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

2. Florida State Statutes
are made up by the individual laws which pass the Legislature.

3. Florida State Statutes
Each year, new statutes appear for the first time, some are rewritten or amended, and some stay the same.

4. Florida State Statutes
Statutes are written and proposed by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. They are signed into law by the governor.

5. Florida Administrative Code
is made up of the rules that are created by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

6. Florida Administrative Code
Rules and regulations are based on the Florida Statutes.

7. Florida Administrative Code
is enforced by the Florida Department of Children and Families and many other state and local
agencies.

8. Agencies that work to benefit children
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Early Learning Coalition
Local Health Department
Local Fire Department

9. How to find out about Laws, Rules and Regulations?
See the link online at the Cuda Care website

10. You will work in groups.

11. Pick up a copy of the FL Statutes

12. Find and record the requested information

13. What is the legislative intent?
FL Statute:
What is the legislative intent?
to protect the health, safety and well-being of the children and to promote their emotional and intellectual development.

14. Where can you find the legal definition of a child care facility?
FL Statute
Where can you find the legal definition of a child care facility?
(2)

15. What records are checked during a screening?
FL Statute: (13)
What records are checked during a screening?
Employment history fingerprints, local, state and federal criminal records

16. FL Statute: (2)
How old do you have to be to operate a child care facility? 21
How old do you have to be to work in a child care facility? 16

17. How long is the introductory training for child care providers?
FL Statute: (2)
How long is the introductory training for child care providers?
40 hours

18. FL Statute: (2)
What topics are covered in the introductory training?
Rules and Regulations Health, safety, nutrition Child abuse and neglect Child development Observation

19. What do the initials “CDA” mean?
FL Statute:
What do the initials “CDA” mean?
Child Development Associate credential

20. FL Statute: 402.305 (6) 35 square feet/child
How much inside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992?
35 square feet/child

21. FL Statute: 402.305 (6) 45 square feet/child
How much outside space do you need for each child in a facility licensed after 1992?
45 square feet/child

22. What does the law say about discipline in a childcare setting?
FL Statute: (12)
What does the law say about discipline in a childcare setting?
Must be age-appropriate and constructive
Parents notified in writing of policy

23. Determining Ratios
There must be ONE child care personnel for every:

24. What is the ratio of staff to children up to age 1?
FL Statute: (4)
What is the ratio of staff to children up to age 1?
4 children to 1 staff member

25. What is the first question to ask if there is a mixed age classroom?
FL Statute: (4)
What is the first question to ask if there is a mixed age classroom?
What is the age of the youngest child?

26. 2 children age 1 6 children age 2
FL Statute: (4)
How many staff members would you need for the following group of 8 children?
2 children age 1 6 children age 2
2 staff members

27. 6 children age 2 7 children age 3
FL Statute: (4)
How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children?
6 children age 2 7 children age 3
1 staff member

28. 7 children age 2 6 children age 3
FL Statute: (4)
How many staff members would you need for the following group of 13 children?
7 children age 2 6 children age 3
2 staff member