Child Care Regulation
Archived What's New Articles - 2012
Background Screening Changes in January 2013
DOH Immunization Assessment
The Department of Health's (DOH) Immunization Program (IP) field staff will be conducting the annual "Childcare Facilities and Head Start Immunization Assessment" survey throughout the state of Florida from December 2012 through March 2013. These field staff will evaluate the immunization status of randomly selected children from birth through age five years, in accordance with the current Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule, United States, 2012. The survey will be conducted to determine compliance with the licensing standards in section 402.305, Florida Statutes,and section 65C-22.006(2)(c), Florida Administrative Code. Upon completion of each facility assessment, childcare facility directors and operators will receive a list of children who are not up-to-date with immunization or who have inadequate immunization documentation. Please refer to the document, IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES for FLORIDA SCHOOLS, CHILDCARE FACILITIES AND FAMILY DAYCARE HOMES (July 2011) regarding immunization guidelines for childcare and Head Start facilities.
-- Posted 12.07.2012
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VPK Providers on Probation
Florida's Office of Early Learning will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,
November 27, 2012, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., in Tallahassee and via webex.
The public hearing will address proposed rules 6M-8.700, 6M-8.701, and
6M-8.702, F.A.C., all pertaining to VPK providers on probation.
Additional
details can be obtained from our
Proposed Rules webpage
, including agenda, webex information, comment card, and draft rule language.
We look forward to your participation in this public meeting. Remember that
you may submit your comments on these draft rules to
OEL.Questions@OEL.MyFlorida.com
indicated in the subject
line.
-- Posted 11.19.2012
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The Child Care Regulation Office
is pleased to announce that the new and improved
Child Care Training Application Training Portal (CCTA TP) is now up and running!
The Child Care Regulation Office is pleased to announce that the new and improved
Child Care Training Application Training Portal (CCTA TP) is now up and running. The
updates to CCTA TP were aimed at improving the user experience by providing more
security and independence for the users through new enhancements and features.
The new enhancements include, but are not limited to:
- New log in process utilizing email address instead of a Social Security Number or student ID
- Single access point to all functions within the CCTA Training Portal
- Increase security and privacy of training records
The Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Regulation Program Office is
committed to ensuring the wellbeing of every child that is served in the state of Florida.
View the
Child Care Regulation Training Application Update
for complete details on the new Child Care Training Application (CCTA) Training Portal
enhancements and instructions for logging in.
-- Posted 11.07.2012
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Child Abuse Training for Teachers Grades 1-12
The Department of Children and Families, Florida Abuse Hotline and Child Care Regulation developed a new Web-based course specifically aimed at teachers in grades 1-12. The one hour course is titled Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. This course satisfies the requirement specified in Florida Statute Section 1012.98(12).
-- Posted 11.02.2012
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Office of Early Learning Proposed Rules Notice
Please see below for upcoming Rulemaking Workshops for the Florida Office of Early Learning.
Rule Forms Public Hearings
RULE:
6M-8.500, F.A.C., VPK Specialized Instructional Services: Child Eligibility and Provider Reimbursement
FORMS:
OEL-VPK 01S, VPK SIS Supplemental Student Application
OEL-VPK 02S, Parts A and B, VPK SIS Certificate of Eligibility and Schedule
of Services with Instructions
OEL-VPK 20S, VPK SIS Provider Agreement
PUBLIC HEARING DATE:
October 23, 2012, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Florida's Office of Early Learning
250 Marriott Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
or you may attend via WebEx on October 23.
RULE:
6M-4.610, F.A.C., Statewide Provider Contract for the School Readiness Program
FORM: OEL-SR 20, Statewide School Readiness Provider Contract
PUBLIC HEARING DATE: October 24, 2012, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Florida's Office of Early Learning
250 Marriott Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
or you may attend via WebEx on October 24.
-- Posted 10.22.2012
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Public Hearings for Proposed Rule Changes - Rescheduled
The Department of Children and Family Services, Child Care Regulation Program
Office previously canceled three public hearings for proposed rule changes to
Chapter 65C-22, F.A.C., due to Tropical Storm Isaac. This is notification that
the public hearings have been rescheduled as follows:
Public Hearing 1: November 27, 2012 from 8:30 - 10:30 A.M.
ELC Miami-Dade/Monroe
2555 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Fifth Floor Board Room
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Public Hearing 2: November 28, 2012 from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Institute for Early Child hood Professionals
8413 Laurel Fair Circle, Suite 100
Tampa, Florida 33610
Public Hearing 3: November 30, 2012 from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Department of Children and Families
1317 Winewood Boulevard Building 4
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700
We encourage you to take this opportunity to provide your comments and
suggestions related to the proposed rule changes. Also, please feel free to
share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider
organizations in your area that have an interest/investment in this issue.
