Family Child Care Homes

Steps At–A–Glance: Family Child Care Homes

Step 1

• Complete Family Child Care Homes Registration and orientation
• Complete Step Up to Quality application for each physical site
• Director and each staff member creates a professional record

Step 2

• Complete required trainings:
  • Safe with You Series (4 hours)
  • Early Learning Guidelines Domain Series (42 hours)
  • Getting Down to Business (20 hours)
• Complete Go NAP SACC orientation (20 minutes) and submit Pre Self-Assessment
• Complete Coach Interest Questionnaire

Steps 3-5

• Complete curriculum alignment form if necessary
• Complete Environment Rating Scale training
• Earn points based on quality standards and indicators
• Keep all professional records up to date
• Complete and submit Rating Readiness Tool

Director of Record Change

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

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 ELC.

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.

Environment Rating Scales is broadly defined and currently includes Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3), Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R), and the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-Revised (FCCERS-R).

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.

Information about upcoming ERS trainings.

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

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

Go NAP SACC