Florida Department of Children & Families
Child Care Regulation
What's New
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) New Crib Standards
In December 2010, CPSC published new safety standards for full-size and non-full-size
baby cribs. These new standards, which aim to prevent fatalities and to keep children
safer in their cribs, took effect for manufacturers, retailers, importers, and distributors
on June 28, 2011.
Beginning December 28, 2012, any crib provided by child care facilities (including Early
Head Start programs) and family child care homes must meet these new Federal safety standards:
- Traditional drop-side cribs cannot be made or sold; immobilizers and repair kits are not allowed;
- Wood slats must be made of stronger woods to prevent breakage;
- Crib hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off;
- Mattress supports must be more durable; and
- Safety testing must become more rigorous.
Compliance with these new standards cannot be determined by looking at the product. If a crib was purchased before June 28, 2011, CPSC recommends verifying the crib meets the standards by asking for proof, such as asking the manufacturer, retailer, importer, or distributor to show a Certificate of Compliance. The document must:
- Describe the product;
- Give the name, full mailing address, and telephone number of the importer or domestic manufacturer;
- Identify the rule with which it complies ( 16 CFR 1219 or 1220 );
- Give the name, full mailing address, email address, and telephone number for the records keeper and location of the testing lab; and
- Give the date and location of manufacture and testing.
When purchasing new cribs that meet the standards, it is important to ask the manufacturer or retailer whether the crib complies with 16 CFR 1219 (the new standard for full-size cribs) or 16 CFR 1220 (the new standard for non-full-size cribs). Manufacturers are required to test samples of their cribs to the new standards and to certify that they comply with the new standards. They must provide this certification to the retailer.
Early Head Start programs cannot resell, donate, or give away a crib that does not meet the new crib standards. Older non-compliant cribs must be disposed in a manner that prevents these cribs from being reassembled and used.
Further information on crib safety and the most up-to-date information on how to create a safe sleep environment can be found at the CPSC website. View the flyer describing the key features of this rule.
-- Posted 04.24.2012
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Celebrate Summer Learning Day - Thursday, June 21, 2012!
June 21 is Summer Learning Day - a national advocacy day offering an opportunity
to showcase your community's summer learning program, as well as spread the word about
the importance of summer learning. Host an event during the week of June 21 or anytime
during the summer!
During this national showcase, your summer program will want to highlight how you work to:
- Maintain and advance participants' academic and developmental growth
- Support working families
- Keep children safe and healthy
- Send young people back to school ready to learn
Are you having a Summer Learning Day event? Visit www.summerlearningdaymap.org and put it on the National Summer Learning Association's event map to spread the word! Make sure your event is listed by June 21. Programs can also plan to join in on Thursday, May 10, 2012 1-2:30 PM EDT for the FREE Celebrate Summer Learning with National Summer Learning Day Tools and Resources Webinar to get new event ideas, talking points, and resources.
-- Posted 04.19.2012
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The Importance of Summer Learning
Please take the time to watch this short video clip that highlights the importance of summer learning and how critical it is for the development of children who are able to participate.
-- Posted 04.17.2012
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2012 Safe Kids Worldwide Hyperthermia Campaign
Safe Kids Worldwide and Safe Kids Palm Beach County invite you to the National Launch of the 2012 Hyperthermia Campaign on April 17, 2012 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in Boca Raton, FL. This campaign raises critical awareness about the dangers of heat stroke to unattended children in vehicles. If you would like to join them to learn what you can do to prevent these tragic and unnecessary accidents, please register here.
-- Posted 04.09.2012
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New Developments for NRC Kids
Two exciting new things from the National Resource Center (NRC) for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education:
The NRC spinoff publication, "Safe Sleep Practices and SIDS/Suffocation Risk Reduction" is available for free on their web site. They have culled Caring for Our Children, 3rd Edition for all of the standards that impact safe sleep, and gathered them in one place for your convenience.
Among the important issues addressed are:
- Safe Sleep Practices
- Safe Sleep Environment
- Education on Safe Sleep and Reducing the Risk of SIDS
- Safe Sleep Policies and Information
This resource is available to you in HTML and PDF format at the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education web site.
-- Posted 03.05.2012
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Selecting Summer Care Checklist
When it's time to select summer care for School-Age children, there are many factors to consider. Use the Selecting Summer Care Checklist of questions as a guide for ensuring that you and your child have a safe and productive summer! Take time to learn about each summer care program you are considering. Many options exist, including school-based programs, parks & recreation, churches, youth service agencies, family child care homes, specialty camps, child care centers, etc. Make sure your decision is a QUALITY decision for you and your child.
-- Posted 02.28.2012
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Important Background Screening Notice
Beginning April 1, 2012; all fingerprints must be completed using LiveScan. FDLE will cease accepting or processing hard copy applicant fingerprint cards due to a change in FBI policy.
-- Posted 02.24.2012
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Child Care Services Survey Results
The 2011 Child Care Client Satisfaction Survey has been completed and shows improvement in all areas. The purpose of the survey is to gather information regarding the performance of the Child Care Program (including the Regional Licensing Units) with respect to the Department's licensure, registration, inspection, and technical assistance processes. Click here to view the full report.
-- Posted 02.16.2012
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FFCCHA 2012 Conference
The Florida Family Child Care Home Association will be holding it's 20th Annual Conference June 22-24th in Clearwater Beach. Please click here for more FFCCHA conference information.
-- Posted 02.13.2012
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View Archived What's New Articles - 2012
View Archived What's New Articles - 2011