FL DCF CHILD CARE FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS, (RNRF) UPDATED 2024/2025 Graded A+, Exams of Nursing

Download FL DCF CHILD CARE FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS, (RNRF) UPDATED 2024/2025 Graded A+ and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!

1

FL DCF CHILD

CARE FACILITIES

RULE AND

REGULATIONS,

(RNRF)

UPDATED Graded

A+

DCF - Answer Department of Children and Families DCF Responsibilities - Answer 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 - Answer -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. - Answer Local Fire Departments / Certified Fire Safety Inspectors County Agencies Local Licensing Agencies Child care laws, rules, and regulations are in place to protect - Answer children, families, and child care professionals Office of Child Care Regulation and Background Screening - Answer licensing authority, regulates licensed child care facilities in most counties in Florida Local County Government Agencies - Answer Effect childcare through Zoning and Building, Septic and Well, Etc... City/Municipal Police Dept. - Answer Effect childcare through back ground checks and screenings of child care providers Child Care - Answer 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: - Answer 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 - Answer Physical

Meal time Supervision - Answer 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. Infants must be held for bottle feedings until they are developmentally ready to sit in an age appropriate chair with good head control. Children must not be left in high chairs or other types of feeding chairs other than feeding times. The use of safety straps is required to prevent children from falling out of the high chair. C. There must not be any propped bottles. If a child cannot hold the bottle, a staff person or volunteer must hold the bottle during feeding. There must be no automatic feeding devices unless prescribed by a doctor and documentation is available in the child's file. Water Activity Supervision - Answer If a facility uses a swimming pool on site or during a field trip that is more than three feet deep... A certified lifeguard must be on duty and present when any children are in the swimming area. Wading pools are prohibited. Constant and active supervision must be maintained when any child is in or around water. Transportation - Answer A. A valid Florida driver's license including the proper endorsement; B. An annual physical examination which grants medical approval to drive, and valid certificate(s) of course completion for first aid training and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures Transportation Log - Answer -Kept for 12 months. -Each Child's name. -Date and Time of Departure and Arrival. -Signatures of Driver and Second Staff Member. Upon arrival at the destination by vehicle, the driver of the vehicle must: - Answer 1. Mark each child off the log as the child departs the vehicle;

2. Conduct a physical inspection and visual sweep of the vehicle interior to ensure that no child is left in the vehicle; and
3. Record, sign, and date the transportation log immediately, verifying that all children were accounted for, and that the visual sweep was conducted.
4. Ensure that a second staff member signs and dates the transportation Log verifying that all children were accounted for, and that the log is complete. Emergency Care Plans - Answer A. Child care personnel must have possession of contact information for the parent or legal guardian of each child being transported by vehicle or on foot while away from the child care facility. B. When transporting children with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or seizures), their emergency care plans and supplies or medication must be available in the vehicle or with child care personnel on the field trip. The responsible adult in the vehicle or on the field trip must be trained to recognize and respond appropriately to a medical emergency.

Vehicle Requirements - Answer A. All vehicles regularly used to transport children must be inspected annually by a mechanic to ensure that they are in proper working order. Documentation by the mechanic must be maintained in the vehicle. B. The maximum number of individuals transported in a vehicle may not exceed the manufacturer's designated seating capacity or the number of factory installed seat belts. C. When transporting children, staff-to-child ratios must be maintained at all times. The driver may be included in the staff-to-child ratio if he or she meets screening and training requirement. D. All child care facilities must comply with the insurance requirements found in Section 316.615(4), F.S. Documentation shall be maintained at the facility. E. The interior of vehicles used to transport children must be maintained at a temperature comfortable to children Seat Belt/Child Restraints - Answer Each child, when transported, must be seated in a back seat in an individual factory installed seat belt or federally approved child safety restraint. The child safety restraint must be installed, secured and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and a copy of such instructions must be maintained (in the vehicle and/or on file) Seat Belt/Child Restraints - Answer A. Children aged birth to one year old must be secured in a rear-facing car safety seat. B. Children aged one through 3 years, such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle built-in child seat. C. For children aged 4 years, a separate carrier, a vehicle built-in child seat, or a child booster seat must be used with appropriate seat belt. D. All children 5 and older must be in seat belts. E. When applicable, any vehicle used for transporting children must accommodate the placement of wheelchairs with four tie-downs affixed according to the manufactures' instructions in a forward-facing direction and the wheelchair occupant must be secured by a three-point tie restraint during transport; or the child must be placed in a federally approved child safety restraint or factory installed seatbelt when transported, in accordance to the child's needs. Planned Activities - Answer Each group or class must have a written and followed plan of scheduled activities posted in an easily seen location accessible to parents. Promote emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth Field Trip Activities - Answer A. Parents must be advised in advance of each field trip activity. B. The date, time, and location of the field trip must be posted in an easily seen location at least two working days prior to each field trip.

