Child Care Training and Accreditation Provider Evaluation Services (CCTAPES)

Frequently Asked Questions

FCCPC TRAINING PROGRAMS

For organizations currently approved as Training Programs for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential

What is the annual attestation statement?
The annual attestation is the 4th page in application CF-FSP 5191, April 06. The annual attestation is confirmation that the training program is following the rules set forth in the application

When is the annual attestation statement due?
The annual attestation is to be submitted to the Children's Forum on the anniversary date the training program was approved.

Where can I find copies of the biannual FCCPC Training Program newsletter?
Copies of the biannual FCCPC Training Program newsletter can be found on the Department of Children and Families' website.

For organizations interested in seeking approval as a FCCPC Training Program

When are new applications accepted?
New applications are accepted in January, March, June and September.

Where do we send our completed application?
Completed applications should be sent to:
The Children's Forum
Child Care Training and Accreditation Provider Evaluation Services
2807 Remington Green Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32308

What is the process for becoming a new FCCPC training program?
Each application is reviewed by a team of subject matter experts who submit ratings and recommendations to the Department of Children and Families for final determination. At that time, applicants may be (a) approved for designation as a Florida Child Care Professional Credential training program provider, (b) provided with recommendations and given an opportunity to resubmit with clarifications or changes, or (c) denied training program provider status.

How long will it take to become a FCCPC training program?
Allow 3-4 months for processing and notification.

GOLD SEAL QUALITY CARE PROGRAM

For national associations currently approved as Gold Seal Accrediting Associations

When does our approval period expire?
Each Gold Seal Accrediting Association is approved for a period of five years and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. Your expiration will occur on the 5th anniversary of the date of your approval letter. If you have misplaced your approval letter, please contact the Program Director at the Children's Forum at (850) 681-7002 or toll-free at (888) 352-4453.

Please note that you should submit your renewal application and any updated documentation for review 6 months prior to your accreditation expiration date.

What is the annual attestation statement?
The annual attestation is the 3rd page in application CF-FSP 5315, August 2007. The annual attestation is confirmation that the Gold Seal Accrediting Association's program is following the rules set forth in the application.

When is the annual attestation statement due?
The annual attestation is to be submitted to the Children's Forum on the anniversary date the training program was approved.

Do we have any monthly reporting requirements?
It is the responsibility of each Accrediting Association to update the Children's Forum on a monthly basis as to their accredited child care providers. This includes, but it not limited to: new providers, renewed providers, terminated providers, and providers on provisional accreditation status.

For national associations interested in seeking approval as a Gold Seal Accrediting Association in Florida

What is the definition of a "national association" with regard to the Gold Seal application?
A "national association" is an association whose accrediting body is recognized, accepted and present in at least five (5) states.

Note: Gold Seal Quality Care Accrediting Associations approved by the Department of Children and Families prior to July 1, 2007 are exempt from this requirement.

When are new applications accepted?
New applications are accepted in January and July.

For early care and education programs already designated as Gold Seal programs

We lost our Gold Seal certificate. How can we get a new copy?
Fax or mail a copy of your accreditation certificate to the Children's Forum and we will process your new certificate and mail it to you.

Where can we find the application to apply for Tax Exemption?
The application can be found on the Department of Children and Families' website.

How do we get our tax exemption certificate?
Complete the application in its entirety, and send it to the following address:
The Children's Forum
Child Care Training and Accreditation Provider Evaluation Services
2807 Remington Green Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32308

How long will it take for me to receive my tax-exemption card?
Please allow up to 3 months after you have submitted your application.

For early care and education programs interested in becoming a Gold Seal program

How do we become a Gold Seal program?

1. Review the list of Approved Accrediting Associations on the DCF web site and contact the agency that best meets the needs of your program.
2. Review the association's accreditation requirements and follow procedures for accreditation.
3. After you have achieved accreditation from an approved accrediting association, the association will notify the DCF program office at the Children's Forum.
4. Upon receipt of the information, the Children's Forum will award a Gold Seal Certificate to the program provider, recognizing their achievement. The certificate will be mailed directly to the program provider.

We are accredited by one of the 14 Gold Seal associations but we have not received a certificate. What do we do now?
If you are accredited by one of the department's approved accrediting associations and have not received a Gold Seal certificate within 90 days of your accreditation date, please contact the Children's Forum at 1-888-352-4453 or fax your accreditation certificate to 866-596-9513, attention Christian Winterbottom.