How to Start an In-Home Daycare Through DSS
As the population ages, more and more people need quality senior care. In-home day care for the elderly presents a realistic alternative to nursing home care for individuals who can live independently but need assistance with daily living tasks. States' Department of Social Services (DSS) or Department of Human Services regulate daycare services for the elderly. A thorough knowledge of DSS rules and regulations will smooth the process of starting an in-home day care service for elderly citizens.
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Instructions
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Decide which services the in-home daycare will provide. DSS regulations in every state mandate that any staff member who provides medical or therapeutic services must have a state-approved license in their field. The DSS will recognize licenses granted by the Licensing Division of the state's Department of Health for health care and medical service workers. According to the DSS in certain states, support staff may need training as well, but this does not hold true for all states. Check the regulations of the state's Department of Social Services/Human Resources/Human Services (DSS) where the in-home daycare operates.
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Apply for a in-home daycare license from the state DSS. Each state has its own regulations for running an in-home daycare facility. Contact the DSS's licensing division to ascertain the criteria for starting an in-home daycare. Each DSS site will allow the applicant to download forms to apply for an in-home daycare license from the licensing division. The DSS will wish to see proof that the in-home daycare's staff and management is fully accredited according to state regulations. They will also wish to see proof that the in-home daycare has a local business license, has registered with all federal and state tax authorities and has conducted criminal background checks on all employees.
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Apply for recognition as a licensed in-home daycare from Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare recognition of an in-home daycare depends on licensing through the relevant state's DSS. An applicant can download forms to apply for Medicaid and Medicare recognition through their website.
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Develop a relationship with the local DSS staff to receive client referrals to the in-home daycare services. Discuss the needs of the community with DSS staff and structure the services offered by the in-home daycare to meet those needs.
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Investigate DSS requirements for continuing staff training for the staff members of the in-home daycare. Some states require yearly retraining courses for in-home daycare staff. Ascertain the requirements and ask the local DSS office about the location of courses which allow staff to fulfill these requirements.
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