Consistent Care Policy

Policy and Procedure on Ensuring Consistent Staff for Child Groups

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that each group of children in our care is assigned a consistent caregiver or team of caregivers. This consistency fosters emotional security, builds strong relationships, and supports the overall well-being of each child. Consistent staffing helps children feel comfortable and promotes trust, attachment, and a sense of safety.

Policy

1. Consistent Care Teams
   Each group of children will be assigned to a specific staff member or team of staff members. These caregivers will be responsible for providing the majority of care, interaction, and supervision for their designated group of children. In the case of staff changes or absences, the center will take all reasonable steps to ensure that familiar staff members remain with the children.

2. Staffing Schedules
   The childcare center will create staffing schedules that prioritize consistency. Each staff member will have a set schedule, which will allow children to know and interact with the same caregivers each day.

3. Minimizing Staff Rotation
   To reduce confusion and disruption to the children’s routine, the center will minimize staff rotation across different groups of children. Staff will only be reassigned in cases of emergencies, or if required by state regulations, or with proper transition support.

4. Substitute Care
   When a primary caregiver is absent, the center will attempt to provide a familiar substitute from the child’s team of regular caregivers. If a new or unfamiliar substitute is required, this substitute will be introduced to the children beforehand whenever possible, and efforts will be made to limit the frequency of changes.

5. Transition Procedures
   When transitions between groups or caregivers are necessary, the center will create a transition plan to ensure the child has an opportunity to adjust to the new caregiver or team. This plan may include gradual introductions, joint activities, and collaboration between current and future caregivers to share information about the child’s routines and needs.

Procedure

1. Staff Assignment

   • Each child will be assigned to a designated caregiver or team upon enrollment.

   • The designated caregiver or team will be responsible for primary daily care, including feeding, changing, and supervision.

   • The caregiver will also handle communication with the child’s family regarding the child’s progress and needs.

2. Creating a Staffing Schedule

   • The scheduling coordinator will design a staff schedule that keeps consistent caregivers with the same group of children as much as possible.

   • Staff members will know their assignments in advance and will maintain regular communication with their group’s co-caregivers.

3. Substitute Caregiver Protocol

   • If a caregiver is unavailable (due to illness or vacation), a familiar caregiver from the center will be assigned to temporarily take over the group.

   • The childcare center will maintain a list of approved substitute caregivers who have had previous interaction with the group of children whenever possible.

4. Documentation of Caregiver Changes

   • All caregiver changes must be documented in the child’s file.

   • Families will be informed in writing of any long-term staffing changes, along with a transition plan if applicable.

5. Review and Monitoring

   • The management team will regularly review staff assignments and schedules to ensure the policy of consistent care is being followed.

   • Feedback from staff and families will be encouraged to identify areas for improvement in maintaining continuity of care.

This policy ensures that consistent caregiving practices are a priority, which ultimately supports a nurturing, stable environment for children in the care center.

This policy satisfies 8VAC20-780-350 F. The center shall develop and implement a written policy and procedure that describes how the center will ensure that each group of children receives care by consistent staff or team of staff members.