Who Are Family Child Care Providers? Family Childcare Providers are independent, self-employed business owners who have assumed one of society’s most important responsibilities, that of caring for young children.  The Maryland State Department of Education-Office of Child Care licenses providers, they must be certified in CPR, First Aid and undergo 8 hours of Core of Knowledge Area in training, including SID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) training.    Many have more extensive Child Development training and education.  A complete criminal background check is done for the provider and all adults in the home.  The Office of Child Care and the Fire Marshall inspect the home to make sure that it is safe and has the proper equipment for the family child care business.             The great majority of families who use family child care are families who need safe, stable, and high quality care for their children while they are at work.  Family child care providers typically work over 60 hours a week, many offering care during non- traditional hours including early morning, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.             A family child care provider can hold a license for up to 8 children in their care.  They generally care for infants (no more that 2 in care under 2 years of age) and toddlers, 2 to 5 years olds.  They also offer before and after school care, especially for children who were in their program as infants and toddlers.  This provides continuity for the children as well as peace of mind for the parents.    Why Family Child Care?             Young children thrive in a stable long-term relationship with the same provider in the comfort of a home environment and in small groups where each child’s needs can be best met. Family childcare meets the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of young children.  Family childcare allows parents flexibility in their work schedules such as early mornings, nights, or weekend care.  Parents are able to work more productively when their children are safe and in good care.  Family childcare meets the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of young children. National Provider Appreciation Day – May 9, 2008 National Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers and educators of young children everywhere. Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents.               Today's childcare providers are the world's unsung heroes. The child care profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country; yet early childhood is the most critical developmental period for all children.   It takes a special person to work in this field and their contribution to the quality of family life frequently goes unnoticed - until now.      It takes a dedicated person to be successful in the demanding world of today's child care professional. Provider Appreciation Day offers a uniqueopportunity to recognize and commend the unselfish  dedication, compassion and strong family values that child care providers demonstrate everyday.         Parent Resources   Licensing/Regulations                Maryland Regulations http://NRC.uchsc.edu/states/MD/maryalnd.htm   Maryland Child Care Office www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/child_care.htm   Recalls www.cpsc.gov/index.htm   Partners for Child Passenger Safety www.saferoads.org/state/boosterPCPSMD.pdf   Maryland Committee for Children www.mdchildcare.org/mdcfc/for_parents/parents.html