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to Social Services
Child
Care
Child
care services are provided to children of eligible parents
in order to support their work and training efforts and assist
families toward self-sufficiency. The goal of the child care
delivery system in Ross County
is the provision of quality, dependable child care in homes
and centers. The Ross County Department of Job and Family
Services (RCJFS) determines eligibility for child care services
and assist parents in locating certified homes or licensed
centers.
Where are child care services provided?
Child
care services are provided to children in certified homes
or licensed centers. Providers in certified homes may care
for up to six children. These homes are inspected by staff
from the RCJFS and certified when all requirements are met.
Child care centers are licensed for certain numbers and age
groups of children by the Ohio Department of Job and Family
Services (ODJFS) and are inspected for compliance with licensing
requirements.
Who can get child care benefits?
Families
whose income falls below 185% of the federal poverty level
can receive payment for all or part of monthly child care
expenses that are provided by a certified or licensed child
care provider. The provider receives payment from the RCJFS
for approved periods of child care.
In order to determine whether or not your family qualifies
for services you must submit a Child Care Application, a Household
Composition Form, and an Employment Verification of all income
that your family receives. (You can print a copy of these
forms by clicking Child Care Application, a Household Composition
Form, and Employment Verification and then printing them on
your printer.) You will need to either mail the completed
forms to Ross County Job and Family Services, drop them off
in person, or fax to (740) 772-7514.
What needs to be verified?
At
the time of application income, household members and employment
information must be verified. Changes in income or employment
status must be reported.
How often is eligibility reviewed?
A
redetermination of eligibility requirements is conducted every
12 months.
Type
B Family Child Care Home Provider Program
Basic Qualifications
Applicant
must be 18 years of age.
Applicant
must have 30 hours of training and/or 6 months experience
with child care.
Applicant
must sign conviction statements attesting that they have NOT
been convicted of a specific list of crimes. Same applies
to ALL persons who live in the home who are 18 years of age
and older as well as the Emergency/Substitute Caregiver.
Applicant
must obtain a Medical Statement which identifies that Applicant
is capable of caring for children and is free from communicable
diseases. Must also have TB Tine Test and be free of tuberculosis.
Applicants/18
year old residence of Applicants Household/Emergency-Substitute
Caregivers must be fingerprinted to obtain Criminal Records
History, if exists.
5 Year
Residency in Ohio for state fingerprinting;
otherwise, ALL above parties are required to process federal
fingerprinting.
3 Personal
References are Required for Applicant. (Unrelated to Applicant)
Applicant
must identify 2 Emergency/Substitute Caregivers.
Applicant
Must Provide Parent Policy/Rules Handbook.
Applicant
must process regularly paperwork and keep records.
Applicant
must obtain Fire Safety Inspection through local Fire Department
Applicant
must open home to Certification Inspections.
Applicant
is an Independent Contractor, Self Employed, and responsible
for own tax obligations.
Applicant
must receive permission to operate a child care business in
their home from their local Zoning Board and landlord, if
applicable.
If Applicant’s
home has Well Water, a Safety Test must be obtained from the
local Health Department.
Applicant
is required to complete continuing education training.
If Applicant
is a resident of Chillicothe Metropolitan Housing Authority,
Applicant must inquire of the Housing office if they are permitted
to operate a business in the Metro housing site.
Contact Information
Supervisor
Kelly Mettler (740) 772-7558
Child Care Specialists
Crystal Barnett, Elgibility, (740) 772-7510
Sue Lashbrook, Certification, (740) 772-7509
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