Professional Family Provider Association of the Lower Shore

A Network of Family Care Providers
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Eco-Healthy Child Care
To All Parents and Guardians
from all P.F.P.A.L.S. Members
 
PFPALS has gathered useful information to aid you in making an informed decision with placing your  child(ren) in a child care setting.
 
Below you will find questions to ask during a Provider interview and links to view information about your child, child care, and being ready for school.
 
Members of our Association are writing their own profiles and we are posting these profiles on the Child Care Provider page.  When you visit the Child Care Provider page, first, click on the Professional Development page to learn about the Credentials that are available to Family Child Care Providers.  Many of the credentialing opportunities include training, and some require applications for the given child care program to complete and receive approval through observation from an outside source.  After learning about all the professional opportunities Providers have, click on any of the school districts, read the Provider's profiles and contact the Providers that you feel could be a great match for you and your child(ren).  You do not need to remain in your school district to find care, unless, your child is of school age and needs to ride the bus. 
 
Your family provider home can be an extension of your home.  It is so hard to balance work and home but, your family provider can provide a comfortable at-home environment that may make it a bit easier to head off to work.  
 
We would like to help meet your child care needs, feel free to contact us (Contact Us page) with any questions or concerns and we will try to address them as best as we can.
 
We look forward to hear from you,
 
Cheryl Thomsen
Vice-President, P.F.P.A.L.S. 
 

POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

 

  • Are you licensed?   (all PFPALS members are licensed, license numbers are next to their name)

 

  • What is your policy regarding sick kids?  Do you wait for fever or send home when sniffles start?

 

  • What are your discipline techniques?  Do you have them in writing?

 

  • What would you do if my baby cried inconsolably?

 

  • How much am I charged if I'm late picking up my child?

 

  • Can I make unannounced visits to see/observe my child?

 

  • What are your security and emergency policies?  What would you do if my child fell?

 

  •  How would you handle an emergency situation?  (i.e. national security)

 

  • What is your typical day like?

 

  • Do you drive the children anywhere?  If yes, do you have carseats?

 

  • Do you smoke?  Have pets?

 

 

 

 What can family childcare offer your family?

1. A small group, including a personal relationship with your provider.

 

2. Continuity in care from birth till your child starts school, possibly even during the elementary    school years for days off and after school care.

 

3. A clean, safe, state regulated, nurturing environment.

 

4. Flexible hours to meet your family's needs.

 

5. A trained professional who values the importantance of your child's early years.

 

6. You as the parent have the opportunity to choose a provider with similar values, morals and beliefs to help your child to grow and learn while away from you.

 

7. A multi aged group of children where the older children are able to teach younger children by example, which creates an environment that encourages nurturing behavior at an early age and allowing siblings to be cared for together. 

 

 

 

Links For Parents                                                

 

Lower Shore Child Care Resource Center

http://www.lowershoreccrc.org

 

Find out what is needed to have your child ready for school

http://www.readyatfive.org/

 

Type in Provider name to view inspection report 

http://msdecompliancereports.org/msdesearch.asp
 
Maryland Public Schools - Early Intervention

http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/earlyinterv/?WBCMODE=PresentationU%25%25%3e%25%3e%25%3e

 

Resource for parents and provider of children with special needs

http://www.mdecgateway.org/

 

Learn what your child needs to be ready for school

http://www.readyatfive.org/resources/online_res.aspx