Licensing Visit Result

On July 12, 2012 the Authority completed a review of the agency as required in Standard 1 of the Family Day Home Standards Manual. As a result of the review it was identified that Hemel House was compliant to the provincial standards for the family day home program.

We would like to share with you some of the many standards that are being met:

Agencies must create at least six opportunities each year to bring family day home providers together for training, consultation, information sharing, or problem solving to reduce provider isolation.

• Provider/Parent training meetings are held the first Monday of every month
• Additional networking opportunities are provided through meetings, community events etc.
• Online private network group for providers exists so they can share ideas and request support
  

Agencies must have documented policies and procedures for their providers regarding placement, fees, information records, monitoring, parent involvement, health and safety, investigations, outings, backup care etc.

• Hemel House has clear procedures for placement of children 
• Fee/payment policies are in the Orientation and Parent Handbook 
• Expiry of First Aid, criminal record checks, pet vaccinations, insurance are tracked daily 
• Parents are invited to attend provider meetings 
• Parents are provided with resources on being an active participant in the day home and the care of their child

Hemel House ensures all backup care providers and In-Home Substitutes meet Ministry Agency Standards.

• 2 In Home Substitute files were reviewed and contained evidence they meet standards 
• In Home Substitutes must follow the same requirements as a Day Home Provider (First Aid, criminal record check, references etc.)

The following policy requirements are in place and the standards are met:

• All complaints are followed-up by the agency through a home visit or interview with the provider and the outcome is communicated to the complainant and others involved 
• All communicable diseases are reported to Alberta Health Services 
• Parents are immediately notified of any emergencies or critical incidents

At a minimum, the agency has one staff that fulfils both the responsibilities of the agency coordinator and consultant. Staff responsible for the monitoring of approved family day home providers must be certified at a minimum as a Child Development Worker (one year certificate).

• Hemel House’s minimum requirement for all Child Carer Consultants is a Child Development Supervisor certificate (2 year diploma). Hemel House currently has three active Consultants and one Coordinator.

There is evidence that the agency monitors all active providers a minimum of six times per year and completes safety checks at two of the six appointments.

• Hemel House monitors all active providers once a month (12 times per year) with increased frequency in the event a provider returns after a leave or experiences a significant change in their personal circumstances or any additional support or help.
• A detailed CFSA approved safety check is conducted twice a year with increased frequency after a leave

There is evidence that during visits, consultants review the following:

• Physical facility, including indoor and outdoor space, toys, furnishings and equipment.
• Provider performance, including supervision of children, activities, daily routine and child guidance practices. 
• Safety, health and emergency provisions, including health and safety checklist. 
• Home environment, including the influence of other children or adults who may be in the home while children are in care.
• Development and behaviour of children in care, including interactions between children and between child and provider.

There is evidence that each provider received two home inspections before initiating the service and that the inspections included everyone living in the residence.

There is evidence that the agency completes a performance assessment at least once annually for each approved provider. The assessment includes a review of the provider’s history of compliance to standards, training and professional development, parent satisfaction, and history of complaints and incidents.

There are consent forms on file from parents for children’s off-site program activities.