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

How do regulatory agencies influence the care each child receives? - Answer ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive, and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff The Florida Statutes (F.S.) - Answer outline the legislative intent of the child care regulations Legislature - Answer established child care standards and establishes the intent to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Florida's children through the establishment of minimum standards of care for Florida. The licensing standards established by the Department address the - Answer Physical environment (health, sanitation, safety, and physical surroundings) and Children in care (health, nutrition, and development) Child Care Standards - Answer The health and safety standards support all areas of children's development, as well as the environment where care is provided. The standards provide families with options for child care so they are able to make decisions that best align with their goals and needs. The Florida Department of Children and Families' Office of Child Care Regulation's mission - Answer to "ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children of the state while in care through licensing and regulatory activities. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive, and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff." Regulation - Answer is a law, rule, ordinance, or other order prescribed by authority, especially to regulate conduct. Rules and regulations exist to protect the health and safety of children in out-of-home care. Florida Law - Answer means a bill passed by the Florida Legislature, which includes the House and Senate, and signed by the governor of Florida. Florida Statutes - Answer a permanent collection of state laws organized by subject area into a code made up of titles, chapters, parts, and sections. The Florida l Statutes are updated annually by laws that create, amend, transfer, or repea statutory material. Rules - Answer implement, interpret, and/or describe laws found in the Florida Statutes

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

Florida Administrative Code FAC - Answer The permanent collection of rules that describe the laws found in the Florida Statutes. (DCF Office of Child Care Regulation writes the rules)

. An ordinance - Answer is a local law enacted by a county or municipality and only applies within the jurisdiction of the particular county or city. DCF's Office of Child Care Regulation - Answer the licensing authority and currently regulates licensed child care facilities, licensed family day care homes, licensed large family child care homes, and licensed mildly ill facilities in most counties in Florida. In addition, they administer the registration of family day care homes not required to be licensed. They also provide consultation services, technical assistance, and training for child care programs and personnel. Key Point: The rules and regulations - Answer protect the health and safety of children in out-of-home care. Child Care Facility and School-Age Child Care Handbooks - Answer outline a list of definitions used in the rules and regulations. If a child care program in Florida - Answer meets the statutory definition of "child care," it is subject to regulation by the Department or local licensing agencies, unless specifically excluded or exempted from regulation by statute or by rule. Prolonged child care - Answer allows care to be provided for 24 hours or longer for a child whose parent or guardian works a shift of 24 hours or more, such as a firefighter The main types of child care programs in Florida are: - Answer -Child Care Facilities -Specialized Child Care Mildly Ill Facilities -Family Day Care Homes and -Large Family Child Care Homes Key Point: Child care supplements parental care - Answer for a period of less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis. Before-school and after-school sites are programs, regardless of location - Answer providing care for children who are at least five years old, and who are enrolled in and attend kindergarten or above. These programs provide care only before and after school, on teacher planning days, holidays, and breaks that occur during the school district's official academic calendar year.

