Relative Caregiver Training

Relative Caregivers that have contracts with the Delaware Division of Social Services participate in 45 hours of training, using Delaware First curriculum . Topics include Safety (3 hours), Health (3 hours), Nutrition (3 hours), Early Language & Literacy (3 hours), Child Development (15 hours), Understanding Children's Behavior (12 hours), and CPR & First Aid (6 hours). Caregivers are contacted by FWC staff to welcome them into the program and assess their needs. Some have completed the CPR & First Aid in the community, others have participated in early childhood training.

Each Relative Caregiver will receive an activity kit upon training completion. This kit contains materials appropriate to the ages and stages of children in their care. Bags have been donated by the Insurance Commissioner of Delaware. Caregivers are offered on-site technical assistance, introduced to the Early Care and Education Resource Center and given information on DelaCare Regulations. If they are interested in becoming licensed as a family child care provider, FWC can assist them in this endeavor.

FWC is working with the Child and Adult Care Food Program to invesitigate the feasibility of opening the program to Relative Caregivers.. Currently, Oregon and Connecticut provide this service, ensuring that all children receive nutritious meals and snacks. Many states have developed information, training and supports for Relative Caregivers, Bank Street College and the National Women's Law Center have resources and research related to national policy for "Kith and Kin" care.