Parent's Corner

Our goal is to "Bring the Children Back Home".  Getting children out of the childcare centers. To encourage the closeness of the family setting and family values in the children.
Average ratios in a home setting are six children to one provider, allowing for more individual time for each child.

Visit our Provider's page for a list of our providers to contact, to choose your next home childcare provider. You will need to contact these Home Childcare Providers and begin the interview process. Your first interview should be over the phone. The second one should be at the Home Childcare location. You should schedule several home visits at different times of the day, observing the Home Childcare Provider interacting with other children and one on one with your child. You will need to also schedule a visit where there is time for the home provider to explain her Contract, Policies & Procedures to you.

If you don't find a fit the first time, expand your Home Childcare Provider choices. Once you find the Home Childcare that is suitable for your family, make sure you sign a contract for services to acquire the open spot.

We recommend as the parent, you review each Provider's Inspections & Reports with the Department of Family & Protective Services before setting up an interview. Below are the steps to access each provider's information with DFPS.

Go to DFPS website: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/

Paperwork or facility equipment issues are generally acceptable.  Issues regarding the care and safety of children may be more serious.  Interview several provider's before making your decision.

Here are some valuable questions to ask when interviewing a provider. 

• May I see your:
  > Registration Certificate?
  > CPR/First Aid certificates?
  > Most recent Licensing Report?
  > Parent referrals?
   
• Do you provide meals and snacks?
• Are you a member of a USDA monitored food program?
• What are your vacation and sick child policies?
• What hours and days do you operate?
• What is your discipline policy?
• Do you have animals?
• Group Size - How many children do you care for?
• Do you use an Assistant?
• What age range of children do you keep?
• What is your training & experience?
• Do you offer a family program or a formal structure?
• (any other questions you think may be important)
   

Registered Provider: A caregiver who provides care for six children under five years of age. May provide care for school age children ages five years and older before/after school and on school holidays. Maximum children at one time should not exceed twelve.

Listed Provider: A caregiver who provides care for three or fewer children who are unrelated to the provider.

Licensed Provider: A caregiver who provides care for no more than twelve children, birth to age thirteen. May have a paid assistant care provider.

IF THE OPERATION TYPE IS A LISTED FAMILY HOME IT IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES. IT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND WILL NOT BE INSPECTED.

If you have any additional questions, you may contact us at info@mansfieldchildcare.com. (Please include your name and phone number)