Chapter 3 Licensing and Certification

The director's responsibility of licensing and credentialing?

1. Implementing the licensing procedures. 2.Ensuring that the program meets the minimum requirements. 3.Promoting professionalism through credentialing and accreditation.

Licensing Regulations entail?

1.Building safety 2.Physical space 3.Teacher-to-child ratios 4.Staff qualifications 5.Transportation

Licensing's positive outcomes for children?

1.Child-to-staff ratios. 2.Maximum group size. 3.Staff qualifications and ongoing training.

Licensing Specialists do what?

1.Improve services for children and families 2.Primary responsibility, ascertain whether a program is in compliance with licensing regulation 3.Other responsibilities, provide resources for directors seeking training for staff . 4.Help directors find the best and least expensive way to meet state regulations.

Building Safety regulations include?

1.Minimum fire, sanitation, and building safety standards. 2.Fire regulations: -Type of building construction -Ease of evacuation from building in case of fire -Alarm systems/smoke detectors/sprinkler systems -Availability of fire extinguishers -Building codes (wiring, plumbing) 3.Health regulations: -Bathroom requirements -Food service operation requirements

Child-to-Staff Ratio regulations?

1.Minimum number of teachers required for a group of children. -Infants: 4:1 -Toddlers: 6:1 and 8:1 in 9 states each -Four-Year-Olds: 10:1 in 17 states -Five-Year-Olds: 15:1 in 15 states 2.Most states require that two responsible adults be on the premises at all times.

Transportation regulations?

1.Most states regulate transporting children. -Vehicle must meet state motor vehicle department standards for school bus service -Number of children transported -Type of vehicle -Types of lights on vehicle -Proper identification on the vehicle -Use of car seats and belts -Appropriate licensing and insurance coverage for vehicle and driver

CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential requirements?

1.Must Be 18 years of age or older. 2.Hold a high school diploma or GED. 3.Have 480 hours of experience working with children. 4.Have 120 clock hours of formal education.

The Licensing Process Steps?

1.Request copy of licensing requirements from appropriate regulatory agency. 2.Ensure that zoning authorities have approved land use. 3.Obtain contact information from licensing for: -fire inspector -sanitation inspector -building inspector -public health office 4.Arrange for conference on-site visits from all necessary representatives. 5.When all inspections have been completed and inspectors have provided evidence of approval, complete the license application and send it with required fee to appropriate licensing agent. 6.On receipt of license, post it in a conspicuous place in child care center. 7.Check expiration date and establish procedure to ensure that renewal process will be set in motion in plenty of time.

Licensing?

1.Required, but coverage varies from state to state. 2.Trust is accountability for the health and safety of children. 3.Gives permission to operate rather than an indication of quality.

CDA (Child Development Associate) must demonstrate 13 competencies, what are they?

1.Safety 2.Health 3.Learning Environment 4.Physical 5.Cognitive 6.Program Management 7.Creative 8.Self 9.Social 10.Guidance 11.Families 12.Professionalism 13.Communication

Physical Space regulations include?

1.Specifies the amount of space necessary. -35 square feet of indoor space per preschool child -60-75 square feet of outdoor space per preschool child -Infants/toddlers require feeding tables and -diaper changing stations -Levels and sources of light -Levels and sources of air -Number of toilets

Staff Qualifications regulations?

1.Teachers' training in child development is a key factor in creating a quality program. 2.Most state regulations require minimal staff requirements but some do require specific training in early childhood education or a CDA. 3.NAEYC is a professional organization committed to better trained and educated teachers.

NAEYC and NACCP have?

Accreditation programs.

Credentialing means?

An individual has demonstrated the capabilities necessary for successful participation in that profession. -State Teacher Licensure -National Board Certification -Director Credentialing -Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Licensing implies?

Meeting minimal standards.

Accreditation implies?

Performing at a higher level and are meeting additional standards beyond the licensing standards.

Purpose of Licensing?

Protect children's health and safety and to ensure that the program is educationally sound.

Maximum Group Sizes regulations?

Smaller group sizes and larger numbers of staff to children are related to positive outcomes to children. Recommended: -Infant 6 max group size 3:1 ratio -Toddler 8 max group size 4:1 ratio -3 years 14 max group size 7:1 ratio -5 years 16 max group size 8:1 ratio