The Fairfax County Child Care Advisory Council (CCAC) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the Family Day Home Licensing Standards 22 VAC 40 – 111.

We support the proposed amendments, and believe that the new additions to the regulations in health, safety, and emergency preparedness will improve quality and safety in licensed family child care homes.  The proposed increase in the ongoing training hours is in line with efforts throughout the country to improve professional development for early childhood professionals.

In reference to 22VAC40-111-60-B-2-F, we recognize the importance of having a written care plan for children diagnosed with a food allergy.  As this is a new requirement that may garner different interpretations, we hope that the state will provide appropriate guidance and resources for family child care providers, families, and health care practitioners to develop and implement their plan.  In reference to 22VAC40-111-210-C, the Fairfax County CCAC agrees that professional development in areas of different health and safety areas is important for family child care providers to complete every two years.  However, with this requirement, we recommend that ample opportunities be offered throughout the state for family child care providers to access these professional development opportunities.

While we support standards that strengthen the health and safety of children in care, we remain concerned that many new regulations present an added cost to family child care providers, which must be passed on to families or subsidized by the providers.  Thank you for your consideration.

Monica Jackson, Chairman, Fairfax County Child Care Advisory Council