CHILD CARE

One of the most important decisions parents can make is selecting an appropriate care solution for their young children.  Families relocating to Las Vegas will be pleased to know of the many choices available to them.  This chapter provides information on the types of care facilities available, including family childcare and nannies, how to make an educated decision about selecting the right facility as well as the kinds of activities most suitable for your child.

In Las Vegas, a childcare license is required for all persons providing care to children in childcare centers, nurseries, preschools and family and group-care homes.  All applications are reviewed by the Child Care Licensing Board and the Las Vegas City Council prior to approval. 

Bureau of Services for Child Care
State of Nevada

Las Vegas Office
4220 S. Maryland Pkwy Blvd B, Ste 302
Las Vegas, NV  89119
(702) 486-7918  Fax (702) 486-6660
Toll Free from Clark County: (702) 486-3000 

CCLicensing-SN@dcfs.state.nv.us

www.DCFS.State.NV.US

Child Care Licensing Section
Business Services Division
Department of Finance and Business Services
City Hall, Third Floor
400 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 229-6281
Fax: (702) 382-6642 

Defining Child Care Terms

As you research this topic, you’ll find that facilities can be described in the following ways:

Childcare centers: Childcare centers are also known as nursery schools or preschools.  Because these facilities are usually open early, they provide working parents with a dependable and practical setting in which to leave their children during the day.  Many parents select this option because they want their children to be socialized with other children and to be taken care of by multiple caregivers.  Childcare centers also provide more standardized programs, which can be important to parents.  In researching Valley resources, you’ll find independent centers and nonprofit centers run by churches, universities or the community as well as franchised operations. 

Family childcare facilities: They provide care services for children in the provider’s home.  Typically, the caregiver also takes care of her own children at the same time.  Nevada regulates family childcare and mandates that only four of the children may be less than two years of age, and only two of the children may be less than one year of age.  Parents may select this option because they prefer a single caregiver, the facility is closer to home or work and it may be more affordable.  The children may prefer the smaller setting where they feel more secure, as it’s more like their own home.

In-home caregivers: In-home caregivers are also called babysitters, nannies or housekeepers, and they take care of and watch a child in his or her own home.  This is a choice among parents who believe their children will be not only more comfortable but also safer and more secure under their own roof.  With childcare in the home, the parents can be more aware of the interaction between the caregiver and the child, and it’s certainly more convenient.  It is also an option for children who have special needs.

Kith and Kin: This usually refers to childcare services provided by a family, or extended family member, such as a relative, friend or neighbor.  Typically, the child is taken care of in the caregiver’s home or in the child’s home.  It should be noted that many states do not regulate care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors.  In Nevada, if a person who is not a parent, grandparent or guardian cares for even one child within the state, that person must be a licensed childcare provider.  For many parents, this option is ideal because the child is provided with a loving caregiver, one who is trusted and makes the child feel secure.  A family member or close friend or neighbor may also be more likely to share the same values, so there is a high level of trust.

Many states do not regulate care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors.  Parents who use this kind of care consider themselves lucky to have a relative, friend or neighbor care for their children.  They believe that these caregivers will provide warmer, more loving care and that the child will be more secure.  Many parents believe that relatives, friends and neighbors will be more likely to share their values, and they feel more comfortable entrusting their children to them.  Sometimes parents use this type of care because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit other childcare options.

You can contact the city of Las Vegas, childcare license division, at (702) 229-6281 to inquire about the following:

• To receive a list of licensed childcare providers at a minimal cost.
• To receive information on license status, complaints and inspection records for all licensed child care facilities.
• To file a complaint against a licensed childcare establishment.
• To report an unlicensed establishment inside city limits.
• To check if a business is licensed.

The state of Nevada mandates that all-day childcare centers post menus and notify parents of communicable diseases.  All facilities must meet minimum standards established for the protection of the children receiving care.  Licensed day care centers in Las Vegas must have annual fire marshal inspections and monthly fire drills.  Full-time employees must be certified in CPR and first aid.

For help in selecting a safe and healthy childcare setting, visit Child Care Aware at www.childcareaware.org or call 800-424-2246.  Also, check the National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) www.nccic.org.

