Family Child Care Home Checklist

Please complete the form below to see if you are ready to apply to the Better Beginnings program. Please note that your responses will NOT be saved. We recommend you print this page for your records before you leave this page.

Level 1

1.A.1	Primary caregiver attends "BAS Basics" training.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance at BAS Basics by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript BAS Basics is a 4-clock hour workshop for Primary caregivers that introduces the Program Administration Scale (PAS). Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 12. Register for BAS Basics *How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance at BAS Basics by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
1.B.1	Primary and secondary caregivers are members of the TAPP Registry and/or the ADE Registry.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document registry membership by entering membership numbers on the Annual Staff Record Form (Form C) in the Application Kit. Better Beginnings Application Kit The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP Registry membership. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document registry membership by entering membership numbers on the Annual Staff Record Form (Form C) in the Application Kit. Better Beginnings Application Kit
1.B.2	Primary caregiver meets requirements for TAPP Foundation 2 or higher.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
1.B.3	Primary caregiver completes an ERS training.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
1.B.4	Primary caregiver completes training on developmentally appropriate physical activities for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance at a training on developmentally appropriate physical activity by attaching a copy of your certificate or your ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 28. Find training on physical activity for children. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance at a training on developmentally appropriate physical activity by attaching a copy of your certificate or your ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
1.C.1	A developmentally appropriate daily program schedule is posted in each program area.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application one copy of the daily schedule for each age group served. [If children are regularly divided into two or more groups according to ages, submit a set of plans for each group.] The Better Beginnings Guide provides more information about daily schedules. The Better Beginnings Toolkit includes sample schedules. Find more information about developmentally appropriate daily program schedules (page 19). Sample Schedules *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application one copy of the daily schedule for each age group served. [If children are regularly divided into two or more groups according to ages, submit a set of plans for each group.] Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D
1.C.2	Caregivers develop and implement written daily plans for each group.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application a sample of written daily plans for each age group served. Plans must be for two consecutive weeks for each age group. [If children are regularly divided into two or more groups according to ages, submit a set of plans for each group.] Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D Find more information about written daily plans in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 19-20. *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application a sample of written daily plans for each age group served. Plans must be for two consecutive weeks for each age group. [If children are regularly divided into two or more groups according to ages, submit a set of plans for each group.] Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D
1.D.1	Facility completes a self-evaluation using the FCCERS.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application evidence of your self-evaluation. Better Beginnings Facility Self-Evaluation, Optional Form E The Better Beginnings Guide provides suggestions for completing a self-evaluation. The Better Beginnings Toolkit includes a sample self-evaluation form. Find suggestions for ERS self-evaluation in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 23-24. Sample self-evaluation form *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application evidence of your self-evaluation. Better Beginnings Facility Self-Evaluation, Optional Form E
1.E.1	Facility documents distribution of ARKids First information to families of uninsured children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach evidence of distribution of ARKids First information to families of uninsured children. Better Beginnings ARKids First, Child Health and Child Development, Optional Form F ARKids First health insurance provides coverage for children who otherwise might have been uninsured. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 25. *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach evidence of distribution of ARKids First information to families of uninsured children. Better Beginnings ARKids First, Child Health and Child Development, Optional Form F
1.E.2	Facility shares with families information on child development and on children's health.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach evidence of sharing information on child development and on children's health. Better Beginnings ARKids First, Child Health and Child Development, Optional Form F Find resources for information on child/youth development and child health in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 26. Sample information sheets on child development *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach evidence of distribution of ARKids First information to families of uninsured children. Better Beginnings ARKids First, Child Health and Child Development, Optional Form F
1.E.3	Any medical and educational care plans involving a child are written and on file, and implementation is documented.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application your program policy and procedures for obtaining and implementing children's medical and educational care plans. Better Beginnings Medical & Educational Care Plans, Optional Form G A medical care plan provides information on how to care for children who may have medical needs such as diabetes or asthma. An educational care plan provides direction for staff as they work with children who have special educational needs. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 26. *How to document completion of this requirement* Attach to your Better Beginnings application your program policy and procedures for obtaining and implementing children's medical and educational care plans. Better Beginnings Medical & Educational Care Plans, Optional Form G

