CHILD CARE LICENSING STANDARDS FOR UTAH

LICENSING 1. Childcare facilities are licensed through the Utah State Department of Health. 2. You must obtain two licenses to open a childcare business for profit.   A Child Care license and a Business License. 3. Renewed once a year.

INSPECTIONS 4. Three inspections will be made by Health Department City & County Fire Marshall Name 4 things they will be inspecting for: NEIGHBORS, SMOKE ALARMS, FIRE EXITS, SAFETY, CLEAN SINKS AND GARBAGE

PRESCHOOL LICENSING 5. Are there licensing requirements for running a PRESCHOOL in a home or building? Not usually, depending on money available

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS To be a director of a Day care one must have at least an Associates Degree in Child Development or related field with 4 courses in Child Development or:   CDA: Child Development Associates CCP: Certified Childcare Professional NAC: National Administrators Credential  

MINIMUM AGE FOR DIRECTOR 21 YEARS

DEFINITION OF A DAY CARE: 7. A Day care is defined as caring for 13 or more children ages 2 – 13.

DEFINITION OF FAMILY GROUP: 8. A Family Group is defined as caring for7 to 13 children.  

DEFINITION OF FAMILY CARE CENTER: 9. A Family Care center is defined as 4 to 6 children including own children.  

10. MINIMUM CAREGIVER/CHILD RATIOS FOR DAY CARE   Age of children Number of caregiver to child ratio Not to exceed in 1 room Infant – 0 to 12 months 1-4 8 Toddlers – 13 to 23 months Two Year Olds 1-7 14 Three Year Olds 1-12 24 Four Year Olds 1-15 25 Five Year Olds 1-20

Question? What is the relationship between the age groups and why? Are these ratios reasonable and acceptable to you?

MINIMUM AGE OF CARE GIVERS: 11. In order to work in a licensed childcare facility one must be 18 years old. If one is supervised by a competent caregiver they may be 16 years old.  

HOW MUCH TUITION? 12. List 8 things you must consider when setting a tuition fee: UTILITIES RENT SUPPLIES SNACKS INSURANCE LAUNDRY ADVERTISING SALARIES

MEAL & SNACK REQUIREMENTS: 12 hours 2 meals & 2 snacks 8 hours 1 meal & 2 snacks or 2 meals & 1 snack 4 hours 1 meal & 1 snack Less than 4 hours 1 snack  

HEALTH: 14. Each employee will be screened for TB. Each employee who handles food will need a Food Handlers At all times at least one employee must be present who has CPR & First Aid. 

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS: 15. Minimum requirements for square footage in Daycare are: 35 square feet per child indoors. 40 square feet per child outdoors.

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS cont’d Minimum 1000 square feet for outdoor play area. Outdoor play area must have shade, grass and a drinking fountain. Outdoor play area must have 5 foot fence.  

16. For each 15 children there must be a child size toilet and sink.   Water temperature on water heater must be 110 to 120 degrees. Why? 17. There must be a posted evacuation plan. 18. Is smoking allowed at a day care? No

THINK ABOUT THIS: If you were to open a daycare, would all these regulations be too difficult? How would you save money and expenses to increase profits? Can you think of any reason strict regulations would benefit the Day Care owner?

THINK ABOUT THIS: As you become a voting citizen, will you vote for people who support stricter regulations for day cares? As you get involved politically, will you work to improve conditions in Day Cares?