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

staff-to-child ratios within the building, on the same floor; and they must be available to respond, if needed. If a program only provides evening child care, they are not required to provide outdoor space. The program director is not required to have a Director Credential, nor do staff need to have staff credentials. Key Point: Child care programs must provide - Answer access to families and licensing authority during operational hours. There are programs that are not included in the definition, and therefore, are exempt from licensure - Answer Public and Non-Public Schools—School Day Programs for Children Grades Six and Above School-Age Programs on School Sites That Meet Certain Criteria Instructional/Tutorial Programs Open Access Programs National Membership Organizations That Meet Certain Criteria Summer Day and 24-Hour Camps Vacation Bible Schools Transient Establishments (hotels, resorts, and similar establishments) Non-Custodial In Home Care and Religious Exemption Pursuant to s. 402.316, F.S. Key Point: Some programs for children are considered exempt from licensure - Answer by the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code. Key Point: In general, after-school programs at a public or non-public school site - Answer do not require licensure if they meet certain criteria. Key Point: Instructional and tutorial programs - Answer cannot be designated as Gold Seal and cannot contract to deliver a School Readiness program. Some examples of these programs include, but are not limited to: Tutoring Computer class Ballet class Karate class and Baseball instruction or other sport Key Point: Open access programs - Answer operate for less than four hours per day and do not provide any type of supervision, with children freely entering and leaving at any time without permission, prior arrangements, or supervision. Key Point: Nonprofit membership organizations that are associated with national organizations - Answer must submit an annual attestation to the Department and

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

comply with background screening requirements Key Point: Summer camps are not required to be licensed - Answer while not inspected or regulated by the Department, are required to have all personnel screened through the Background Screening Clearinghouse with a Level 2 background screening and a signed Child Care Attestation of Good Moral Character (on file at the program) prior to caring for children. This includes owners, operators, employees, and volunteers who provide care for children. Bible schools or Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) - Answer Bible schools or Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) that are conducted during vacation periods are exempt from licensure. Transient programs provide child care services solely for the guests of their establishment or resort - Answer All child care personnel must be screened according to the Level 2 screening requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. Employees of the establishment cannot use this child care arrangement for their own children because it is intended only for use by temporary guests

Babysitting services - Answer recreational facilities Non-custodial in-home care - Answer care provided by a nanny, au pair, babysitter, or relative caregiver for children of the same family, in the children's own home. Key Point: A faith-based child care program - Answer that is an integral part of a church or parochial school may qualify for religious exemption from licensure. To qualify for religious exemption, faith-based child care programs must - Answer be accredited by or members of organizations that have adopted and published accrediting standards for health, safety, and sanitation and require their child care programs to comply with these and local standards. Additionally, child care programs must be required to meet the requirements in ss. 402.305 and 402.3055, F.S., relating to background screening. Gold Seal Quality Care program - Answer child care facilities, large family child care homes, and family day care homes that have been accredited by an approved accrediting association.

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

three times per year and are conducted additionally to re-inspect noncompliance with the standards or if a complaint is received Child Care Application for Enrollment form - Answer enrollment form must be kept on file, current, and accessible for review by the licensing authority as long as the child is enrolled in the child care program. The enrollment form shall include the name, address, and phone number for each authorized person that the child may be released to in case of emergency or instead of the parent or guardian. Enrollment information shall include the parent or guardian consent for child care personnel to have access to the child's records. When a child is enrolled in the child care program, the following statements must be signed by the parent or guardian to acknowledge they received the information: Answer The Department's Know Your Child Care Facility brochure Written disciplinary and expulsion policies Influenza information annually during the months of August and September and Food and nutrition policies that include language on food safety and food allergens (not required for school-age child care programs) The Know Your Child Care Facility brochure - Answer provides information about child care regulation, the Central Abuse Hotline, and the program's license expiration date. influenza (the flu) - Answer Each August and September, child care programs must provide families detailed information about influenza (the flu) so they understand the causes, symptoms, transmission information, and the importance of immunization. The Department created a brochure to share with families, which includes a section for the family to sign to verify they have received the information. Key Point: Enrollment records - Answer must be on file and contain critical information about the child to protect their safety. According to the law, the staff-to-child ratios are as follows: - Answer 1 caregiver for every 4 infants (birth to one year) 1 caregiver for every 6 one-year-olds 1 caregiver for every 11 two-year-olds 1 caregiver for every 15 three-year-olds 1 caregiver for every 20 four-year-olds 1 caregiver for every 25 children five years old or older For mixed age groups that include any children under one year of age, it is 1 caregiver for every 4 children For mixed age groups that include any children between one and two years of age, it is 1 caregiver for every 6 children For mixed age groups that include children two

