Must I participate in pre-service training?

Yes.  In order to receive a Certificate of Registration, an applicant and his/her alternate provider, if any, must attend pre-service training provided by Child Care Connection.  This training includes the Child Development Block Grant (CCDBG)-mandated and orientation training, which can be obtained in-person or on-line.  All providers, alternates, and substitute must be pediatric CPR- and first-aid certified. If the provider is willing to enroll children who receive child care subsidy from the state or county, the assistant must also be CPR/First Aid certified.

Do I need to have a background check?

Each provider applicant; alternate and/or provider assistant (if any); substitute provider; any household members who are at least 14 years of age; and any other persons who are or will be working at the home on a regular basis must have a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check to determine whether an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against any of these individuals.

Each provider applicant; alternate and/or provider assistant (if any); substitute provider; any household members who are at least 18 years of age; and any other persons who are or will be working at the home on a regular basis must have a fingerprint-based Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) background check.

What documents do I need to provide as part of the application process?

All providers must submit the following: two letters of reference for themselves and an alternate (if any), as well as a health care provider’s statement and proof of a TB test for the applicant; alternate and/or provider assistant (if any); and any household members who are present during the care of enrolled children.

Why is Child Care Connection encouraging me to become a registered FCC Provider?

In order to care for additional non-related children (up to five) who receive a subsidy from either the State of New Jersey or Mercer County, the provider must be State-registered. The payment rate for State-registered providers is significantly higher than the subsidy paid to FFN providers.  State-registered family child care providers can get referrals from their Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which in Mercer County is Child Care Connection. Registered providers can also participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Why might I receive a 1099 from the State of New Jersey or Child Care Connection?

Since the State of New Jersey and the County of Mercer both offer eligible families a child care subsidy, a 1099 form documenting payments to the provider on the parent’s behalf is mailed to providers who have received reimbursement through the State’s subsidy program.  FFN providers are selected by the parent and, should a parent decide to switch care, the subsidy payment would switch to the new child care provider.

As an approved home/FFN provider, will I be employed by Child Care Connection or the State of NJ?

No.  All providers are self-employed small business owners.  Although FFN providers must adhere to all regulations established by the New Jersey DHS/DFD, they operate as a sole proprietorship.  As small business owners, FFN providers operate according to the schedule and needs of the parent.  Sole proprietors are required to file a Schedule C with their annual tax return and report earnings and losses.

Will my home be inspected?

Yes, in order to be approved as an FFN provider, the home where the care will occur must be inspected and evaluated for compliance with all applicable requirements established by DHS/DFD.  At renewal, there would be an annual home inspection and during the year, at least one unannounced inspection would occur.

Can FFN providers offer 24-hour care?

A provider can not work more than 16 hours straight. If the FFN provider is caring for children overnight, the FFN provider must be present and awake during the entire shift.