention, detection, and reporting of child abuse and community education efforts. An open-door policy, permitting unannounced parent visits to facilities at any time also is recommended, together with efforts to involve parents actively in their children's day care program. Appendixes include accreditation criteria and procedures of the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, Child Welfare League of America Standards for day care services, and information on staff qualifications and staff-child ratios. Figures, tables, photographs, and references.