Level 2

2.A.1	A program review is completed by a certified BAS assessor.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your Better Beginnings program review and BAS assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit. A Better Beginnings program review and BAS assessment will be scheduled after your Better Beginnings application has been received and reviewed. Find out more about the program review and BAS assessment in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 7-8. Request Technical Assistance on the Business Administration Scale (BAS) *How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your Better Beginnings program review will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit.
2.A.2	Primary caregiver views Strengthening Families Webinar.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* In Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence of 1) reviewing the Strengthening Families Web site, or 2) viewing the Webinar, or 3) attending training on Strengthening Families. Strengthening Families is a national initiative that seeks to reduce the incidence of child abuse. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 13. *How to document completion of this requirement* In Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence of 1) reviewing the Strengthening Families Web site, or 2) viewing the Webinar, or 3) attending training on Strengthening Families.
2.B.1	All caregivers maintain membership in the TAPP Registry and/or ADE Registry.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document membership in the TAPP Registry or ADE registry by entering membership numbers on Form C, Annual Staff Record Form. Better Beginnings Annual Staff Record Form The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document membership in the TAPP Registry or ADE registry by entering membership numbers on Form C, Annual Staff Record Form. Better Beginnings Annual Staff Record Form
2.B.2	Primary caregiver meets requirements for TAPP Foundation 3 or higher.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
2.B.3	Within the first year of employment at least 50% of secondary caregivers meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 1 or higher.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
2.B.4	Primary caregiver participates annually in 20 clock hours of approved professional development.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document professional development by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript This requirement describes the professional development that is needed every year. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 16-17. Register for Training *How to document completion of this requirement* Document professional development by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript
2.B.5	Primary caregiver completes "Framework Basics" training.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript Two trainings are available, based on the ages of the children with whom you are working. 1) Framework Basics--Infants and Toddlers, or 2) Framework Basics--Preschool Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 16-17. Register for Training *How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript
2.B.6	Primary caregiver participates annually in at least 2 clock hours of training on nutrition for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript Complete a 2-hour training on child nutrition every year. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 28. Register for Training *How to document completion of this requirement* Document attendance by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
2.C.1	All classrooms/program spaces have a minimum of two (2) clearly defined interest centers.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be observed during the Better Beginnings program review. Interest centers may also be called learning centers. An interest center contains materials for certain types of play and an appropriate space for such play. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 20-21. *How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be observed during the Better Beginnings program review.
2.C.2	Written daily plans for each group include all areas of development.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D Find more information about written daily plans in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 19-20. *How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D
2.C.3	Caregivers plan and implement daily developmentally appropriate physical activities for all children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D Find more information about written daily plans in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 19-20. Find more information about developmentally appropriate physical activities in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 28. *How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D
2.D.1	Facility scores an average of 3.00 or higher on the FCCERS.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Verification of your environmental assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit. An environmental assessment will be scheduled after your Better Beginnings application has been received and reviewed. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 7 and 24. Request Technical Assistance on the FCCERS. *How to document completion of this requirement* Verification of your environmental assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit.
2.E.1	Facility shares with families information regarding medical homes for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence that information on medical homes for children has been shared with families in the past 12 months. A medical home is a doctor children child go to for check-ups or when they get sick. This doctor is called a "primary care physician" or PCP. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 27. Download a brochure for parents about a medical home for children. *How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence that information on medical homes for children has been shared with families in the past 12 months.
2.E.2	Facility shares with families information regarding stages of development for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence that information on stages of development has been shared with families in the past 12 months AND include evidence of how it was shared. We can help families understand their children's development by providing information about stages of development. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 27. *How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence that information on stages of development has been shared with families in the past 12 months AND include evidence of how it was shared.

