General - The caregiver/provider shall be a responsible, mature, healthy adult, at least 18 years of age, who is capable of understanding and complying with minimum licensing requirements and of  meeting the needs of children in care. 

Health -The caregiver/provider and all members of the household shall be in good physical and emotional health.  If it is reported or observed that the caregiver/provider or family member has a physical, mental, or emotional condition that could impact the care of children, a physician’s statement shall be requested.

Immunizations -The caregiver/provider’s children and all children living in the home shall have or be in the process of obtaining immunizations at the medically appropriate time.

Drug Testing - The caregiver/provider shall submit a drug test if there is any reason to believe that drugs are being used.

Separate Dwelling - The caregiver/provider must reside in a dwelling separate from child being cared for. (Check stub or rent receipt may be required.)

Criminal History - Any person applying to become a caregiver cannot be or have a person(s) living in the home who has been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to any crime involving conduct described in (1)-(5) of the following subparagraph and shall be restricted from the premises of the relative child care home.  The person convicted of a crime cannot live, be on the premises, or take part in any activity of the relative child care home.

1. Violence against a person;
2. Child abuse or neglect;
3. Possession, sale or distribution of illegal drugs;
4. Sexual misconduct; or
5. Gross irresponsibility or disregard for the safety of others.

Caregivers/providers shall provide documentation of criminal history investigations conducted through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for persons 18 and over that reside in the home.

Child Abuse - In the case of child abuse and neglect, when any person has been known to be a perpetrator in a juvenile court proceeding and/or has made an admission of guilt to a person authorized by state or federal laws/regulations to investigate child abuse and neglect, he or she shall be restricted from the premises while children are in care.

Endangerment of Children - A person whose health or behavior would endanger the health, safety or well-being of children shall not be permitted to live in the home or be on the premises when children in care are present.

REQUIREMENTS OF CAREGIVERS

• Care and Supervision - The registered caregiver/provider shall be directly responsible for the care and supervision of children
• Realistic Expectations - The caregiver/provider shall demonstrate a capacity for setting realistic expectations for behavior and performance based on the age, abilities and special needs of the children.
• Constructive Influence - The caregiver/provider's family members and others living in the home shall accept the relative child care children and provide constructive influence.  There must be indication of a stable and harmonious home life
• Child Abuse Reporting - The caregiver/provider shall immediately report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the local office of the Department of Human Services, the Choctaw Nation Child Care Assistance Program and the Statewide Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-522-3511).  Upon conviction, failure to report is a misdemeanor offence and is punishable by law.
•  Notification of Monitoring Services - The caregiver/provider shall notify the parent/guardian and the Monitoring Coordinator:  Within 24 hours of any incident involving transportation or any injury requiring emergency medical attention; and within 24 hours of any remodeling, changes or damage to the physical facility that affects the amount of usable square footage or compliance with any requirement; and at least 30 days in advance, if the caregiver/provider moves from one residence to another unless an emergency exists.  The new home shall comply with the requirements in this Part.
• General Training Requirements - The caregiver/provider is encouraged to complete 12 clock hours of training per year through workshops, formal training, audio-visual aids (filmstrips, video or cassette tapes, etc), or individual job-related readings.   A monthly newsletter is mailed with child related information and training schedules.
• Health and Safety Training - The caregiver/provider is encouraged to obtain training in disease and accident prevention measures, first aid techniques which includes airway obstruction procedures for infants and children, and use of a fire extinguisher.  (CPR & First Aid training every 2 years)
• Sign-In Sheet Policy - Parents are required to sign their children in and out daily at the provider's home, and providers should check daily to ensure this is done.  Our monitoring workers perform unannounced visits to the providers to check sign-in sheets and will document any violation of this policy.  If your home is found to be in non-compliance of the sign-in sheet policy, the first occurrence will be documented.  If your home is found to be in non-compliance the second time you will be terminated from the Program.
• Ages and Numbers of Children - The total number of children in care shall be limited to seven.   The number shall include the caregivers own preschool children under five years of age who live in the home.  When only one caregiver is present the guidelines regarding the ages and total number of children in care that shall be complied with are as follows: