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!

>> Sign up for our mailing list!!

>> 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.

2010 President's Day Conference (January 2010)
On Monday, February 15, 2010, the Northeast Regional Key along with Bucks County Partners and Practitioners will be hosting a day of Professional Development workshops and training. Registration must be completed by February 1, 2010.

For more information and to attend at the Newtown location, please complete the following registration form: 2010 President's Day Conference Newtown

For more information and to attend at the Doylestown location, please complete the following registration form: 2010 President's Day Conference Doylestown



LIHEAP Accepting Applications (January 2010)
The Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income people pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants and crisis grants. You need not have an unpaid bill to receive home heating energy assistance. You can receive this money without being in the Cash Assistance program -- a family of four with an annual income of up to $33,075 can qualify for assistance. No lien is placed on your property if you receive this help.

Please visit the LIHEAP website for program requirements and online application services.



Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (January 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. 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.



Flu Season (January 2010)
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released updated federal guidelines to help decrease the spread of flu among children in early childhood programs and among child care providers during the 2009-2010 flu season.

A communication toolkit for child care and early childhood programs provides information and communication resources to help center-based and home-based child care programs.

Practice flu prevention measures among staff and children at your facility:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

General information about the flu is also available on the CDC’s webpage at www.flu.gov.

Use of Hand Sanitizers
Child and adult hand washing is required by regulation before meals and snacks, after toileting and after diapering. The use of a hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing in meeting the regulation.

Many hand sanitizers are alcohol based. This poses a potential risk to a child who may ingest the hand sanitizer. For this reason, if an early childhood program wants to permit the use of hand sanitizers by adults, children or both adults and children, the program must exercise basic precautions.

Hand sanitizers may be used to supplement hand washing outside the regulatory requirements for example, using a hand sanitizer after coughing, blowing one’s nose, before and after handling toys, etc. An early childhood program is not required to use hand sanitizers. If a program wants to use hand sanitizers, the program must follow the guidelines below:

1. Read the label before using a hand sanitizer. If the instructions on the hand sanitizer prohibit its use for children, the hand sanitizer should not be in the facility. Also, note any age restrictions on the label and follow those restrictions. At all times, follow the directions on the product label.

2. When visible soil is present on the hands, hand washing is required. Use of a hand sanitizer is not an effective way to remove visible soil from the hands.

3. The provider must obtain written parental permission for a child to use a hand sanitizer prior to permitting a child to use a hand sanitizer. The signed parental permission must be kept on file in the child’s record at the facility.

4. Hand sanitizers must be inaccessible to children when not in immediate use.

5. A staff person must be physically present with and supervising a child who is using a hand sanitizer. The staff person must remain with the child until the hand sanitizer has dried on the child’s hands.

6. The operator of an early childhood program should determine whether hand sanitizers will be used at the facility and whether they will be used by adults, by children or by both adults and children.

7. Prior to introducing hand sanitizers to the facility, the operator should:
• Prepare any program policies or procedures needed to implement the above guidelines.
• Discuss with staff the guidelines and any new polices or procedures resulting from the decision to use hand sanitizers.
• Make parents aware that hand sanitizers will be in the facility and the guidelines that the program must follow in using the hand sanitizers. It is recommended that information provided to parents include the brand(s) of hand sanitizer the facility will use.
• If hand sanitizers will be used for children, obtain the required signed parental permission.
• Develop a method for staff to identify children who are permitted to use a hand sanitizer.



Parent Handbook (January 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 (January 2010)
Do you have a situation? Trouble getting started? Click here for a GREAT guide of agencies in Bucks County.



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