APNA STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND CODE OF ETHICS

CODE OF ETHICS

APNA MEMBERS:

• Maintain high standards of professional conduct and integrity.
• Offer assistance and accurate information so that families and caregivers can make informed choices about entering into mutually beneficial in-home childcare arrangements.
• Respect confidential relationships with families and caregivers.
• Resolve conflicts and disputes promptly and fairly.
• Provide friendly, courteous service.
• Continually maintain and improve professional knowledge, skills and competence.
• Obey all laws and regulations applicable to in-home childcare referral and placement.
• Respect the contribution of colleagues and associates in the field of in-home child care.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

APNA MEMBERS:

• Interview each Client to determine their child care requirements.
• Interview potential job candidates face-to-face or, when not possible or practical, disclose
• The agency's method of interviewing to family/clients.
• Protect any confidential information received from the candidate or family.
• Provide employment application and client application if applicable.

APNA members provide Clients with:

• Candidate references in the field of child care, other employment, and/or personal references.
• Candidates who are US citizens or who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
• An opportunity to obtain a security investigation on candidates, which includes:
  1. Check of criminal records in localities in which the candidate has resided for a specific number of years.
  2. Motor vehicle check in localities in which the candidate has resided for a specific number of years
• A written agreement between the agency and the Client which defines agency services and specifies the agency's fee and refund and/or replacement policy.
• An agreement which defines the working conditions to be negotiated between the candidate and the employer.
• Information regarding local, state, and federal requirements for employers of in-home caregivers, or referral to an appropriate source for such information.
  

APNA members provide Care Providers with...

• Truthful and accurate information about available in-home childcare employment opportunities, including a description of job duties and working conditions, hours, salary, and benefits.
• An agreement which defines the working conditions to be negotiated between the candidate and the employer.
• A written explanation regarding application fees and/or agency services applicable to the candidate; such information will be provided during the interview process and prior to placement or referral for employment.

APNA members are dedicated to...

• Abiding by all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Respecting the proprietary materials and job placements of other agencies.
• Promoting professionalism in the In-Home Child Care Placement and Referral industry.

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