FCC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following practices best supports smooth daily transitions for a child with anxiety and sensory sensitivities? → Visual schedules and advance verbal warnings before transitions occur
2. A 4-year-old with a speech delay struggles to communicate needs during play, leading to frequent frustration. An effective inclusive strategy is to: → Introduce simple picture communication cards or visual supports throughout the environment
3. What is the purpose of a sanitizing solution on diaper-changing surfaces? → To reduce germs and prevent disease spread
4. Which practice best prevents the spread of illness in family child care? → Frequent handwashing and cleaning of surfaces
5. STEM learning in a family child care home is best introduced through: → Everyday activities like cooking, gardening, water play, and building
6. Which of the following is an example of a universal design for learning (UDL) strategy in a family child care setting? → Offering materials and activities in multiple formats so all children can participate
7. How can a provider best support early literacy in toddlers? → Reading aloud daily and providing access to age-appropriate books
8. When adapting the environment for a child with a physical disability in an FCC home, the provider should first: → Collaborate with the child's family and any specialists to identify needed accommodations
9. According to Erikson, an infant who is consistently fed, comforted, and cared for is likely to develop which of the following? → Trust
10. What is the most appropriate way to handle a disagreement between two toddlers over a toy? → Calmly help them share, take turns, or find another toy
11. What is developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)? → Customizing care to fit children’s development and background
12. Why should screen time be limited for young children in care? → Excessive screen time can hinder healthy development and activity
13. What is the purpose of maintaining liability insurance for a family child care business? → To protect the provider financially if a child is injured or property is damaged
14. How can providers promote child development in family child care? → Offering structured, educational activities
15. A provider offers a mirror, rattles, and soft textured toys to an infant. Which developmental domain is being supported most directly? → Sensory and perceptual development
16. What is a common method of communicating with families? → Use reports and conversations to update parents
17. According to safe food handling guidelines, the temperature danger zone for bacterial growth in food is: → Between 40°F and 140°F (4°C–60°C)
18. Why is it important for FCC providers to model healthy eating behaviors during mealtimes? → Children learn food attitudes largely through observation of trusted adults
19. What should be included in a family child care emergency preparedness plan? → Evacuation routes, contacts, and procedures for various emergencies
20. Which practice best supports healthy nutrition in family child care? → Offering balanced meals following child nutrition guidelines
21. Which practice best promotes healthy brain development in infants and toddlers? → Responsive, serve-and-return interactions with the caregiver
22. How can diversity be supported in family child care? → Respect and celebrate different backgrounds
23. What is the primary purpose of keeping accurate attendance records in family child care? → To track which children are present in case of emergency and for licensing
24. Which of the following is a key sign that a child may have a communicable illness requiring exclusion? → Diarrhea that cannot be contained in the toilet or diaper
25. An FCC provider should wash their hands with soap and water before food preparation for at least: → 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces including between fingers and under nails
26. Which environment best encourages cognitive development through exploration for toddlers? → A safe space with open-ended materials to touch, sort, and explore
27. What is the maximum recommended time a young child should spend in a car seat during a family child care outing before a break? → 2 hours
28. How does maintaining professional development benefit a family child care provider? → It keeps skills current and improves the quality of care offered
29. Which of the following best describes an infant's development of object permanence? → Understanding that objects still exist when out of sight
30. What should a provider do when a child shows signs of illness? → Notify parents and follow exclusion policy