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

years of age or older, the ratio of the age group of the majority of the children in the group must be followed birth to one year - Answer 1 caregiver for every 4 infants one-year-olds - Answer 1 caregiver for every 6 two-year-olds - Answer 1 caregiver for every 11 three-year-olds - Answer 1 caregiver for every 15 four-year-olds - Answer 1 caregiver for every 20 five years old or older - Answer 1 caregiver for every 25 children mixed age groups that include any children under one year of age (birth+) - Answer 1 caregiver for every 4 children mixed age groups that include any children between one and two years of age (1+) - Answer 1 caregiver for every 6 children mixed age groups that include children two years of age or older (2+) - Answer the ratio of the age group of the majority of the children in the group must be followed Ratios - Answer Ratios must be maintained at all times when children are in care, including naptime. On field trips, there must be one additional staff person. A volunteer may be counted as a caregiver in order to meet ratio requirements, if the volunteer has met all of the training and background screening requirements. Key Point: Maintaining staff-to-child ratios - Answer protects the safety of the children in care, while providing experiences that strengthen their development Maintain accurate attendance records... - Answer throughout the day to ensure they know which children are in their care at any given time. Knowing this information can save lives during an emergency. Daily attendance of children must be taken and recorded accurately by the child care personnel, documenting the times when each child enters and departs the program Daily attendance records must be kept as follows - Answer For a minimum of four months for child care facilities and

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

Child care programs are required to have a minimum of - Answer 45 square feet of outdoor space for each child The child care program is required to have enough outdoor space to allow half of the licensed capacity (excluding infants) to play at one time. Key Point: Outdoor square footage cannot be calculated - Answer until the indoor square footage has been determined. Key Point: Each child must have their own bedding to reduce the spread of germs - Answer If the linens are used by only one child then they must be washed at least once a week or when soiled or dirty. If more than one child uses the linens, they must be washed after each usage. Children must have their own designated sleeping area where they can sleep or quietly rest - Answer A minimum of 18 inches must be maintained around the individual napping or sleeping spaces. Two sides may be against a solid barrier such as a wall; however, a solid crib side does not meet this requiremen Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS - Answer Back to Sleep There must be a sufficient number of toilets and sinks for the number of children in care. - Answer For the first 15 children in care, the program must have one toilet and one sink. Then for every 30 children thereafter, there must be one additional toilet and sink and If only diapered infants are in care, the program must have one toilet and two sinks for every 30 infants Licensing capacity is based on the number of toilets and sinks in the child care facility - Answer If there are 64 children in the child care program, there must be at least 3 toilets and 3 sinks. 1 toilet and 1 sink (first 15 children) + 1 toilet and 1 sink (additional 30 children) + 1 toilet and 1 sink (additional 19 children) = 3 toilets and 3 sinks for 64 children Every child care facility must have at least - Answer one portable or permanent bath facility available in case a child needs to be bathed. The bath must be in good condition, and must be cleaned and sanitized or disinfected after each use. Child care programs are required to be inspected by the Fire Marshal - Answer once per year fire drills - Answer required to be conducted as part of the monthly required

