SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  FAMILY

Two or more people who consider themselves family and who assume obligations, functions, and responsibilities generally essential to healthy family life. Child care and child socialization, income support, long-term care, and other caregiving are among the functions of family life. The definition of "family" will rest with an individual's indication of who plays a family member role, including current or former foster family, adoptive family, extended family members, fictive kin, or significant others. Organizations that believe family is the central constellation in a child's life, and that family attachments are of primary importance for human development, will strive to work with professional staff to develop a common understanding of "family."		  
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  QUALITY

In this context, the extent to which contemporary and generally recognized standards for professional practice are met and exceeded, and desirable service outcomes achieved.		  
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  SPECIAL NEEDS

A designation used in reference to conditions or characteristics of a person that reflect a need for special care, services, or treatment. When the term is used in the context of adoption services, special needs refers to conditions that make a child harder to place for adoption. This includes children who are members of sibling groups, older children, children with disabilities, children of certain racial /ethnic backgrounds, etc. When the term is used in the context of foster care it refers to the need for a higher degree of specialized case services and attention due to mental and physical disabilities. When the term is used in the context of out-of-school time services, a child or youth may have special physical, behavioral, medical, emotional, or cognitive needs that should be addressed or accommodated. The term is also used in other contexts. See also DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.		  
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  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
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  PARENTS

Parents can include: birth, foster, kinship, and adoptive parents. Please see service standards for more specific information about use of this term. 		 
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  INFANT

A child aged one year and under.		  
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Early Child Care and Development Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-ECCD 5: Quality and Safety in the Service Environment

 
Child care is provided in an enriched, interactive environment that is safe and well-suited to meeting the developmental needs of children.
Interpretation: The service environment is adapted and appropriate for children with special needs.

PA-ECCD 5.01

 

The facility or home provides an optimal care and learning environment that is:

  1. welcoming;
  2. well lit, with natural light where possible;
  3. maintained at a safe, comfortable temperature;
  4. odor and smoke free; and
  5. adequately ventilated.
Interpretation: Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises.

PA-ECCD 5.02

 

The environment supports positive development and education by providing:

  1. adequate space to accommodate age-appropriate activities such as crawling, and group and individual play;
  2. sturdy, child-friendly furniture;
  3. access to books and reference materials in programs where children do homework;
  4. places for children to store their belongings; and
  5. play materials placed in areas children can access without help.

PA-ECCD 5.03

 

The physical facilities, buildings, and grounds of child care centers include:

  1. outdoor areas enclosed by fences or natural barriers which support a variety of play activities such as climbing, sports, and digging;
  2. separate rooms for the children in each age group unless a clear justification for mixing groups exists;
  3. separate lavatories customized for adults and children that include liquid soap and disposable towels;
  4. quiet and private indoor areas;
  5. a reception area for parents, children, and visitors; and
  6. offices and private areas for parent interviews.
NA The agency does not operate a child care center.

PA-ECCD 5.04

 

A safe environment is maintained through:

  1. ensuring stairwells have railings and are closed off from toddler areas;
  2. providing child-friendly playground equipment that meets national safety standards, and is installed on impact absorbing surfaces;
  3. using play areas that have shade and drinking water available;
  4. attending to infants at all times when in swings, jumpers, or other activity equipment; and
  5. prohibiting infant walkers.

PA-ECCD 5.05

 

Toys and other materials are:

  1. child proof, non-toxic, and maintained in good repair;
  2. disinfected at least weekly and immediately after use if items are placed in a child’s mouth;
  3. arranged and customized for the ages and abilities of children;
  4. changed regularly to sustain interest;
  5. reflective of ethnic diversity and special needs; and
  6. effective for stimulating motor and language development.

PA-ECCD 5.06

 
Prior to use, all family childcare homes are screened to ensure they are fully licensed or approved, according to applicable regulatory requirements.
NA The agency does not operate family child care homes.
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PURPOSE: Early Child Care and Development Services meet family needs for high quality child care and ensure child development, health, and safety.
 
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