Chapter 4 Licensing and Certification

Chapter Objectives 1.Understand the purpose of licensing 2.Identify the steps in the licensing process 3.Understand various types of regulations and their specific purposes 4.Understand the difference between licensing and accreditation 5.Recognize the various levels of individual credentials available for staff in a child care and education center

Purpose of Licensing The purpose of licensing is to protect children’s health and safety and to ensure that the program is educationally sound Discussion Questions 1. What do you think is the most important regulation that should be addressed in licensing? 2. Do you think licensing regulations are a good thing for child care? Why or why not?

Licensing Required, but coverage varies from state to state Thrust is accountability for the health and safety of children Gives permission to operate rather than an indication of quality

Licensing Regulations Building safety Physical space Teacher-to-child ratios Staff qualifications Transportation

Building Safety Regulations includes minimum fire, sanitation, and building safety standards 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)

Building Safety Health regulations –Bathroom requirements –Food service operation requirements

Physical Space 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

Licensing 3 aspects of child care have been shown to relate to positive outcomes for children: 1.Child-to-staff ratios 2.Maximum group size 3.Staff qualifications and ongoing training

Child-to-Staff Ratio Regulates the 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 Most states require that two responsible adults be on the premises at all times

Maximum Group Sizes Smaller group sizes and larger numbers of staff to children are related to positive outcomes to children. Child Age Maximum Group Size Ratio of Children to Teacher Infant63:1 Toddler84:1 3 Years147:1 5 Years168:1 Recommended :

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

Discussion Questions The American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education has called for all preschool teachers to have bachelor’s degrees. 1.Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?

Transportation 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

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

The Licensing Process Steps 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 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 Specialists Their goal is to improve services for children and families Primary responsibility –Ascertain whether a program is in compliance with licensing regulation Other responsibilities –Provide resources for directors seeking training for staff –Help directors find the best and least expensive way to meet state regulations

Discussion Questions 1.Why do you think regulations are or are not necessary? 2.What are some licensing requirements that may be difficult to implement in a center?

Accreditation & Licensing Licensing implies meeting minimal standards Accreditation implies performing at a higher level and are meeting additional standards beyond the licensing standards NAEYC and NACCP have accreditation programs

Credentialing Credentialing means that 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)

CDA Credential To be eligible for CDA, candidates must –Be 18 years of age or older –Hold a high school diploma or GED –Have 480 hours of experience working with children –Have 120 clock hours of formal education

CDA Credential Safety Health Learning Environment Physical Cognitive Program Management Creative Self Social Guidance Families Professionalism Communication Candidate Must Demonstrate 12 Competencies

Chapter Summary The director is responsible for –Initiating and implementing the licensing procedures –Ensuring that the program meets the minimum requirements –Promoting professionalism through credentialing and accreditation