Maryland child care food program

Food insecurity means families lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members, according to the USDA. Unemployment claims have most likely contributed to this rate increase. The CACFP assists child care centers, adult day care centers, family child care, after-school programs, and emergency shelters in providing nutritious meals and snacks throughout the year.

Participating programs receive financial reimbursements for serving meals and snacks that meet federal nutritional guidelines. Reimbursements paid to providers are based on how many meals were served each month. Reimbursement rates are determined by the USDA and vary based on the income eligibility of participants. Others serve only preschool or school-age children. Most child care facilities provide care for a range of ages.

Letter of Compliance LOC facilities, though, cannot provide care to children younger than two years old. Within many centers, children are grouped with others of the same age. Other centers use mixed-age groups for example, infants or toddlers grouped with pre-schoolers. Some programs offer care only to school age children -- typically before and after the school day.

These are often run by community organizations, recreation centers, churches, etc. Do you want to get a license to operate a child care center?

Contact Us Connect with your Regional Licensing Office to learn about the licensing process and find out when the next Orientation sessions are scheduled. You Are One of Many! Getting Started. Submit a Complete Application. This packet consists of the following, all of which are discussed during the orientation: Notice of intent to operate a child care facility OCC application form for a child care facility license or Letter of Compliance Site plans Floor plans with architectural details Written plan of operation Documentation of compliance with local zoning, building, health, and fire codes Documentation of workers compensation insurance coverage Fire evacuation plan Menu plan for the first 4 weeks of operation Written child discipline procedures.

Additionally you must also submit these items: List of all facility personnel and staff qualification documents if applicable Permission to examine records of abuse and neglect of children and adults for information about the director, residents at the facility if any , and company officers who may interact with children in care A criminal background check form and fingerprinting cards for yourself and other adults employed in your facility is required and processed by the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System CJIS.

There is a fee payable to CJIS, to process the background check. The amount of this fee varies in different parts of the state. Here are some examples of facility safety and equipment requirements: All potentially dangerous items such as cleansers, medicines, tools, and sharp implements are not accessible to children. All child care areas are lead-safe.

Electrical wall sockets are properly capped as required by the applicable fire code. A properly stocked first-aid kit is present on the premises. There are adequate, appropriate, and safe indoor and outdoor activity materials and equipment.

If children under 12 months of age will be in care, there must be enough cribs for each child, and each crib must meet U. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Depending on your goals and the stage of your career, you may participate in one or more of the following options:. Once you have decided on your goals, you can then map out your professional development plan. Be sure to check with the Credentialing Program to ensure that the training you are interested in will apply toward your credential goals.

You are eligible to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program if you are a registered family child care provider or an operator, director, or staff member teacher or aide in a licensed child care center. You are not eligible for the Credential Program if you have been sanctioned by the Office of Child Care or are a substitute or volunteer in a child care program.

Credentials are issued for a month period and may be renewed if you continue working in a registered or licensed child care program, complete continued training for the applicable credential level, and participate in professional activities related to the child care profession for the applicable level.

An achievement bonus is available to you when you achieve a Credential Level Two or higher. Bonuses are paid directly to you. Core of Knowledge is defined as theories and practices that are essential for individuals working with children in child care programs. Core of Knowledge is divided into six domains:.