Lesson 2 (Part 3):
Family Size

Requirement

A parent shall obtain & provide supporting documentation regarding the number of children & parents in the family as listed on the application for services.

Regulations/Reference

Title 5: 17761

Monitoring Review Evidence

• Family Data File

• Application for Services

• Records of Children & Parents Counted in the Family Size

Video Description: This video explains how to document and determine family size.

Definitions

Family means the parents and the children for whom the parents are responsible, who comprise the household in which the child receiving services is living.

When a child and their siblings are living in a household that does not include their biological or adoptive parent, “family” is defined as the child and their related siblings.

Parent means a biological parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, foster parent, caretaker relative, legal guardian, domestic partner of the parent, or any other adult living with the child who has responsibility for the care and welfare of the child.

When to Determine Family Size

For Part-Day Preschool programs, family size is determined at the time of certification and recertification.

Tip: At certification, think of it as taking a “snapshot in time.” What is the family’s current family size?

Documentation of Family Size

At least one document for each child counted in the family size must be on file that indicates the relationship of the child to the parent. Acceptable documentation may include:

• Birth certificate

• Child custody or court order

• Adoption documents

• Foster care placement records

• School or medical records

• County welfare department records

• Other reliable documentation indicating the relationship of the child to the parent

What this might look like in a program:

A Parent Enrollment Checklist is used to request family size documentation from the parent.

The Enrollment Specialist:

• Verifies that the documentation clearly indicates the relationship of each child to the parent.

• Confirms that there is at least one document on file for each child counted in the family size.

Note Regarding Caregivers Without Legal Guardianship:

In some situations, parents rely on another adult, such as a grandparent or relative to care for and make decisions for their child without establishing formal legal guardianship. There are many reasons this may occur, including strained relationships, lack of parental consent for guardianship, or a preference to avoid the legal process. In many cases, the caregiving arrangement is intended to be temporary.

As an alternative to legal guardianship, caregivers may complete a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit. This official form is recognized in California and allows a caregiver, an adult with whom the child is living, to make certain decisions related to the child’s education and care.

After reviewing the video lesson & sketch pad notes, it’s time to check for understanding by completing a Knowledge Check. Note that Individual Knowledge Checks will conclude with a Certificate.

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