ChurchSafety

See also: Assessment: What Impression Do Visitors Get of Your Daycare?  

Although some church daycare centers may qualify as license-exempt, it is a good idea to become familiar with the licensing requirements in your state. At the very least, these can serve as a guideline to the minimum acceptable standards of care. Being a licensed center also brings a measure of peace to the parents entrusting their children to your care.

While standards may vary from state-to-state, it is assumed that child safety is the driving principle behind the regulations. Here is a list of general guidelines to consider:

• Age/education qualifications
  
  
• Continuing education needs
  
  
• Specific certification such as CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver
  
  
• Child-to-caregiver ratios/maximum group size
  
  

• Parent access during program hours
  
  
• Balance of active and quiet activities—indoor/outdoor activities
  
  
• Number of emergency exits
  
  
• Emergency drills such as for fire or tornado
  
  
• Equipment and play materials required
  
  
• Daily cleaning/sanitization
  
  

• Protected play area, including shade from sun
  
  
• Play space must be visible to staff at all times
  
  
• Equipment must be sturdy and in good repair
  
  
• Protective surfaces under play equipment in case of falls
  
  

• Menus posted
  
  
• Meals and snacks meeting nutritional guidelines
  
  
• Hours of care regulate number of snacks/meals
  
  

• Hours and bedding dependent on child's age and hours of care
  
  

• Toileting facilities must be readily accessible to children
  
  
• Hot and cold running water must be provided
  
  
• Hazardous materials must be locked away
  
  

• Parents must be given a copy of the guidance and discipline policy
  
  
• The following are prohibited:
  
  
  • Corporal punishment
    
    
  • Threatened or actual withdrawal of food, rest, or use of the bathroom
    
    
  • Abusive or profane language
    
    
  • Public or private humiliation
    
    
  • Emotional abuse, including shaming, rejecting, terrorizing or isolating a child
    
    

This is not an exhaustive list. State-specific requirements may be found at Daycare.com.

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See Related Assessment:

What Impression Do Visitors Get of Your Daycare?

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