ONLINE APPLICATION

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

WAITING LIST STATUS

CURRENT WAITING LIST DATE: 5/9/2008

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.

Subsidized Child Care News (July 2009)
The Child Care Information Services (CCIS) pays an add-on for care given during non-traditional hours when the parent’s or caretaker’s verified work or training schedule indicates that the child needs evening or weekend care. Non-traditional care is defined as five or more hours of full-time care or more than three hours of part-time care between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday and/or anytime Saturday and/or Sunday.

Beginning July 1, 2009, the additional amount for Regulated Providers with 2 STARS, 3 STARS or 4 STARS quality ratings will be maintained at 25%.

For Relative/Neighbor and Regulated Providers with No STARS or 1 STAR, the add-on percentage will decrease to 7%.

If you are currently being paid for Non-Tradition hours and you are a Relative/Neighbor Provider or a Regulated Provider that is below a 2 STAR quality rating you will see a decrease in your payment for July’s services.

Fireworks Safety (July 2009)
With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. In 2003, six deaths were linked to fireworks and hospital emergency departments treated 9,300 fireworks injuries.

The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.
Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit— hot enough to melt gold.

• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.

• Never try to make your own fireworks.

• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.

• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.

• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.

• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast! Please visit kidshealth.org for more summer safety tips.



Parent Handbook (July 2009)
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 1-800-371-2109 with questions or to receive a copy by mail.



Who to Call in Bucks County (July 2009)
Do you have a situation? Trouble getting started? Click here for a GREAT guide of agencies in Bucks County.



Spotlight On... (July 2009)
Have you visited our updated Community Services page? It highlights a wide variety of services offered throughout Bucks County.




Have you registered for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts? (July 2009)
If you are a parent of a three or four year old, now is the time to think about enrolling your child in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides 11,000 children with quality pre-kindergarten experiences in full-day and half-day classrooms around the state. Classes are offered in public schools, child care, Head Start, and nursery schools.

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!

Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is designed for children who are at risk of school failure, either because of income (300% of the federal poverty level, or a family of four earning $63,600), 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.

Programs will begin accepting enrollments beginning April 1. Pending approval of the Governor’s budget proposal by the General Assembly, approximately 12,000 children will receive Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts in 2008-2009.

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.



Looking for quality child care? Keystone STARS can help (July 2009)
For parents, deciding where your young child will spend his/her day can affect their learning for life. What your child experiences before age five will affect language skills, number skills, and social skills. In fact, about 90% of our brains are developed before we reach kindergarten. Studies show that attending a quality early learning program can have a huge impact in a child’s readiness for school, achievement in school, and future career and life success.

So how do you know if an early learning program is providing quality early learning opportunities? One way is to ask about Keystone STARS. Keystone STARS promotes quality in early learning programs such as child care and Head Start. Programs can progressively earn from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4 level based on quality standards in four key areas:

• Staff education: early childhood teachers have the training and knowledge for working with young children
• Learning environment: the program has a variety of materials and activities for each age level that makes it possible for children to learn something new every day!
• Leadership and management: a quality program has to have sound business practices to ensure your child’s safety and early learning
• Family and community partnerships: Parents and community members are encouraged to become a part of the child’s learning progress

Pennsylvania also provides technical assistance and supports for programs as they move up the STARS quality ladder.

There are approximately 4,000 Keystone STARS programs in Pennsylvania, including centers, group child care and family child care homes. To find out about Keystone STARS programs near you:

• Visit www.papromiseforchildren
• Call 1-877-4-PA-KIDS (1-877-472-5437), or
• Call the Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Bucks County at 1-800-371-2109

Please take a minute to watch the Keystone STARS commercial and download a printable brochure. Keystone STARS is made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.