Child Care Choices  
 

There is a great demand for family child care in Frederick and Carroll Counties. As a family child care provider, you can enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career while working at home!

Have you Considered a Career in Family Child Care?

• Do you enjoy caring for children?
• Does earning an income while staying at home with your own children appeal to you?
• Would you like the satisfaction of offering a valuable service to your community?
• Are you organized, energetic and flexible?

If you answered "Yes", a career in family child care may be right for you!

What are the Benefits of Being a Registered Family Child Care Provider?

• Work at home and care for children while contributing to the family income.
• Set your own fees and claim home business tax deductions.
• Determine your working hours, daily activities and routines.
• Use and increase your skills in understanding and working with children and families.
• Receive partial reimbursement for meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Legally advertise your services in local newspapers.
• Receive assistance from Child Care Choices through referrals to parents seeking child care.
• Be proud of your valuable contribution to the growth and development of children!

Recent findings from the Study of Children in Family Child Care and Relative Care (Families and Work Institute, 1994) indicate that it is not the setting, but the person providing the care, that determines the level of quality in any family child care arrangement.

Those persons most likely to provide high quality child care share some of the following characteristics:

• Nurturing - These providers are naturally warm and caring towards children. They are attentive and responsive to their needs.
• Intentional - These providers view caring for children as a chosen profession, rather than as a favor or obligation to friends or relatives. They create a healthy environment for children and thoughtfully plan for children's experiences.
• Involved - These providers maintain communications with others in the family child care community, either through an association or informal support group.
• Trained - These providers seek out opportunities to learn more about children -- above and beyond taking courses required for licensure.

What are the Requirements?

Maryland State licensing regulations require:

1. A minimum age of 18
2. Attendance at an orientation session given by the Office of Child Care (OCC)
3. Filing of a completed application with the OCC
4. A physician's statement of good health on all occupants of the home
5. A criminal background check on everyone over age 18 living in the home
6. Two or more OCC inspections of the home
7. A working telephone and certain safety equipment
8. A visit by the fire inspector
9. Approved training and current CPR and First Aid certification

How Do I Begin?

• Call the Office of Child Care at (301) 696-9766 in Frederick County or (410) 751-5438 in Carroll County to register for the monthly orientation session. You will receive an application and learn more about the other requirements.
• Follow through on all required paperwork without delay...the complete process can take from three to six months!
• Prepare your home for children. Be sure to obtain age-appropriate play equipment and toys. Make all areas of your home safe for children.
• Register for required training classes through Child Care Choices or other approved training organizations.

Child Care Choices can also assist individuals or organizations in the development of group child care centers. Information can be supplied on local supply and demand, area consultants, and local trends. Call the Provider Assistance Coordinator at (301) 662-4549 or toll free at 1-800-753-6841 or email smusselman@fcmha.org to schedule an appointment.

You can make a difference in the life of a child!

Back To Top

The Frederick County Mental Health Association is a private nonprofit United Way agency
supported by voluntary contributions, public sector funding and fees for services rendered.