CHILD CARE LICENSING STANDARDS FOR UTAH

1. DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS Minimum age for a director is 21 years of age. To be a director of a Day care one must have at least an Associates Degree in Child Development or related field with at least 4 courses in the Child Development area and work experience or a license: 120 hours in class and 480 hours work experience Compile the CDA Portfolio, have an observation, test 3. CDA: Child Development Associates CCP: Certified Childcare Professional NAC: National Administrators Credential

3. MINIMUM AGE OF TEACHERS In order to work in a licensed childcare facility one must be 18 years old. If one is supervised by a competent caregiver they may be 16 years old.

Quality Child Care Program Characteristics Low adult-child ratio (not too many children for each adult to care for; the younger the children, the moiré adults will be needed. Small group size. A variety of activities appropriate for the age of the child. Development encouraged in all areas of emotional, social, intellectual, language, and physical skills Adequate amounts and arrangement of space. Safety. Good nutrition. Clean environment.

LICENSING 1. Childcare facilities are licensed through the Utah State Department of Health. 2. You must obtain two licenses to open a childcare business for profit. a. A Child Care license and a Business License. 3. Renewed once a year.

INSPECTIONS 4. Three inspections will be made by a. Health Department b. City & County c. Fire Marshall Name 4 things they will be inspecting for: NEIGHBORS, SMOKE ALARMS, FIRE EXITS, SAFETY, CLEAN SINKS AND GARBAGE

PRESCHOOL LICENSING 5. Are there licensing requirements for running a PRESCHOOL in a home or building? Not usually, depending on money available

Lesson Plans and menus should be posted for parents and caregivers to review. Water temperature on water heater must be 110 to 120 degrees. Why?

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS: Minimum requirements for square footage in Daycare are: a. 35 square feet per child indoors. b. 40 square feet per child outdoors.

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS cont’d Minimum 1000 square feet for outdoor play area. Outdoor play area must have shade, grass and a drinking fountain. Outdoor play area must have 5 foot fence. CROSS OFF NEXT 4 QUESTIONS: STATE GUIDELINES, WEATHER PERMITS, TOYS and TOYS

HEALTH: Each employee will be screened for TB. a. Each employee who handles food will need a Food Handlers b. At all times at least one employee must be present who has CPR & First Aid.

For each 15 children there must be a child size toilet and sink. Each center is to have a working public telephone There must be a posted evacuation plan. Is smoking allowed at a day care? No

Checking children in and out: Only those names on the child’s enrollment documents with authorization may visit and check in/out. Computer, paper form – never just come and go 2 child care provider rule states that Two child care providers must be in the center at all times when there are two infants or when 6 children are present. NEVER just 1 on 1.

MINIMUM CAREGIVER/CHILD RATIOS FOR DAY CARE Age of children Number of caregiver to child ratio Not to exceed in 1 room Infant – 0 to 12 months 1-48 Toddlers – 13 to 23 months Two Year Olds Three Year Olds Four Year Olds Five Year Olds1-2025

Question? What is the relationship between the age groups and why? Are these ratios reasonable and acceptable to you? CROSS OFTEN SECTION 6 QUESTIONS

HOW MUCH TUITION? 12. List 8 things you must consider when setting a tuition fee: SUPPLIES SNACKS RENT UTILITIES INSURANCE ADVERTISING LAUNDRY SALARIES

MEAL & SNACK REQUIREMENTS: 12 hours2 meals & 2 snacks 8 hours1 meal & 2 snacks or 2 meals & 1 snack 4 hours1 meal & 1 snack Less than 4 hours1 snack

THINK ABOUT THIS: If you were to open a daycare, would all these regulations be too difficult? How would you save money and expenses to increase profits? Can you think of any reason strict regulations would benefit the Day Care owner?

THINK ABOUT THIS: As you become a voting citizen, will you vote for people who support stricter regulations for day cares? As you get involved politically, will you work to improve conditions in Day Cares?