Laws, rules and regulations relating to child care exist in Florida to protect children from abuse, neglect, injury, and exploitation.
Florida State Statutes are made up by the individual laws which pass the Legislature.
Florida State Statutes Each year, new statutes appear for the first time, some are rewritten or amended, and some stay the same.
Florida State Statutes Statutes are written and proposed by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. They are signed into law by the governor.
Florida Administrative Code is made up of the rules that are created by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Florida Administrative Code Rules and regulations are based on the Florida Statutes.
Florida Administrative Code is enforced by the Florida Department of Children and Families and many other state and local agencies.
Agencies that work to benefit children Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) Local Health Department Local Fire Department
How to find out about Laws, Rules and Regulations? See the links online at the Cuda Care website www.dcf.state.fl.us/childcare/laws.shtml
You will work in groups.
Pick up a copy of the FL Statutes
Find and record the requested information
When done— turn in your team’s card to me
What is the legislative intent? FL Statute: 402.301 What is the legislative intent? to protect the health, safety and well-being of the children and to promote their emotional and intellectual development.
Where can you find the legal definition of a child care facility? FL Statute Where can you find the legal definition of a child care facility? 402.302(2)
What records are checked during a screening? FL Statute: 402.302 (13) What records are checked during a screening? Employment history fingerprints, local, state and federal criminal records
FL Statute: 402.305 (2) How old do you have to be to operate a child care facility? 21 How old do you have to be to work in a child care facility? 16
How long is the introductory training for child care providers? FL Statute: 402.305 (2) How long is the introductory training for child care providers? 40 hours
FL Statute: 402.305 (2) What topics are covered in the introductory training? Rules and Regulations Health, safety, nutrition Child abuse and neglect Child development Observation
What do the initials “CDA” mean? FL Statute: What do the initials “CDA” mean? Child Development Associate credential
What is the ratio of staff to children up to age 1? FL Statute: 402.305 (4) What is the ratio of staff to children up to age 1? 4 children to 1 staff member
Determining Ratios There must be ONE child care personnel for every:
2 children age 1 6 children age 2 FL Statute: 402.305 (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 8 children? 2 children age 1 6 children age 2 2 staff members
6 children age 2 7 children age 3 FL Statute: 402.305 (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children? 6 children age 2 7 children age 3 1 staff member
7 children age 2 6 children age 3 FL Statute: 402.305 (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children? 7 children age 2 6 children age 3 2 staff member
FL Statute: 402.305 (6) 35 square feet/child How much inside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992? 35 square feet/child
FL Statute: 402.305 (6) 45 square feet/child How much outside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992? 45 square feet/child
What does the law say about discipline in a childcare setting? FL Statute: 402.305 (12) What does the law say about discipline in a childcare setting? Must be age-appropriate and constructive Parents notified in writing of policy