Regulations
What is the diapering frequency required by OCFS?
What is every 2 hours or more as needed.
What time is the drop-off cutoff?
9:00AM. Exceptions are made for communicated appointments/extenuating circumstances (flat tire, etc.)
Can staff feed children their own food?
No! It is not fair, safe, or approved.
What is scaffolding?
Supporting a child’s learning by giving just enough help to move them to the next step.
What is a developmental conversation?
A conversation with families focused on skills, growth, milestones, and learning: not behavior complaints.
What are the ratios for each classroom?
1:5 (Toddlers) but we follow 1:4 as an Early Head Start Partner, and 1:7 (Preschool) unless the majority are 4 years or older; then it is 1:8 (Preschool).
Can children bring toys from home?
No. Children should not bring anything from home.
What must be logged daily?
Breakfast, Lunch, and snack meal components served.
Name one toddler milestone
Uses simple words
Walks independently
Begins pretend play
Stacks 2–4 blocks
Follows simple directions
Rewrite: "He had a rough day and did not use his listening ears."
“He is learning how to follow directions and needs additional support with self‑regulation.”
What action must be completed as soon as any child arrives?
Documented health check
What should happen every day prior to releasing a child to an authorized pickup person?
The child should have a PM health check. Look them over for any fresh injuries, signs of illness, running noses, sticky faces, messy clothes, full diaper, etc. before allowing them to depart the program.
What must be labeled during meals?
Washable cups must be labeled with each child's first and last name.
Name one Pre-K milestone.
Recognizes letters
Counts to 10 or higher
Draws simple shapes
Plays cooperatively
Uses full sentences
Rewrite: "She cried all day."
“She needed extra emotional support today and is working on expressing her feelings.”
Can toddler and pre-K children be mixed or combined?
Only in the very beginning and end of each day without exceeding the capacity of the room and following the ratio dictated the youngest child in the mixed group. Toddler children may visit pre-K when they are within 90 days of their 3rd birthday.
What must be in every cubby?
Extra clothes, sunscreen, wipes, diapers/pullups, blanket.
Can outside food be served?
No. Substitutions are available to order through Catertots for allergies/preferences.
What is an observation?
A factual, objective description of what a child does: not opinions or judgments.
Name one way to build family partnerships.
Share positive observations
Greet families warmly
Communicate regularly
Ask families about their child’s interests
Provide developmental updates
Where/how can garbage be contained?
Garbage must be in bags and inside of a trash can with a lid on at all times. Lids must be cleaned regularly. Garbage bags can NEVER be on a floor outside of a lidded can at any time.
What is required to apply sunscreen or diaper cream?
A signed non-medication consent form dated within 1 calendar year for validity is required to be on file before applying any topical cream or ointment. The ointment must be supplied by parent, be labeled with the child's first and last name, and not be expired. Any application of cream or ointment must be logged in the medication administration log.
What snacks can school-age children have?
School age children may be served the center snack upon their arrival.
Why do lesson plans need to be clear?
In the event of an unexpected Lead Teacher absence, anyone should be able to follow the lesson plan for the day to ensure consistency, and support developmental goals.
What is reflective supervision?
A supportive, collaborative process where staff reflect on their practice, challenges, and growth with a supervisor, coach, or teaching team.