Laws, rules and regulations relating to child care exist in Florida to protect children from abuse, neglect, injury, and exploitation.
Apr 01, 2015
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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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