Hiring a Nanny
According to the International Nanny Association (INA) (www.nanny.org), you can look for a nanny in many places, including help wanted ads in newspapers and magazines, bulletin boards and referrals from friends.  These approaches can be time-consuming and can result in negative experiences.  The Association suggests that you contact nanny-training programs about the availability of their graduates or that you take advantage of the services offered by nanny placement agencies.

A placement agency is a service company that matches the skills and qualifications of nannies with the needs of families looking for in-home childcare.  The agency charges a fee to locate and screen nannies for you to consider hiring for your family.  A reputable agency will carefully consider your needs and preferences when helping you find a suitable candidate.  Placement fees range from $800 to $5,000 and should include a provision to replace the nanny or refund a portion of the fee if the placement does not work out within a certain period of time.

As part of its screening process, the agency should verify the nanny candidate’s personal and employment references and previous childcare experience.  Many agencies also take nanny fingerprints, check for a criminal record, check the driving record and require a blood test, TB test and/or request a doctor’s statement that the candidate is in good health and free of contagious diseases.  Some agencies also require psychological testing or evaluation.  In the U.S., the agency should verify that the candidate is an American citizen or is eligible to work legally in the U.S.

Just as the agency will want to ensure that nannies referred to you are suitable candidates, for the nanny’s protection, the agency may also ask you for references.  Most agencies will assist you in preparing a job description that summarizes your family’s job duties, compensation package and other important considerations.

Many placement agency owners are members of INA, and the Association suggests that you select an INA member if you decide to use a placement agency’s services to help you locate a nanny.

Toolkit for Finding the Right Child Care Facility
When preparing your search for the right child care facility, compile a list of items to observe and questions to ask for each facility that you tour.  When making the final selection, your comments will help you remember aspects of each. 

Here is a sample list to help your efforts.

Health and Safety

• Observe cleanliness of center and diaper changing and hand-washing procedures.
• Ask about security of medicines and chemicals in the facility.
• Ask if the caregivers are certified in CPR and First Aid.
• Ask about the meal and nap-time routines.
• Ask about transportation procedures if children are taken on field trips.
• Ask about discipline procedures when children act-out or break classroom rules and how positive behavior is encouraged.
• Observe indoor and outdoor play areas and safety precautions used by staff.

— Activities

• Ask about planned activities and observe equipment, toys, and materials.
• Ask if the children are read to daily and look for the quality and quantity of books in each room.
• Ask about the amount of time spent each day on the playground (30-45 minutes in the morning and afternoon recommended).
• Ask about the use of technology (TV, VCR, and computers) in the facility, recognizing that limited use is recommended for young children.
   

Quality Factors

• Remember that consistent, positive relationships with caring adults will allow your child to grow, develop and learn.
• Observe if the caregivers are warm, caring and enjoy their work.
• Ask if the program is accredited or certified by a recognized respectable agency, such as NAEYC (naeyc.org), with higher requirements than minimum
  childcare licensing standards.
• Ask about the experience, education and regular training of the caregivers.
• Ask about the number of children assigned to each caregiver and the number of children in each room in order to understand the opportunities for individual
  attention.

— Parent Involvement

• Ask if parents are welcome to visit and how they are encouraged to participate.
• Ask how and how often caregivers will communicate with you about your child’s progress.

Pre-K and Kindergarten
In operation since 2002, the Nevada Early Childhood Education Comprehensive Plan (ECE) was established to fund new pre-kindergarten education programs in the state and to expand existing programs.  Funding is available to school districts and community-based organizations – including family childcare homes, private childcare centers, and Head Start agencies – on a competitive grant basis.  In order to receive funding, each provider must tailor a program to meet demonstrated needs of the host community and develop detailed eligibility criteria.  All ECE programs are required to provide additional services to parents, including parenting education and opportunities for parent involvement.  Program quality is controlled primarily through the competitive grant process rather than through explicit policy.

The ECE program provides services to children from birth to age five and most programs give priority to children from low-income families.  All teachers must be licensed and are paid on the school salary scale, regardless of program location.  Nevada ECE showed a commitment to improving classroom quality by recommending programs follow NAEYC guidelines to pursue accreditation.  The state will also implement new content standards for prekindergarten.

