Child Daycare Laws
Although each state establishes its own child daycare licensing laws, all jurisdictions have measures in place to ensure the children's safety while in licensed care facilities. These laws include regulations on who may work at a daycare center, how large the center must be and how many children may be on the premises at any given time. All states also mandate that daycare centers meet or exceed basic requirements for safety, cleanliness and supervision.
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Background Checks
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All child daycare employees must pass several background checks. These include criminal records checks that screen for a history of violent or drug-related crimes, child abuse and neglect background checks, and employment verifications. If an employee will be transporting children, he will also need to provide the daycare center with a copy of his driving records. In most states, these background checks must be updated every two to five years, and are kept on file in the daycare facility.
Safety
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All daycare centers must be equipped with basic safety features, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, telephones, and locks on windows and doors. If the daycare facility has a swimming pool or borders a body of water, those areas must be fenced off and, in some jurisdictions, attached to alarms that will alert the staff if a child enters that area.
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Space
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Daycare facilities must offer adequate space for children to play, eat and sleep within. They must also have working restrooms and sinks, as well as food prep areas for centers offering meal services. Except in urban areas where the physical space is not available, daycare centers generally must offer an outdoor play area that is free from environmental hazards such as debris, sharp objects and toxins.
Supervision
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Based on the age of the children served by the daycare facility, state laws mandate a caregiver-to-child ratio to ensure that the center offers adequate supervision at all times. Further ensuring children's safety, all states require that staff members not be under the influence of intoxicating substances that would impair their ability to supervise the children in their care.
Inspections
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Prior to being granted a daycare license, state workers will inspect a childcare facility to ensure that the employees' background information is on file and that the facility meets the mandated requirements. Additionally, inspectors will ensure that all hazardous materials are kept out of children's reach and that the facility is sanitary.
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References
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