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 Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) Local Health Department Local Fire Department Department of Children and Families (DCF)

How to find out about Laws, Rules and Regulations? dcare/about.shtml See the link online at the Cuda Care website

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

FL Statute: to protect the health, safety and well-being of the children and to promote their emotional and intellectual development. What is the legislative intent?

FL Statute (2) Where can you find the legal definition of a child care facility?

FL Statute: (13) Employment history fingerprints, local, state and federal criminal records What records are checked during a screening?

FL Statute: (2) 21 How old do you have to be to operate a child care facility? How old do you have to be to work in a child care facility? 16

FL Statute: (2) 40 hours How long is the introductory training for child care providers?

FL Statute: (2) Rules and Regulations Health, safety, nutrition Child abuse and neglect Child development Observation What topics are covered in the introductory training?

FL Statute: What do the initials “CDA” mean? Child Development Associate credential

FL Statute: (6) How much inside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992? 35 square feet/child

FL Statute: (6) How much outside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992? 45 square feet/child

FL Statute: (12) What does the law say about discipline in a childcare setting? Must be age-appropriate and constructive Parents notified in writing of policy

Determining Ratios There must be ONE child care personnel for every:

FL Statute: (4) What is the ratio of staff to children up to age 1? 4 children to 1 staff member

FL Statute: (4) What is the first question to ask if there is a mixed age classroom? What is the age of the youngest child?

FL Statute: (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 8 children? 2 staff members 2 children age 1 6 children age 2

FL Statute: (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children? 1 staff member 6 children age 2 7 children age 3

FL Statute: (4) How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children? 2 staff member 7 children age 2 6 children age 3