Family Child Care Homes

Steps At–A–Glance: Family Child Care Homes

Step 1

• Complete orientation
• Complete program application
• Enter director and staff into NECPRS
• Request to join a quality foundations coaching cohort (optional for programs at Step 1)

Step 2

• Complete the following:
  • At least 4 Early Learning Guidelines (ELG) Domains (24 hours)
  • Special Care training (3 hours)
  • Introductory observation tool training (4 hours)
    Your choice of Introduction to the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) or Introduction to the Toddler CLASS
  • Go NAPSACC pre self-assessment
  • Request coach interest questionnaire to work one-on-one with a coach (optional for programs at Step 2)

Steps 3-5

• Gather and organize evidence for quality indicators on Rating Request Form
• Attend relevant observation training sessions (if applicable)
• Keep all NECPRS records up to date
• Complete and submit Rating Request Form

Options:

• Step 3 Only Option (no ERS/CLASS observation)
  Programs may request a rating review to advance to Step 3 without an on-site ERS or CLASS observation. A minimum of 50 points must be earned from the indicators selected on the Rating Request Form.
• Steps 3, 4 or 5 Option (including ERS or CLASS observation)
  Programs may request a rating review to advance to Steps 3, 4, or 5 including an on-site ERS or CLASS observation. A minimum of 50 points must be earned from the indicators selected on the Rating Request Form and a minimum observations score threshold must be met for Steps 4 and 5.
  Step 3 = Minimum of 50 indicator points earned and Program Overall observation score below minimum threshold of 3.75
  Step 4 = Minimum of 50 indicator points earned and at least a 3.75 Program Overall observation score (Both thresholds must be met to achieve a Step 4 rating)
  Step 5 = Minimum of 50 indicator points earned and at least a 4.75 Program Overall observation score (Both thresholds must be met to achieve a Step 5 rating)

Director of Record Change

To update or change your director of record information, please fill out the Director of Record online form.

Environment Rating Scales (ERS)

The early childhood care and education field in Nebraska continually strives to improve the quality of programs for young children and their families. The use of Environment Rating Scales is a widely accepted method of evaluating and improving the quality of home- and center-based programs.

The Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) is designed specifically for family child care home settings.

Training by Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) staff on the Environment Rating Scales is designed for early childhood educators working in Nebraska and is for the purpose of quality program improvement of Nebraska early childhood programs.

The FCCERS-3 Self-Assessment Form can be used by family child care providers to internally identify strengths and focus on changes the program plans to make.

Learn more about the ERS and training options.

Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS)

CLASS is an observation tool that focuses on the effectiveness of classroom interactions among teachers and children. These daily interactions promote children’s social and cognitive development.

CLASS observation tools have been developed for Toddler, Pre-K, K-3, Upper Elementary and Secondary age groups. At every age level, the CLASS measure focuses on interactions that support learning. Family child care providers should focus on the Toddler CLASS tool.

The CLASS Self-Assessment Form can be used by directors and teachers to internally identify strengths and focus on changes the program plans to make.

Learn more about the CLASS tool and training options.

Nebraska’s Early Learning Connection

Nebraska’s Early Learning Connection (ELC) is an integrated system of early childhood professional development. The ELC consists of a statewide hub at the Early Childhood Training Center and seven regional ELC partnerships, along with other state and regional partners. It is designed as a system that supports the career and professional development of all who provide programs and services for young children, birth to 8, that includes:

• Professional development for early childhood and school–age
• Supports for implementation utilizing early childhood coaches
• Program quality assessments
• Strategic planning with higher education and other adult learning organizations
• Community engagement and outreach

More information about Nebraska’s Early Learning Connection

Child Care Subsidy

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can help with the cost of child care via Child Care Subsidy. Child Care Subsidy provides benefits to providers and parents alike, providing assistance to families who are working hard to support themselves and serving as a reliable source of income for providers.

More information about Child Care Subsidy.

Licensing

Learn about the types of child care licenses and regulations for Family Child Care Homes.

Child Line

The Child Line is a statewide, toll-free telephone resource for those working with young children and their families. Any person in Nebraska interested in issues that affect young children and their families may call.

The Child Line provides information, resources and support concerning early childhood care and education. You might call for answers to your questions about:

• A local conference or training in your area
• Funding information
• Help with a challenging situation at your early childhood program
• Media materials for in-service hours
• Licensing information
• Information on starting a child care program
• Child care resources and referrals
• Any other issue affecting young children and families

The Child Line can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. 1.800.89.CHILD (1.800.892.4453)

Other Resources

Nebraska Extension – Early Childhood Development