Child Care Regulations in Florida

Questions and Answers

What is a regulation?

A law, rule, ordinance, or other order prescribed by authority, especially to regulate conduct.

What does child care involve?

The care, protection, and supervision of a child for a period of less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis.

What are the main types of child care programs in Florida?

Child care facilities

Family day care homes

Large family child care homes

All of the above (correct)

School-aged child care programs must be licensed prior to operation.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Drop-in Child Care?

Child care occasionally in a facility where the child is in care for no more than a 4-hour period Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Evening Child Care?

Child care provided during the evening hours, typically from 6 pm to 7 am. Signup and view all the answers

What does access mean in the context of a child care program?

The program must allow parents, guardians, and the licensing authority access to the program during operational hours. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programs are exempt from licensure?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements for religious exemption?

Programs must primarily teach religious beliefs and comply with health, safety, and sanitation standards. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term sanitize mean?

The process of destroying or reducing organisms to a safe level. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Child Care Personnel?

Includes all owners, operators, employees, and volunteers working in a child care facility Signup and view all the answers

What is the gold seal quality care program?

A program that recognizes child care programs that have earned accreditation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Regulation

Regulations are laws or rules established by authority to govern conduct.

Child Care

Defined as the care, protection, and supervision of a child for less than 24 hours per day regularly.

Types of Child Care Programs in Florida

Programs can be licensed, registered, or exempt from licensure.
Main types include:
- Child care facilities
- Specialized child care for mildly ill children
- Family day care homes
- Large family child care homes

School-Aged Child Care Programs

Must be licensed before operation and maintain licensing unless exempt.

Child Care for Mildly Ill Children

Staffed with early childhood professionals and nurses.
Provides a relaxed atmosphere with more opportunities for rest.

Drop-in Child Care

Offered occasionally in facilities located in shopping malls or businesses.
Limited to a maximum of 4 hours with parents on the premises.

Evening Child Care

Available from 6 PM to 7 AM for parents with late-night work schedules.

Access to Child Care Programs

Parents, guardians, and licensing authority must have access during operational hours.

Programs Exempt from Licensure

Include public and non-public schools, school-age programs on school sites, instructional/tutorial programs, and others such as summer camps and religious programs.

Religious Exemption

Faith-based child care programs require accreditation from organizations with health and safety standards.

Requirements for Religious Exemption

Activities focused on teaching religious beliefs.
Classes must be scheduled regularly and not exceed 2 hours.
Programs must comply with health and safety standards and have pre-approved curriculums.

Owner

Refers to the individual licensed to operate a child care facility.

Sanitize

The process of eliminating or reducing organisms to a safe level.

Weekend Child Care

Care provided from Friday 6 PM to Monday 6 AM.

Classroom/Designated Space

A defined area for care and learning, free from outside distractions.

Stable Walls or Barriers

Sturdy constructions that establish the boundaries of a classroom.

Child Care Personnel

Encompasses all individuals working in a child care facility, including owners, operators, employees, and volunteers.

Department

Refers to the Department of Children and Families overseeing child care regulations.

Direct Supervision

Involves actively monitoring children in the same space and addressing their needs.

Foster Grandparents

Volunteers who work with children with special needs, supervised under a federal program.

Gold Seal Quality Care Program

Recognizes child care programs that achieve accreditation.

Gold Seal Accreditation Requirements

Must meet accreditation standards without serious violations within the past two years, including:
- No Class I violations.
- No three or more Class II violations of the same standard.
- No repeated Class III violations without correction.

Description

This quiz covers the various regulations and types of child care programs available in Florida, including licensed, registered, and exempt options. Learn about specialized care for children and the requirements for operating school-aged child care programs.