KNOW YOUR CONTRACTUAL REGULATIONS
Anyone who chooses to operate a business, whether it is in their home or not, needs to first understand the rules that govern their business. You cannot operate a successful enterprise without fully understanding what’s expected of you. In home -based childcare this is especially true. There is an incredible amount of responsibility involved when caring for unrelated children. Parents want to know the person they pay for this important service is truly responsible and can provide a safe and appropriate environment. The regulatory agency that licenses you, also wants to know that you are responsible and that you are realistically capable of providing safe and appropriate childcare. The food program, that reimburses you, wants to know that the money you receive is predicated on actual meals, served to actual children, who actually attend on the days you say they do.
You will be subject to regulatory inspections and visits from inspectors, monitors, licensors and even parents. These visits can be unannounced or scheduled. You need to be prepared and feel confident that you are operating your business appropriately.
Here are some important things you can do:
• Have a copy of the licensing regulations and keep them readily accessible
• Read your regulations carefully and if you don’t understand everything they contain, ask questions until you do. Don’t rely solely on the person visiting you to explain or interpret regulations you are obliged to follow. It is far better, if you have read and understand your regulations and/or contracts before the visit. If you do have questions during a visit, have your regulations/contracts at hand and refer to them for clarification.
• You are required to have both announced and unannounced visits to your childcare program. Don’t be shy about asking for additional information regarding policies such as ‘visit requirements’. Ask for any material available that will assist you in understanding any policy or regulation that affects your business.
For example, don’t feel uncomfortable asking about the expected frequency of visits.
• When entering into contractual agreements with the state of Massachusetts, the Provider Resources CACFP food program or Bethel Child Care System, make sure you understand what is contained in your contract before you sign it. If you need a translation, ask for a responsible individual who truly understands the material and is able to translate appropriately.
• Make sure that as regulations governing your business change or are updated that you obtain the most recent information. “I didn’t know that” is generally not considered an adequate explanation for not complying.