ONLINE APPLICATION

>> Click here to apply online for child care and other services through COMPASS

WAITING LIST STATUS

CURRENT WAITING LIST DATE: 8/18/2009

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Due to a shortage of available funding, we currently cannot fund families on the Waiting List. However, once funds become available, Waiting List families will be notified immediately for placement in the order in which they were eligible and up to the limits of available funding.

Quick Links

>> Download an application here!

>> Want information on the subsidized child care program (Apple)? Click here

>> Interested in becoming a licensed child care provider? Click here to learn more

>> Click here to download the Parent Handbook for Subsidized Child Care

>> Looking for child care in your state?  Click here!

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>> Subsidy FAQ

>> Staff Directory

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Bucks ChildCare.com is designed and maintained by the Bucks County Child Care Information Service (CCIS). The Bucks County CCIS only makes referrals to child care providers, not recommendations and is not responsible for the quality of service or claims made by any persons.

On-Line College Credits (March 2010)
Keystone College is now offering the School-Age Credential on-line. Please click here to view the additional information needed to register!



Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (March 2010)
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts currently has openings for 3 and 4 year old children available in Bristol, PA. Parents must be a resident of Bristol Township and meet income guidelines. If interested, please contact Christine DeLuca at 215-785-5569 or Tina at 215-949-8900. Openings are also available in Southampton, please contact Nancy at (215) 355-3628. Also contact the United Way of Bucks County Success By 6 Consortium Pre-K Counts Program at (215) 949-1660 x 105.

Quality pre-kindergarten prepares children for reading and math, but also for paying attention, following directions and getting along with others. This strong early start in pre-kindergarten means they have a better chance of doing well in school, going on to college or career training and getting a good job. All of this can start by enrolling your child in a PA Pre-K Counts classroom!

PA Pre-K Counts offers quality preschool to help your child learn the skills they need to be ready and excited for kindergarten.

•Highly qualified teachers, with experience working with young children
•Small class sizes so your teachers have lots of time for your child
•A curriculum and learning activities that help your child thrive
•Review of your child’s development with teachers to help your child reach his promise

PA Pre-K Counts is designed for children who are at risk of school failure either because of income (300% of the federal poverty level), language (English is not your first language), cultural or special needs issues. If your child falls into one of these categories, you may be eligible to apply.

To find out about PA Pre-K Counts programs near you and to apply:

•Visit www.papromiseforchildren.com; or
•Call 1-877-4-PA-KIDS (1-877-472-5437)

Please download a printable brochure. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.



Vision Health (March 2010)
Did you know that 1 in 10 children are entering kindergarten with a significant handicap that can keep them from reaching their full learning and developmental potential—poor vision? But there is good news—poor vision is preventable through early detection. Vision disorders are a common pediatric health problem in the United States.

It is estimated that nearly 25% of school-age children have vision problems. Despite the economic, social and health care advances that have occurred in our society, many preschool and school-age children are not receiving adequate professional eye and vision care. Only about one third of all children have had an eye examination or vision screening prior to entering school. Also, a recent study found that 11.5% of teenagers have undetected or untreated vision problems. The early detection and treatment of eye and vision problems for children needs to be a major public health goal. This is made increasingly more important by a better understanding of critical periods in human visual development. The earlier a vision problem is diagnosed and treated, the less the potential negative impact it may have on a child's development.

It is the position of the American Optometric Association (AOA) that all children should receive a comprehensive eye and vision examination assessing and treating any disorders prior to entering school. It is recommended that children should be assessed by age 3 followed by another examination before entering first grade and every two years thereafter. Many vision screening programs are well-designed and properly administered in public or private schools and are utilized to assist in the identification of children in need of care, but they should not take the place of a visual examination administered by a licensed ophthalmologist. Vision screening is a limited process of surveying certain aspects of vision problem areas. A professional vision examination is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems prior to entry into school.

Information for this article was gathered from the American Optometric Association website. Please visit them for more information about early detection of vision problems.



Parent Handbook (March 2010)
Please review the updated Parent Handbook for Subsidized Child Care. It is an invaluable resource explaining the eligibility for subsidized child care. If you are a new parent looking to apply, or an existing client with a question, please review our most up-to-date regulations. Call us at (800) 371-2109 with questions or to receive a copy by mail.



Who to Call in Bucks County (March 2010)
Do you have a situation? Trouble getting started? Click here for a GREAT guide of agencies in Bucks County.



Spotlight On... (March 2010)
Have you visited our updated Community Services page? It highlights a wide variety of services offered throughout Bucks County.