Child Care Providers With Permits More Likely to Keep Children Safe

Fairfax County Department of Family Services
Office for Children
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 920
Fairfax, VA 22035-1102
Contact: Lois Kirkpatrick, Marketing & Strategic Analysis Manager
Phone: 703-324-7162, TTY 711
DFSPIO@fairfaxcounty.gov

News Release #05/08

September 7, 2007

This year Fire Prevention Week runs from October 7 – 13, and during a week when residents are focused on safety, two Fairfax County agencies are urging parents to make sure that their child care providers have a county child care permit.

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services Office for Children is authorized to issue permits to Fairfax County residents who take care of children in their homes. The permit process includes a home health and safety visit from an Office for Children specialist.

“Parents want their children to be cared for in a home that's healthy and safe,” says Judith Rosen, director of the Office for Children. “During the permit process, our specialists work closely with child care providers to help make sure children will be cared for in a safe environment that supports their growth and development.”

The permit process also includes a fire safety visit from a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department inspector.

“We help child care providers remove safety hazards,” says Dan Schmidt, the Fire and Rescue Department's Public Information Officer. “We also make sure they're prepared to handle emergencies with the proper plans and equipment.”

Child care providers must renew their permits every year, which requires annual visits from Office for Children and Fire and Rescue Department inspectors. More information about the child care permit process can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc . All Fairfax County fire stations will hold an open house on Saturday, October 13; families are invited to enjoy fire and life safety activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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