A copy of the proposed language is attached below. Please note that the
proposed language reflects revisions to the following areas:
- Food service
- Indoor square footage
- Background screening
- Fire safety/emergency preparedness
- Planned activities
- Crib safety
- In-service training
- After-school programs that do not require licensure by the Department.
If you are unable to participate in either one of the scheduled hearings,
you may email your comments/suggestions for consideration by close-of-business
December 7, 2012 to
child_care_licensing@dcf.state.fl.us.
View the Proposed Rule Changes.
-- Posted 10.17.2012
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Child Care Regulation Progress Report 2010-2012
Want to learn more about the Child Care Regulation Office? Check out our just released 2010-2012 Progress Report , we are always working to help Florida Child Care Providers wherever possible.
-- Posted 10.11.2012
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P.R.E.V.E.N.T. Obesity Campaign
We are so excited to share our next big quality initiative with you!
The DCF Child Care Regulation Office is PROUD to announce the P.R.E.V.E.N.T.
Obesity Campaign!
The Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Regulation
Program Office is committed to empowering both child care providers and
families in the fight against obesity in our children. By providing resources,
valuable education and training, DCF aims to hinder the trend of increasing
childhood obesity through prevention.
PREVENT Obesity is a new statewide initiative aimed at promoting wellness
through quality education. Please see our official announcement below and
stay tuned for more great updates from the program.
View the
PREVENT Obesity announcement.
-- Posted 10.10.2012
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New Child Abuse Law In Effect October 1st
Legislation, signed by Governor Rick Scott, requires any individual who suspects
that a child has been abused by any person to report that to the Florida Abuse
Hotline. Any allegations a child was abused or neglected by a caregiver will be
investigated by the Department of Children and Families, while allegations of
child abuse by someone other than a caregiver will be accepted at the Hotline
and immediately electronically transferred to the appropriate local law
enforcement agency where the child lives.
Penalties for those who suspect a child is being abused but fail to report it
have been increased from a misdemeanor to a felony. Financial penalties also
have increased. If you suspect or know of any child who is being harmed, call
the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. If you see a child in immediate
danger, call 911.
-- Posted 10.03.2012
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Circuit 20 Licensing Office Phone Number Change
Attention Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry and Lee County Child Care Providers the phone number for DCF Child Care Licensing office in your area has changed. The new phone number is (239) 895-0331.
-- Posted 10.03.2012
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Florida Office of Early Learning Upcoming Rule Making Activities
Florida's Office of Early Learning will hold two public hearings this month.
The hearing information (including agenda, webex information, and comment
card) and the draft rules and forms are located on our Proposed Rules web
page at: http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/EarlyLearning/OEL_Program_ProposedRulesNotices.html.
| Public Hearing - 7/20, 1:00 p.m. | |
| Draft Rules | Draft Forms |
| 6M-8.201, F.A.C., VPK Child Registration Procedures; Application | Form OEL-VPK 01 VPK Student Application |
| Form OEL-VPK 21 VPK Addendum to the Statewide Provider Agreement | |
| 6M-8.2011, F.A.C., VPK Parent Guide | Form OEL-VPK 06 VPK Parent Guide |
| 6M-4.700, F.A.C., Child Performance Standards | Form OEL-SR 30 Florida Early Learning and Development Standards: Birth to Five |
| 6M-4.710, F.A.C., Screening of Children in the SR Program | |
| 6M-4.720, F.A.C., SR Program Curricula Form OEL-SR 31 SR Curriculum Rubric | Form OEL-SR 32 SR Curriculum Reviewer Application |
| Public Hearing - 7/27, 1:00 p.m. | |
| Draft Rules | Draft Forms |
| 6M-4.610, F.A.C., Statewide Provider Contract for the SR Program | Form OEL-SR 20 Statewide SR Provider Contract |
If you would like to provide feedback on these draft rules and/or forms, please submit comments to oel.questions@oel.myflorida.com. Be sure "RULE COMMENTS" appears in the subject line.
-- Posted 07.23.2012
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Is your pool safe for children?
Please visit the web site http://www.poolsafely.gov/ for important information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission in regards to Pool and Spa Safety.
-- Posted 07.03.2012
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Florida Governor Rick Scott extends greetings and best wishes to everyone observing Summer Learning Day.
-- Posted 06.21.2012
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How do you think we can improve? We want to hear from you!
On June 14, 2012 the Child Care Regulations Program Office hosted a meeting in Tallahassee to address the department's rules and regulations in respect to child care training and credentials. Child care providers, trainers, community partners and Department employees met to assess child care rules and regulations, to brainstorm, and share how the Child Care Regulation Program Office could re-address portions of its Rules, while retaining the intent of Florida Statute.
And now we want to hear from you.
Child Care Regulations Program Office invites feedback from the public on the recommendations made and any other recommendations you have regarding child care training and credentials rules and regulations. Click here to view the list of recommendations.
Please send your feedback to James Cheatham at james_cheatham@dcf.state.fl.us. We look forward to hearing from you and will continue to add to this list and revise as other great feedback is provided.
