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 Codeis 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 Codeis 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?

•www.dcf.state.fl.us/childcare/laws.shtml

See the links online at the Cuda Care website

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You will work You will work in groups.in groups.

Pick up a copy Pick up a copy of the FL of the FL StatutesStatutes

Pick up a copy Pick up a copy of the FL of the FL StatutesStatutes

Find and Find and record the record the requested requested

informationinformation

Find and Find and record the record the requested requested

informationinformation

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When done—When done—turn in your team’sturn in your team’s

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FL Statute: 402.301

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

402.302(2)

Where can you find the legal definition of a child care

facility?

FL Statute: 402.302 (13)

•Employment historyfingerprints, local, state and federal criminal records

What records are checked during a screening?

FL Statute: 402.305 (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?•1

6

FL Statute: 402.305 (2)

•40 hours

How long is the introductory training for

child care providers?

FL Statute: 402.305 (2)

Rules and RegulationsHealth, safety, nutritionChild abuse and neglectChild developmentObservation

What topics are covered in the introductory training?

FL Statute:What do the initials “CDA”

mean?•Child Development Associate credential

FL Statute: 402.305 (4)What is the ratio of staff to

children up to age 1?

•4 children to 1 staff member

Determining RatiosThere must be ONE child care personnel for every: # of Children Ages

4 I nfants (Birth to 1 year)

6 1 year olds

11 2 year olds

15 3 year olds

20 4 year olds

25 5+ year olds

Ratio of Age Group of YoungestChild

Mixed Age Groups(if group includes childunder 2 years of age)

Ratio of Age Group of theMajority of Children in the Group

Mixed Age Groups(if group includes child2 years of age or older)

FL Statute: 402.305 (4)How many staff members

would you need for the following group of 8 children?

•2 staff members

2 children age 16 children age 2

FL Statute: 402.305 (4)How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13

children?

•1 staff member

6 children age 27 children age 3

FL Statute: 402.305 (4)How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13

children?

•2 staff member

7 children age 26 children age 3

FL Statute: 402.305 (6)

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)

How much outside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992?

•45 square feet/child

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