CHILD CARE CENTERLICENSING STANDARDS

For the State of UTAH

What does a quality child care center look like?• 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 4 developmental areas

• Emotional• Social• Cognitive, • Physical

– Adequate amounts and arrangement of space.– Safety.– Good nutrition.– Clean environment.

How do you find a qualified caregiver?

• Caregiver Characteristics– Trained in child development, experience with children.– Low turnover rate (the caregiver won’t quit when your child is

bonded to them).– Patient, accepting.– Good health.– Respect for and love of children.– Has a child’s perspective.– Sense of humor, emotionally warm.– Responsive, flexible.

Obtaining a License

• Childcare facilities are licensed through the Utah State Department of Health.

• You must obtain two licenses to open a childcare business for profit.

• Child Care license • Business license

• License must be renewed yearly.

INSPECTIONS

Three inspections will be made by:

a. Health Department

b. City & County Official

c. Fire Marshall

Inspecting for: Neighbors, Smoke alarms, Safety, Fire exits, Cleanliness

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Associates Degree in Child Development or related field with 4 courses in Child Development or….. 

CDA: Child Development Associates

CCP: Certified Childcare Professional

NAC: National Administrators Credential 

Minimum age for a Director: 21 years old

Personnel Requirements/Records:

Each employee will be screened for TB.

Each employee who handles food will need a Food Handlers.

At all times at least one employee must be present who has CPR & First Aid. 

Training documentation

AGE OF CARE GIVERS:

In order to work as a teacher in a licensed childcare facility one must be 18 years old.

A teaching assistant may be 16 years old if he/she is supervised by a competent caregiver.

 

DEFINITIONS OF DAY CARE:

A Day care is defined as caring for 13 or more children ages 2 – 13.

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 1-4 8

Toddlers – 13 to 23 months 1-4 8

Two Year Olds 1-7 14

Three Year Olds 1-12 24

Four Year Olds 1-15 30

Five Year Olds 1-20 40

MEAL & SNACK REQUIREMENTS:

12 hours 2 meals & 2 snacks

8 hours 1 meal & 2 snacks or 2 meals & 1 snack

4 hours 1 meal & 1 snack

Less than 4 hours 1 snack

 

Adjusted according to the time a child spends in the facility…..

FACILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum requirements for square footage in Daycare are:

35 square feet per child indoors.

40 square feet per child outdoors.

1000 square feet minimum for outdoor play area.Outdoor play area must have shade, grass and a drinking fountain.Outdoor play area must have 5 foot fence.

 

Grounds and building should be free from hazards and in good repair to prevent injury.

For each 15 children there must be a child size toilet and sink.

School age children should have a private toilet facilities.

Water temperature on water heater must be 110 to 120 degrees. Why?

 There must be a posted evacuation plan.

Emergency numbers must be posted and a first aide kit readily available.

 

Child Records & Requirements

• Contact information for emergencies• Record of medical conditions and medications• Immunization documentation• Parental permission for release/liability• Personal sleeping equipment assigned• Daily outdoor experience (weather permits)• Opportunity for rest/nap during day• Snack/Food at 3 hours or more• Sanitation of equipment at regular intervals• All personal records shall remain confidential.