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Children's Aid & Family Service
Family Day Care
For over 35 years, Children’s Aid & Family Service’s Family Day Care (FDC) Program has been providing child care services to income-eligible families with parents who:
- Are starting or continuing paid employment
- Are seeking paid employment
- Have education or training needs
- Have children with a diagnosed disability or special need
- Are incapacitated in some way
The program is specially designed to meet the child care needs of children from six weeks to ten years old in a small group setting.
There are currently 18 Family Day Care Providers or private homes that sub-contract with the CAFS system to provide child care services in their homes in Fitchburg and Leominster. FDC is committed to the quality of the relationships that providers build with the children and their families – the most important factor in creating an effective learning environment.
The Family Day Care Providers in the CAFS system establish a developmentally appropriate environment by:
- Providing age-appropriate toys and equipment
- Organizing protected spaces for crawling, walking, tumbling, and jumping
- Creating soft, cozy areas where children can explore
and play - Ensuring that children can safely crawl, walk, run, climb, play ball, and use bikes in outdoor areas
- Providing separate space for both active and quiet play – and space where school-age children can do their homework.
Family Day Care Provider hours of operation are from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, 52 weeks per year. Providers are required to prepare and serve all snacks and meals in accordance with the regulations of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Individual dietary needs must be met, taking into consideration allergies, illness, ethnic, and religious food preferences. Menus are posted daily.
Progress Reports for each child are completed by the provider and staff and shared with the parent(s) on an annual basis.
The Family Day Care Program encourages parental involvement at every level. Parents are welcome to visit
their Family Day Care home at any time during the day and Providers are willing to provide a summary of the day that
is sent home with the child. Parental interaction can include having lunch with their child and sharing any special talents
or interests they have with the day care home.
There are many benefits offered to providers by the Family Day Care Program. All providers have access to a toy lending library that includes multicultural dolls, books, toys, and equipment to meet the diverse needs of the children. The
FDC system also provides large equipment like high chairs, playpens, and mats as well as arts and crafts supplies such
as paint paper, glue, scissors, and crayons.
The CAFS Family Day Care Program is always working to recruit more providers into the current system of
18 providers. Provider turnover is low as evidence of the program’s success. For information on becoming a Provider or acquiring Family Day Care services, contact the Family Day Care office at 978.345.4147.
Children's Aid & Family Service |
Copyright © 2006 Seven Hills Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
