FL DCF 40 Hrs. CHILD CARE FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS (RNRF)

L DCF 40 Hrs. CHILD CARE FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS (RNRF) DCF Department of Children and Families DCF Responsibilities Administration of child care licensing and training Ensuring children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive, and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff This agency determines state rules pertaining to child care and enforces these rules by licensing and inspecting child care facilities. Child Care Professionals Roles and Responsibilities -must know, understand, and follow the laws and the rules and regulations to protect the health and safety of children in care -keep children safe -provide good nutrition and a healthy environment -create a quality environment for learning Name the key agencies that partner with the Department to regulate child care. Local Fire Departments / Certified Fire Safety Inspectors County Agencies Local Licensing Agencies Child care laws, rules, and regulations are in place to protect children, families, and child care professionals Office of Child Care Regulation and Background Screening licensing authority, regulates licensed child care facilities in most counties in Florida Local County Government Agencies Effect childcare through Zoning and Building, Septic and Well, Etc... City/Municipal Police Dept. Effect childcare through back ground checks and screenings of child care providers Child Care care, protection and supervision of a child for a period of less than 24 hours on a regular basis, which supplements parental care, enrichment, and health supervision for the child in accordance with his or her individual needs, and for which a payment, fee or grant is made for care. (Defined in 402.302) DCF's Office of Child Care Regulations mission: To ensure the health, safety, and well being of the children of the state while in care through licensing and regulatory activities The licensing standards established by the Department address Physical Environment (health, sanitation, safety, and physical surroundings) Children in Care (health, nutrition, and development) Regulation a law, rule, ordinance, or other order prescribed by authority to regulate conduct What is the intent of the Legislature? To protect the health and welfare of children To develop a regulatory framework that promotes the growth and stability of the child care industry and facilitates the safe physical, intellectual, motor, and social development of the child. Child Care Regulation Program is responsible for regulating programs that provide services that meet the statutory definition of "child care." This is accomplished through the inspection of licensed child care programs to ensure the consistent statewide application of child care standards established in statute and rule, and the registration of child care providers not subject to inspection. Minimum Age Requirements A staff person at least 21 years of age must be in charge of the program and must be on the premises at all times during operating hours. Mixed Age Groups A. In groups of mixed age ranges, where children under one year of age are included, one staff member must be responsible for no more than four children of any age group, at all times. B. In groups of mixed age ranges, where children one year of age but under two years of age are included, one staff member must be responsible for no more than six children of any age group, at all times In addition to the number of staff required to meet the staff-to-child ratio, one additional adult must attend field trips away from the child care facility to help provide direct supervision. The individual could be a parent volunteer as long as that person is under direct and constant supervision of a screened and trained staff member. Nap time supervision During nap time, staff must be within sight and hearing of all the children. All other staff required to meet the staff-to-child ratio must be within the building on the same floor and available to be summoned if needed to ensure the safety of the children. Nap time supervision does not apply to children up to 24 months of age, who must have direct supervision at all times. Evening Supervision During evening child care hours, staff must remain awake at all times. While children are awake, direct supervision must be provided. Meal time Supervision A. During feeding times, children must be individually fed and provided their own tableware. Children must be supervised appropriately for their ages and developmental abilities, to monitor the size of food and that children are eating accordingly. B.