-- Posted 06.21.2012
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Leon County CPR Event - Press the Chest 2012
Leon County Emergency Medical Services will host a community-wide "Press the Chest" CPR event at the Leon County Civic Center on Saturday, June 9.
-- Posted 06.07.2012
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Hurricane Season - June 1
Hurricane Season begins June 1st, now is the time to begin making your plans
and preparing. The National Safety Council is just one of many web sites that
stress the importance of being prepared not only for Hurricanes, but any
disaster.
Visit the National Safety Council's web site at
www.nsc.org
for information about planning ahead by creating your Emergency Preparedness plan.
Don't be caught off guard, at home or at work because routines can be disrupted
with little or no warning by natural disaster or other catastrophic events.
Also, don't forget the Department has an online course to assist child care
providers with making their plans for their child care program in the event
of a disaster. Visit our web site,
www.myflorida.com/childcare, to access the
Department's 4-hour Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness training. This
training provides child care professionals with information and best practices
about fire safety and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of the children
in their care at all times. The course includes how to plan, prepare, and
respond to a variety of emergencies and disasters including fires, floods,
extreme weather, chemical spills, and hostile encounters.
-- Posted 05.29.2012
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Summer BreakSpot - School's Out. Free Meals Are In!
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides funds to organizations sponsoring summer programs to serve nutritious meals to low-income children when school is out. The 2012 Summer BreakSpot program will begin in your area when school is out. Click here for more information: http://www.summerfoodflorida.org/
-- Posted 05.23.2012
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Ten Summer Safety Tips
As we begin enjoying our summertime, let's plan and take a few extra steps to reduce the risk for common injuries to children. Discovery Health recommends the following 10 safety tips to keep everyone safe.
-- Posted 05.22.2012
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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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WCTV (Tallahassee) - Daycare Decisions
Choosing the right daycare for your child can seem overwhelming. Taking the right steps
in this important decision can help provide your child with a safe and positive child care
experience.
Please take time to watch a short clip about things to consider when placing
your child in a day care.
-- Posted 02.22.2012
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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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Florida's Office of Early Learning Proposed Rule Changes
The Florida Administrative Weekly published notices for Florida's Office of
Early Learning (the Office) rule making activities on Friday, February 3rd.
The Office published the proposed rules and draft forms.
[This document is no longer available.]
The six rules are:
6M-4.600: Child Performance Standards
6M-4.710: School Readiness Program Curricula
6M-4.720: Screening of Children in the School Readiness Program
6M-4.730: Assessment of Children in the School Readiness Program
6M-8.500: VPK Specialized Instructional Services
6M-9.115: School Readiness Plan Requirements
A rule workshop for the first five (5) rules in the above list will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Florida's Office of Early Learning, Lottery Building, 2nd floor, Powerball Room, 250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301, and via WebEx.
Another rule workshop devoted solely to the School Readiness Plan Requirements draft rule and forms will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012, at the same time and location. Proposed rule language and forms for the School Readiness Plan requirements will be posted to the website next week. You may wish to bookmark their rulemaking webpage for future reference. This is where they post notices, proposed rule language, draft forms, WebEx information, agenda, and comment cards.
-- Posted 02.09.2012
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Additional Public Workshop Dates Announced
The public rule workshops held earlier this month were well attended and provided a tremendous amount of feedback from the community. In an effort to hear from as many individuals as possible, the Department of Children and Family Services, Child Care Program Office will be conducting two additional public workshops for proposed rule changes to Chapter 65C-22, F.A.C. The Child Care Program Office is interested in comments from providers, our community partners and coalition staff, etc. related to the proposed rules changes. Please join us.
| Workshop 1: | Workshop 2: | |
| February 29, 2012, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | March 2, 2012, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | |
| Roberts Building | Joseph P. D'Alessandro Office Complex | |
| 5920 Arlington Expressway | 2295 Victoria Avenue, Room 165D | |
| Jacksonville, FL 32231 | Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
These meetings are open to the public and do not require a reservation.
If you have any questions please contact the Child Care Program office at (850) 488-4900. If you are unable
to participate in either one of the scheduled workshops, you may email your comments/suggestions for
consideration to:
child_care_licensing@dcf.state.fl.us
.
-- Posted 01.20.2012
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Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that administers the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for
low-income students (K-12). The scholarship program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2001 and is
funded by corporations that receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contributions. These
scholarships are worth more than $4,000 to attend a private school or $500 to cover transportation to
an out-of-district public school.
In order to qualify, the student must either be entering kindergarten or first grade or have attended a
Florida public school the previous year. The income requirements vary by the size of the household. Once a
student's eligibility is verified, the parent has the freedom to choose any one of more than 1,350
participating private schools across the state.
For additional information please visit: www.StepUpForStudents.org or call: 877-735-7837.
-- Posted 01.17.2012
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