OCFS 101
According to OCFS, what is the maximum group size for a preschool classroom (ages 3–5) in a daycare center?
18 Children
According to OCFS, how often must diapering surfaces be cleaned and sanitized?
after every use
True or False: Tantrums are considered a normal part of social-emotional development in toddlers
True
If a child leaves and comes back during the day for any reason (ie: doctor’s, moving up, soccer shots) should they be signed out then back in...And then out again when they leave the center for the day?
Yes
This is to ensure that the children in are care are always accounted for.
A 3-year-old grabs toys from others during play. What is the best response?
A. Send them to time out
B. Ignore it — they’ll figure it out
C. Teach turn-taking and help them use words
D. Take the toy away from everyone
C. Teach turn-taking and help them use words
Within how many days must a serious incident (such as injury requiring medical attention) be reported to OCFS?
within 24 hours (1 day)?
What should you do immediately if a child vomits
isolate the child, clean and disinfect the area, and notify a supervisor and the parent/guardia
At around what age do most babies begin to sit up without support?
Around 6 months
The responsibility to clean up after meals and at the end of the day. (This includes: wiping down tables, vacuuming, putting strollers away, cleaning up toys/garbage outside, diapering, taking out the garbage etc.) Is which staff member's responsibility?
Everyone's!
Head teachers and assistant teachers are both expected to help with these daily responsibilities.
Which of the following is NOT an effective strategy to prevent challenging behaviors?
A. Clear routines and transitions
B. Ignoring children completely during free play
C. Giving limited, age-appropriate choices
D. Using positive reinforcement
B. Ignoring children completely during free play
Active supervision and engagement help prevent problems.
OCFS requires staff training hours every two years. How many training hours must all staff complete during this time?
30 hours
100.4
Most children begin potty training between what ages?
between 2 and 3 years old?
When should your personal cell phone number be given out to a parent?
Never (for the use of communication pertaining to DDG)
Exception - Personal numbers can be given out for the purpose of personal maters (babysitting, relationships outside of DDG, etc.)
When a child is having a tantrum, it’s best to reason with them immediately so they understand why their behavior is wrong.
False
During a tantrum, reasoning won’t work. Stay calm, ensure safety, and support regulation first — teaching comes after.
True or False: Staff are allowed to use their personal cell phones while supervising children if it's a quick call.
FALSE - Personal phones should not be used while supervising children unless in an emergency or approved by administration.
You find an unlabeled bottle of cleaning spray in a classroom. According to health and safety regulations, what should you do?
remove it immediately, report it to a supervisor, and ensure all chemicals are labeled and stored safely
At what age do most children begin to walk independently?
around 12 months (9–15 months is typical)
According to our handbook, what is the right course of action to take when a child wakes up early from their nap?
"Children who wake up before the scheduled nap time has ended, will either be helped back to sleep or guided in finding a quiet time activity to engage in that will not disturb any of the remaining sleeping children."
A child hits another during a disagreement. What should you do first?
A. Yell to show hitting is serious
B. Remove both children from the area immediately
C. Stay calm, check on the hurt child, and coach both through the situation
D. Ignore it to avoid giving attention
C. Stay calm, check on the hurt child, and coach both through the situation
What is the OCFS rule about staff administering medication to children?
only staff with valid MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification can administer medication, and only with proper documentation and parent consent?
According to OCFS, how often must fire drills and shelter-in-place drills be conducted?
fire drills monthly, and shelter-in-place drills every six months
At what age do most babies start to roll over from tummy to back?
around 4 months old
Someone who you have never seen before has come to pick up a child in your care.. What are the correct steps you should take prior to releasing the child to this adult?
1. Ask the adult for their name and a form of identification
2. Verify in our "Release Form" binder, that the adult is on that child's list of individuals whom they can be released to
3. If they are - you're good to go!
If they are not - Notify a director immediately so that they can assist you by contacting the parents/speaking with the adult to explain the situation.
A child has trouble sitting still during group time. What should you try first?
A. Remove them every day so they don’t disrupt
B. Shorten the activity and use movement breaks
C. Ignore the behavior
D. Tell them to stop or they won’t get a sticker
B. Shorten the activity and use movement breaks