Licensing and Legal Basics
What is the purpose of Florida’s child care regulations?
To protect the health and safety of children in out‑of‑home care.
What is the infant staff‑to‑child ratio (birth–1 year)?
1:4
What temperature range must indoor spaces remain within?
65°F–82°F
New child care personnel must begin training within how many days of hire?
90 days
Which class of violation is the most serious and may result in death or serious harm?
Class I violation
Which license is issued when all standards are met?
Annual license.
How long must a facility keep attendance records?
4 months (12 months for school‑age programs).
Outdoor play areas must provide what protective feature?
Shade.
How many total hours are required for DCF Introductory Training (Parts I & II)?
40 hours
A director lacking a Director Credential is what class of violation?
Class II violation
What license may be issued for up to 6 months due to circumstances beyond a program’s control?
Provisional license.
What is the term for actively watching and being able to see children at all times?
Direct supervision
Cold foods must be stored at or below what temperature?
41°F
How many hours of annual in‑service training are required?
10 hours
A first aid kit accessible to children is what class of violation?
Class III violation
How many unannounced inspections must occur each year?
At least 3
How far apart must napping spaces be?
18 inches
Where must harmful or toxic materials be stored?
Locked or completely inaccessible to children.
What level of background screening is required for all personnel?
Level 2 background screening
Name one of the disciplinary actions that may occur for repeated noncompliance.
Fines, provisional/probationary status, license suspension, or revocation
What do we call a county that sets its own child care licensing standards meeting or exceeding state standards?
A local licensing agency. (Examples: Broward, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas.)
During water activities, caregivers must maintain what type of supervision distance?
Within arm’s length (touch supervision).
Sick children must be placed in what type of designated area until picked up?
An isolation area.
Background screenings must be renewed every how many years?
Every 5 years
Knowingly violating child care laws can result in what criminal charge?
First‑degree misdemeanor (or second‑degree felony if harm occurs)