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General Policies and Procedures

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a community based resource and referral activity of the Alexander County Partnership for Children. Our primary goal is to link families with child care options in their area and help providers have the best programs possible. We are committed to increasing the quality, quantity, and diversity of child care services available to the residents of Alexander County.

CCR&R providers free referral services to families looking for child care. We never recommend a program or provider, nor do we license them, we only make referrals. All legally operating child care providers are eligible to list with CCR&R. services and policies are unbiased and available to all people regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability or political affiliation. Referrals are made to all programs (within an area agreed upon with the parent) and are under no form of investigation with the state of North Carolina.

Our referral service is available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with voice mail after hours. This information is simple and confidential. CCR&R will provide factual information for families. It is up to families to visit programs or providers to find the best possible care for their child. CCR&R can describe what quality care should be and find sources for financial or other needed services.

Families will be asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire and will receive a phone call to find out if care was found. Families are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the program they choose and report to us any feedback they want to share. If care is not found, we will look at the situation again and find new referrals.

If a parent is dissatisfied with the services they receive from CCR&R, they are encouraged to contact the Executive Director of the Alexander County Partnership for Children directly to discuss the complaint or concern. The Executive Director is the direct supervisor of all CCR&R staff.

Child Care Resource and Referral
Service and Fee Policy

Information provided to parents by the Child Care Resource and Referral staff of the Alexander County Partnership for Children is a referral ONLY. We do not license, endorse, or recommend any particular provider nor can we assure that any provider gives quality care. All legal providers are given equal consideration in the referral process.

Parents should visit several providers to determine what is best for their family and decide for themselves if any fulfill their needs.

You may contact the R&R office if you have any questions or concerns or if you need further assistance.

All services of the Alexander County Child Care Resource and Referral program are provided free of charge to parents. All information gathered by CCR&R staff remains confidential and is used only as a means to communicate directly with the parents regarding additional services and events offered by the Partnership for Children.

Child Care Resource and Referral
Complaint Policies and Procedures

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a non-regulatory activity of the Alexander County Partnership for Children. Since parents are the ultimate decision makers on the kind of care wanted for their children, they are told at the time of conference and follow-up that we only make referrals, not recommendations. In listing with CCR&R, providers are told this as well.

Regardless of good intentions, problems can occur. Parents are encouraged to communicate with providers; however, CCR&R will document all complaints received. The Parent Counselor will be in charge of taking these complaints, recording them, and conducting a follow-up. Inquires about complaints will be forwarded to the Division of Child Development along with an explanation of what takes place during that call, parents with concerns will be encouraged to utilize this number and information source. Complaints can fall under two categories: Personal and Serious.

Personal Complaints: Complaints regarding problems that involve child rearing philosophies, personality differences, business arrangements, etc, but are not related to licensing rules and regulations or the safety and quality of the program. These complaints will be documented and placed in the providers’ file. CCR&R will discuss this complaint with both parties and serve in an advisory capacity. Parents are requested to provide name, address, and phone; however, all information gathered will be kept confidential. In the event repeated complaints occur concerning the same provider, technical assistance will be offered.

Serious Complaints: Complaints involving licensing issues. Complaints will be documented and then referred to the appropriate parties for further investigations. Parents will be encouraged to make their own complaints with other agencies, in the event they don’t, CCR&R will report those complaints.

A provider being investigated by a regulatory agency will be temporarily removed from our referral listing. This discontinuation of services will begin once the R&R has been notified in writing by the investigating agency. Providers are responsible for reporting to us a copy of the completed investigation. Upon verification of resolution, CCR&R will make a decision about a provider’s listing status. If a provider has a problem with a CCR&R follow-up decision; they may take the complaint to an Appeals Board (boards will be appointed per complaint). This board can consist of staff members, board members, other providers, and/or community members.

CCR&R will only share information about pending investigations with persons in the community that may be affected by the potential problems that could occur due to revoked or suspended license. This could include persons such as Smart Start or DSS when funding issues exist with contracts for services. All other inquiries will be directed to the Division of Child Development’s phone number so that they may receive their own information. Parents will be advised that CCR&R only lists providers who request to list with the referral system and are not currently under any form of investigation. It is not a mandate that every provider list with our program and parents are notified of reasons why listing may occur.

 

Alexander County
Partnership for Children
1565 NC Hwy 90W
PO Box 1661
Taylorsville, NC 28681
Phone: 828-632-3799
Fax: 828-632-6411


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Using state and federal funds, North Carolina provides financial assistance for child care to many families through a program that is locally administered by the Department of Social Services. You make the choice!



Things to Look For When Searching
for Quality Child Care

  • Is the provider’s license displayed in a visible location?

  • Are emergency procedure plans posted?

  • Are fire extinguishers on site?

  • Are working smoke detectors on site for Family Child Care Homes?

  • Are dangerous substances, electrical cords, uncovered electrical outlets, cleaning materials, or medications accessible to the children?

  • Are the toys and materials developmentally appropriate for the different age groups?

  • Do pets have current vaccinations for Family Child Care Homes?

  • Are the furnishings used for child care in good repair?

  • Are separate spaces available for different age groups?

  • Are the furnishings child- sized?

  • Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient and accessible for the number of children?

  • Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?

  • Do the children have an opportunity to play outside each day?

  • Is the outside free of litter and obvious hazards?

  • Is the outdoor play equipment sturdy and in good repair?

  • Are the children being supervised by a child care provider?

  • Are there a variety of outside equipment/toys available and appropriate for various ages?

  • Is there shade available outside where the children play?

  • Do children two years and younger play separately from the older children at the center?

  • Is there a current schedule posted?

  • Does the provider follow hand washing procedures after diapering and toileting?

  • Are activities observed appropriate for the ages of the children involved?

  • Does the center meet staff/child ratios?

  • Is the caregiver trained in CPR and First Aid?

  • Are nutritious meals/snacks provided?

  • Does the Child Care Center have a current weekly menu posted in a visible location?

  • How are children disciplined?

  • How are nap times handled?

  • What type of security methods are in place to insure the safety of the children?

  • What is the policy for a sick child?

  • What is the policy for administering medications?

  • Is the provider involved in continuing education?

  • What other family members will be present during child care hours in a Family Child Care home?

  • Does the provider encourage parents to drop in and visit at any time?

  • Is your initial reaction upon entering the facility a positive one?

  • Does the provider interact well with the children?

  • Does the provider seem patient and receptive to the needs of the children?

  • Do the hours of operation and holiday schedule accommodate your work schedule?

  • Is there a late pick-up fee charged?

  • Does the facility charge when a child is out sick or on vacation?

  • If you were a child would you want to spend your day at this facility?

 


The requirements apply
to both centers and homes.
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