Kentucky Child Care Certification Requirements?

The Kentucky Child Care Program (CCAP) is a program designed to ensure the safety and health of children cared for by certified family child care providers. To become certified, providers must complete six professional development hours of Kentucky Orientation for Child Care, which covers health, safety, sanitation, recognition of child abuse and neglect, and developmentally appropriate child care practice. Additionally, they must develop and implement a written plan for obtaining nine hours of annual Cabinet-approved training as required in the administrative regulation.

The Division of Child Care provides support to child care professionals, while the Division of Family Support helps parents and guardians apply for assistance and determine eligibility. To receive CCAP funds, child care providers must be registered, certified, or licensed. To become certified, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, GED, or Commonwealth Child Care Credential, and be certified in infant and child CPR and first aid.

The Family Child Care Network (FCCN) of Kentucky can help open and maintain certified family child care homes or become registered early childhood professionals. Educators looking to initiate a daycare business in Kentucky must obtain a childcare license as mandated by the Division of Regulated Child Care within the Kentucky Office. The Division of Child Care shares updates to the CCAP Regulation (922 KAR 2:160) as they apply to you and the families you serve.

To become certified, providers must complete a training program covering topics such as child development, health and safety, and nutrition. The ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) is approved as a training organization in the Kentucky Early Childhood Program. Training hours as required by the Division of Child Care are required. Early Childhood Entry Level Certificates are offered at Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, and Bluegrass Community.

How to get a childcare license in Kentucky?

Kentucky requires educators to obtain a childcare license to start a daycare business. This license is required by the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General’s Division of Regulated Child Care. The process involves scheduling a meeting with a Child Care Aware health and safety coach, obtaining zoning and state fire marshal approval, developing an evacuation plan, and submitting background checks.

The license helps educators provide quality child care that supports children’s health, growth, and development. To stay compliant, educators must consider the type of facility and licensing requirements for their state.

What can you do with a CDA in Kentucky?

The CDA credential enables individuals to engage in professional practice within the context of private childcare and daycare facilities, working with children aged between birth and five years.

How long does it take to get a CDA in Kentucky?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a competency-based national credential awarded to individuals engaged in the care and education of children aged five and under. It is a qualification that requires the completion of 120 hours of training in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Program.

How to become a family home provider in Kentucky?

The minimum qualifications for Family Home Providers (FHPs) in Louisville are 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or GED, or 21 years or older. They must have effective communication skills, a valid social security number or work permit, and be able to understand instructions. They must also have record-keeping ability and complete all initial and ongoing training requirements. FHPs must be personally determined to devote their lives to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their home.

How many kids can you babysit without a license in KY?

It is a requirement that any individual or entity providing care for more than three children shall be certified or licensed, unless they fall into the exempt category, which can be found in Section 3 of 922 KAR 2:090 Child-care licensure.

Do CDA get paid more?

The mean hourly wage for a CDA Credential in the United States is $18. This figure is $0. 53 (or 3. 0132%) higher than the national average hourly salary of $17. 73.

How much does child care cost in Kentucky?

It is typical for parents to anticipate expenditures of between $800 and $1, 200 per month for a childcare program of superior quality.

What is the income limit for preschool in KY?

The state-funded preschool program provides services to 3- and 4-year-old children with disabilities and low-income 4-year-olds below 160 of the federal poverty level. The program has a standard per-child rate for three categories of enrollment: at-risk, speech delays, and developmental delays, and a weighted category for severe or multiple disabilities. However, enrollment decreased by over 6, 000 students between 2019 and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years, per-child funding rates increased significantly, indicating a decrease in enrollment.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Kentucky?

As of October 1, 2023, households seeking child care assistance must demonstrate a gross income below 85 percent of the State Median Income (SMI).

How to get paid as a family caregiver in Kentucky?

Kentucky provides two waivers to assist family caregivers: the Home and Community-Based Waiver and the Family Caregiver Support Program. The former allows elderly or disabled adults to receive nursing facility-level care at home, thereby enabling friends and family members to be compensated for personal care services.

Can a family member get paid for child care in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, only licensed, certified, or registered providers with the Kentucky Division of Regulated Child Care (KY DCC) are eligible to receive Child Care Access Payments (CCAP) payments. However, friends and family members can also become registered providers and receive CCAP payments. School-age providers that are legally exempt from Kentucky child care licensing and regulations, such as youth camps and educational programs, are not eligible to accept CCAP.

To find a school-age provider that accepts CCAP, click on each provider’s website and call them to find out if they have an opening for your child. Note that not all “school-age providers” serve children up to age 13 or 19 in special needs cases.