One program that benefits from public funding is Classrooms on Wheels (COW).  This unique program began in 1992 and continues to serve the community by providing a mobile, free, bi-lingual preschool with a parenting development course and an accredited drug prevention program: Beginning Addictions Basic Education System COW services 23 neighborhoods in Clark County, which benefits 414 at-risk preschoolers who otherwise would not be receiving an education until they entered the public school system.  COW is made possible by grants from the Nevada department of Human Resources, State Health Division, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.

Full-day Kindergarten
According to the most recent data from the Clark County School District, there are 416 all-day kindergarten classrooms with approximately 11,000 students.  The results from the Full- Day/Extended Day Longitudinal Kindergarten Study indicated that full-day kindergarten contributed to closing the achievement gap.

Full-day kindergarten is not expressly required or prohibited by statute in Nevada.  Districts may offer full-day kindergarten but children are not required to attend.  Nevada provides the same level of funding for both half-day and full-day kindergarten.  The state does not define the minimum number of hours for full-day kindergarten, and it provides less funding for half-day and full-day kindergarten than for grades 1-12.  For more information on early childhood programs, visit the Nevada Department of Education at www.nde.doe.nv.gov.

Assessing a Child-Care Facility
When choosing a preschool program for your child, it’s important to consider characteristics of your child, the program, the preschool staff and the program’s physical environment.  Here are a few guidelines from NAEYC: 

Characteristics of the Child
Some children are more comfortable in large groups.  They would do well in a larger program.  On the other hand, if your child takes a long time to warm up in a crowd, you may want to look for a small-scale preschool program.  If your child seems especially fond of vigorous physical activities and outdoor play, you may want to ensure that the preschool provides good outdoor space and equipment.

Characteristics of the Program
It is always a good idea to make preliminary visits to as many preschool programs as possible before making a choice.  If the climate in a program is good, this is usually indicated by friendliness among the staff and children.  Children in a good program are not usually distracted by visitors, but continue to be absorbed in their work and play.  Give yourself time to get a feeling of the general atmosphere of the classroom and the extent to which children appear comfortable and involved.

Some questions you can ask about components of the program include:

1.      Does the program have a clear written statement of its goals and philosophy?

2.      Do the goals address ALL areas of children’s development, including social, emotional, 
    intellectual, and physical development?

3.      Does the program offer a balance of individual, small group, and large group activities?

4.      Does it offer a balance of spontaneous play and teacher-guided activities?

5.      Are children provided regular opportunities for outdoor play?

6.      Do the activities provided encourage self-expression; allow for the development of various fine
   and large motor skills; and expose the children to literature, language experiences, music, art,
   science and nature?

7.      Does the program encourage and respond to children’s spontaneous interests in the beginnings
   of reading, writing and counting?

8.      Does the staff solicit and follow-up children’s interests in the world around them?

9.      Does the content and materials of the program reflect cultural diversity and nonsexist attitudes?

10.    Is there a balance among small group activities, rest and quiet periods and vigorous outdoor
   activities?

Characteristics of the Staff

Questions to ask about the program staff include:

1.      Are the teachers trained in early childhood education?

2.      Does the director have experience as a teacher?

3.      Does the ratio of adults to children comply with state requirements?

4.      Has the staff been stable over the past few years?

5.      Does the staff welcome parents as visitors and participants, and respect parents’ preferences
   and ideas?

6.      In their interactions with children, do the teachers express warmth, interest, and respect for
   each child?

7.      Are the teachers engaged with the children most of the time?

Characteristics of the Physical Environment

Questions to ask about the physical setting include:

1.      Is there an attractive spacious outdoor area for safe and vigorous outdoor play and activity?

2.      Is there a sufficient supply of equipment for the size of the group?

3.      Are the children always supervised when outdoors?

4.      Are the snacks and meals of sufficient nutritional quality?

5.      Do the classrooms contain different kinds of spaces so that children can find small quiet places
   when they need to?

Studies suggest that preschool settings are more likely to offer high-quality programs when the total number of children is small enough to allow staff to know all the children and their families.  Whenever possible, it is helpful to speak to other parents served by the program about their experience and recommendations.