|
Local and state licensing regulations typically cover building safety and requirements for physical space, teacher-child ratio etc.
- Building safety: Licensing regulations always include at least the minimum fire, sanitation, and building safety standards that apply to all private and public services.
Fire regulations include- type of building construction, ease of evacuation from the building in the event of fire, alarm systems, availability of fire extinguishers, methods of storing combustible materials.
Building codes cover wiring, plumbing, building construction and building material.
Health Regulations cover all areas of building bathrooms, food service operations. Usually the programmes should be housed in ground floor.
- Physical space: licensing regulations usually specify the amount of space necessary for programmes for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
Requirements of space – 35 sq ft / child indoor and 60-75 sq ft / child outdoor. Children below 2 years require more space than preschoolers.
Other areas include sources of light, levels of heat, sources of fresh air, fencing of outdoor area, low windows; number of toilets are included in regulations covering physical space.
Teacher to Child Ratios : The teacher to child ratios should be in the range of
3-8 infants – 1 adult
4-12 toddlers – 1 adult
6-20 preschoolers – 1 adult
Research strongly suggests that smaller group sizes and larger numbers of staff to children are related to positive outcomes for children such as increased interaction among adults, less aggression, more cooperation among children.
- Staff Qualification: Teacher’s training in child development and their interactions with children are key factors in creating quality programme. Research has found that staff training in child development is related to positive outcomes for children such as
- Increased social interaction with adults
- Development of pro-social behaviours
- Improved language and cognitive development.
Entrepreneur and other staff members should fulfill the qualifications required to work as staff in child care centers.
- Transportation: in centers where transportation service is provided, the service usually must meet the state motor vehicle department standards. These standards regulate number of children, type of vehicle, type of lights on vehicles, proper identification on the vehicle licensing and insurance coverage for the vehicle and the driver.
- Other standards: if the center is for infants licensing usually requires detailed plans for diapering, surface on which the baby is placed, disposal of soiled and wet diapers, storage of food, feeding babies and washing toys etc.
|
Participants