Level 3

	Facillity is a licensed Family Child Care Home	Yes \| No
	You are ready to move forward to meet level three. Contact 1800-445-3316 for additional information on becoming a licensed family child care provider.
3.A.1	The facility scores an average of 4.00 or higher on BAS items 2-10 (item 2 is scored, but not included in average).	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your Better Beginnings program review and BAS assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit. A Better Beginnings program review and BAS assessment will be scheduled after your Better Beginnings application has been received and reviewed. Find out more about the program review and BAS assessment in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 7-8. Request Technical Assistance on the Business Administration Scale (BAS) *How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your Better Beginnings program review will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit.
3.A.2	Primary caregiver completes Strengthening Families online self-assessment for 3 or more Strategies.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include a printout of your Strengthening Families Action Plan for 3 or more Strategies. Strengthening Families is a national initiative that seeks to reduce the incidence of child abuse. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 13. Strengthening Families Initiative Online Self-Assessment *How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include a printout of your Strengthening Families Action Plan for 3 or more Strategies.
3.A.3	Primary caregiver develops a Strengthening Families action plan and implements at least 1 action step.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence of implementation of at least one Strengthening Families action step. Strengthening Families is a national initiative that seeks to reduce the incidence of child abuse. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 13. Strengthening Families Initiative Online Self-Assessment *How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include evidence of implementation of at least one Strengthening Families action step.
3.B.1	Primary caregiver meets requirements for TAPP Foundation 3 or higher and has an additional 15 clock hours.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
3.B.2	Within the first year of employment, all secondary caregivers meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 1 or higher and at least 50% of secondary caregivers are at TAPP Foundation 2 or higher.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript The Traveling Arkansas' Professional Pathways (TAPP) Registry records members' professional development on individual training transcripts. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 15. Find out about TAPP levels. For information about the Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Shoebox registry. *How to document completion of this requirement* Document TAPP level by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access your TAPP transcript and/or by attaching a copy of your ADE registry transcript. Release For Access to Training Transcript
3.B.3	Primary caregiver participates annually in 25 clock hours of approved professional development.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Document professional development by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript This requirement describes the professional development that is needed every year. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 16. Register for Training *How to document completion of this requirement* Document professional development by attaching copies of certificates and/or ADE transcript to your application OR by authorizing the Better Beginnings Unit to access staff TAPP transcripts. Release For Access to Training Transcript
3.C.1	Program spaces have a minimum of three (3) clearly defined interest centers.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be observed during the Better Beginnings program review. Interest centers may also be called learning centers. An interest center contains materials for certain types of play and an appropriate space for such play. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 20-21. *How to document completion of this requirement* This requirement will be observed during the Better Beginnings program review.
3.C.2	Caregivers maintain a portfolio for each child.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Children's portfolios will be observed during your Better Beginnings program review. A portfolio is organized documentation of a child's growth and learning over a period time. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 21. *How to document completion of this requirement* Children's portfolios will be observed during your Better Beginnings program review.
3.C.3	Facility develops a current written curriculum plan and daily plans that include learning goals for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* Daily plans that include learning goals for children will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. For Your Program Portfolio: Include your written curriculum plan. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 19-22. Sample Curriculum Plan Curriculum Plan Template *How to document completion of this requirement* Daily plans that include learning goals for children will be verified by reviewing the daily activity plans attached to your Better Beginnings application. For Your Program Portfolio: Include your written curriculum plan. Better Beginnings Written Daily Plans, Optional Form D
3.D.1	Facility scores an average of 4.00 or higher on the FCCERS.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your environmental assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit. An environmental assessment will be scheduled after your Better Beginnings application has been received and reviewed. Find more information in the Better Beginnings Guide, pages 7 and 24. Request Technical Assistance on the environment rating scales and/or YPQA. *How to document completion of this requirement* No documentation required. Verification of your environmental assessment will be submitted to the Better Beginnings Unit.
3.E.1	Facility shares with families information on nutrition and physical activity for children.	Yes \| No
	*How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include samples of information shared with families in the past 12 months. Find resources for information on nutrition and physical activity in the Better Beginnings Guide, page 28. Facts About Physical Activity and Learning Catching Some ZZZZs *How to document completion of this requirement* For Your Program Portfolio: Include samples of information shared with families in the past 12 months.