A Basic Approach to Professionalism

1. Chapter 3 • Licensing Regulations A Basic Approach to Professionalism Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC

2. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter Topics This course focuses on licensing standards, professionalism, family involvement, and communicating with parents. The final activity allows participants to reflect back over the training and identify what they have learned.

3. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Licensed Capacity Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Licensed capacity is the number of children which is permitted to be present in the child care facility at one time. Maximum allowable capacity of a child care center is determined based on usable square footage and available toilets and sinks. The licensed capacity is based on DEL's evaluation of the program, the ages and characteristics of the children, the experience of the staff, and usable floor space.

4. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Licensed Capacity Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations You must have thirty-five square feet of usable floor space for each child that is dedicated to the children during child care hours. For infants, you must have fifty square feet of dedicated usable floor space for each child. Restrooms, food preparation areas, laundry areas, and storage areas are not included in the usable square footage. The areas included in your square footage must be available at all times for the children.

5. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Licensed Capacity Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations You can use a multipurpose room or gymnasium for multiple purposes such as playing, dining, napping, and learning activities, and before and after school programs when the room: 1. Meets the square footage requirements for the purpose and number of children to be served. 2. Is being used for one purpose and does not interfere with usage of the room for another purpose. 3. You may use and consider the napping area as child care space if staff remove mats and cots when they are not in use and the children then have free access to the area. DEL will not issue a license to a center to care for more children than the rules permit. DEL may issue a license for fewer.

6. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center You must ensure the required staff-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care. In centers licensed for thirteen or more children, the licensee must conduct group activities within the group size and staff-to-child ratio requirements, according to the age of the children.

7. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center 1 to 11 months (infants) The staff-to-child ratio: 1 staff to 4 children No more than 8 infants in one classroom Maximum group size is:

8. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center 12 to 29 months (toddlers) The staff-to-child ratio: 1 staff to 7 children No more than 14 toddlers in one classroom Maximum group size is:

9. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center 30 months to 5 years (preschool) The staff-to-child ratio: 1 staff to 10 children No more than 20 preschoolers in one classroom Maximum group size is:

10. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center 5 years and older (school-age) The staff-to-child ratio: 1 staff to 15 children No more than 30 school-age children in one classroom Maximum group size is:

11. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center You must maintain required staff-to-child ratios indoors, outdoors, on field trips, and during rest periods. • During rest periods, staff may be involved in other activities if: • Staff remain on the premises • Each child is within continuous visual and auditory range of a staff person

12. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in Mixed-Age Child Care Center During rest periods, staff must: • Attend to the group of children at all times • Keep each child (including school age children) within continuous visual and auditory range of center staff • Toilet trained children using the toilet must be within auditory range of a center staff member

13. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in School-Age Programs School-age child care programs provide child care to children 5 years to 12 years of age. The staff-to-child ratio: 1 staff to 15 children No more than 30 school-age children in one classroom Maximum group size is:

14. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Back-Up Staff When Only One Person is on-Site When only one staff person is present, there must be a second staff person readily available in case of an emergency. The safest practice is for that second person to be on the premises, within easy calling distance. If not, a system for rapid emergency response must be in place and part of the Health Care Plan. The designated back-up person should be at a known location and close enough to respond to a phone call in five minutes or less.

15. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider Age Range: 0 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: 2 Group Size: 6 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

16. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider with 1 Year Experience Age Range: 2 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: Zero Group Size: 8 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

17. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider with 1 Year Experience Age Range: 5 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: Zero Group Size: 10 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

18. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider with 1 Year Experience & Assistant Age Range: 0 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: 4 Group Size: 9 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

19. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider with 2 Years Experience & 1 ECE Class Age Range: 3 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: Zero Group Size: 10 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

20. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Staff to Child Ratios Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Staff to Child Ratios in a Family Child Care Provider with 2 Years Experience & 1 ECE Class & Assistant Age Range: 0 to 11 Years Total Under Age 2: 4 Group Size: 12 You must ensure the required provider-to-child ratios are met at all times when children are in your care.

21. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations What is Family Child Care? The most common type of child care in the United States provided other than by a relative or parent is called family child care. In this type of program, child care is provided in a private home. Washington State requires that a family child care home is licensed by the Department of Early Learning just as a Child Care Center. The basics of providing developmentally appropriate care, adequate supervision, liability, and nutrition are much the same as a center. However, family child care providers have a different set of regulations (WAC's) which they must follow.

22. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations What is Family Child Care? Programs provided in family child care settings reflect state rules and the skills of the caregivers. Some homes mainly provide custodial care. This type of care focuses primarily on meeting the child's physical needs. The emphasis is on a safe and healthy environment. Meals are usually provided.

23. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations What is Family Child Care? In a home where the caregiver has received early childhood training, a developmental curriculum may be planned. This involves planning and equipping the environment to complement the children's developmental needs and interests. For instance, a curriculum for two-year-old children would focus on language and large motor development and social and emotional growth. Ample space would be needed for these children to move around. Developmentally appropriate puzzles, storybooks, push and pull toys, large blocks, housekeeping equipment, and other toys would also be provided.

24. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter 3 Licensing Regulations Click here to launch Chapter 3 Assessment 2