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

emergency drills One fire drill using an alternative evacuation route (an alternative exit to the typical route) One fire drill during napping or sleeping times an d One fire drill in the presence and at the request of the licensing authority with coordination of the operator or designee Key Point: Fire drills are important so children and adults are prepared in case of emergency. - Answer A written record of the fire drills is required to be maintained for two years from the date of the fire drills. a current attendance record must accompany staff out of the building to account for all children in care No more than three fire drills may be substituted with emergency drills within a 12- month period. The operator must develop a written emergency preparedness plan that includes, at a minimum, procedures to: - Answer Follow during the listed emergencies: evacuation (fire), relocation, shelter-in-place (inclement weather), and lockdown Reunite families with their children on-site and off-site Notify families and provide updates about the emergency and Meet the needs of all children, including those with special needs or chronic medical conditions, during and following an emergency As part of the emergency drills required, at a minimum, the following emergency drills must be conducted once per year and may be used instead of a fire drill: - Answer One lockdown drill and One shelter-in-place (inclement weather) drill Food preparation areas must include: - Answer Ventilation Smooth, nonabsorbent food contact surfaces with no unsealed cracks or seams Maintained food equipment stored in a sanitary manner out of the reach of children Shielded lighting Nonabsorbent and easily cleaned walls, floors, and floor coverings Easily cleaned and replaceable ceilings

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

When serving food to children, it is important to follow these guidelines: - Answer Do not allow milk or food to sit out longer than 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the meal to avoid contamination and spoilage Do not serve food to children above 110F—allow food to cool before serving but do not exceed 15 minutes Refrigerate prepared bottles immediately and use them within 48 hours Key Point: - Answer Children and adults in child care programs must wash their hands throughout the day before or after certain activities. Key Point: The diaper-changing station must be equipped with all of the proper materials and child care personnel must follow proper techniques. - Answer Soiled or wet diapers must be disposed of in a plastic-lined, securely covered container that is not accessible to children, which is emptied, cleaned, and sanitized or disinfected at least daily Soiled cloth diapers must be emptied of feces in the toilet and placed in a securely covered container that is not accessible to children, which is emptied, cleaned, and sanitized or disinfected at least daily Soiled clothing must not be rinsed in the toilet or elsewhere; it should be placed in a plastic-lined, hands-free plastic bag so it can be sent home to be cleaned Key Point: - Answer Indoor equipment must be developmentally appropriate, clean, and in good repair. Key Point: - Answer All playground equipment must be developmentally appropriate; securely anchored, unless portable or stationary by design; and have an appropriate fall zone to protect the safety of children. Key Point: - Answer To reduce the spread of disease, child care personnel must observe children daily for signs of communicable diseases. There must be at least one first aid kit maintained and located on the premises of the child care program and in each vehicle used for transportation. - Answer Key Point: Child care programs must have first aid kits within the facility, while transporting children, and on any field trips away from the program. Key Point: Child care professionals must document all accidents and incidents that occur in child care programs and notify the parents on the day of the occurrence. - Answer Documentation must include the (^) t Name of the affected child Date and time of the accident or inciden Description of the accident or incident :

FACILITIES RULE AND REGULATIONS

(RNRF)UPDATED 2022

Actions taken and by whom Signature(s) of the staff/director or other adults who witnessed or participated in the accident or incident and Signature of a parent or guardian Key Point: Child care personnel must be trained on how to administer medication to protect the health and safety of children in care. - Answer The program must maintain a record of each child receiving any medication for four months for child care facilities and one year for school-age programs; the record must include the Full name of the child Name of the medication Date and time it was given Amount and dosage given and Name and signature of the person who administered the medication Key Point: Each enrolled child, except school-age children, must have documentation of immunizations or exemption from immunizations on file with the child care program. The child care program must obtain a current, complete, and properly executed Florida Certification of Immunization form Part A-1, B, or C, DH 680 for each child in care, except for school-age children. - Answer Key Point: Student health records are valid for two years after the date of the physical exam. The child care program must obtain a current, complete, and properly executed Student Health Examination form DH 3040 for each child in care, except for schoolage children What are the training requirements for a child care facility? - Answer Health, Safety, and Nutrition (8 Hours) Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (4 Hours Child Growth and Development (6 Hours) and Behavioral Observation and Screening (6 Hours) Within the first year of employment in a child care program, child care personnel must complete a Department-approved early literacy course that is 5 hours or 0. Continuing Education Units (CEUs). School-age child care personnel do not have to complete this requirement. - Answer One of the Department's online literacy courses (Early Literacy for Children Age Birth through Three or Emergent Literacy for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Instructors) One of the Department's approved literacy courses or One college-level early literacy course (for credit or non-credit) if taken within the last five year : )