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News Archive

Background Screening Basic Training Material

The Department hosted training sessions on the background screening process for child care on December 17, 2020. To view the materials presented during the training please click the following link: Background Screening Basic Training Presentation

Please visit the Background Screening website for additional resources and access to the Clearinghouse.

-Posted 12/23/2020 -

The Department has updated the following forms to include The Children’s Forum’s new address:

CF-FSP 5257 School Age FCCPC
CF-FSP 5191 Birth Through 5 FCCPC

Please ensure you are using the these new applications and mailing them to:

The Children’s Forum
1211 Governors Square Blvd., Suite 200
Tallahassee, Florida 32301

-Posted 6/12/2020 -

Safe Sleep for Child Care Providers

Please see new Safe Sleep resources for child care providers from the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality.

-Posted 5/26/2020 -

Child Care Standards Rule Change Effective January 29, 2020

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, has completed rule promulgation for Child Care Standards, Chapter 65C-22.001, Florida Administrative Code, that includes updates to combination sinks, first aid/CPR, and one hour calling. Learn more about these rules at https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=65C-22. Thank you for your feedback on the health and safety of children.

-Posted 2/4/2020-

Child Care Guidance Webinar

Please join the Department of Children and Families for one of two Child Care Guidance webinars on Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. These webinars will cover the same topics so please only sign up for one as space is limited. We will be scheduling additional webinars on a bi-weekly basis. Be sure to register today!

Register Here*

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the Child Care Guidance webinar

-Posted 5/6/2020 -

Child Care Guidance Webinar

Please join the Department of Children and Families for a Child Care Guidance webinar on Friday, April 24 at 2:00 pm. We will be scheduling additional webinars on a bi-weekly basis. Be sure to register today!

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the Child Care Guidance webinar.

This webinar is full. Please check back here for links to register for future webinars.

-Posted 4/23/2020 -

Important Update - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Yesterday in response to two reported cases in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency. This virus is spread mostly through contact from an infected individual and transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and lower and upper respiratory issues. It is important for child care providers to pay attention to these symptoms and send children home as necessary. Additionally, communicate with parents and encourage them to keep their child/children home when they are sick.

Here are a few simple steps you can use to help prevent the spread of the virus:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.

For more detailed information and additional resources please visit one of the following resources:

-Posted 3/2/2020 (Updated 3/16/2020)-

Florida Early Childhood Professional Catalog

In collaborating efforts with the Office of Early Learning, the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation have created the Florida Early Childhood Professional Catalog. Find courses relating to early childhood education in your area or throughout the state of Florida.

-Posted 12/13/2019-

Specialized Child Care Facilities For the Care of Mildly Ill Children Rule Change Effective November 26, 2019

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation has completed the rule promulgation process for Specialized Child Care Facilities For the Care of Mildly Ill Children, Chapter 65C-25.001-.002, and .004- .009, Florida Administrative Code.  The new rule language was adopted and becomes effective on November 26, 2109.

View 65C-25

-Posted 11/18/2019-

Transportation Safety for Child Care Providers

Parents and caregivers across the state entrust child-care providers with the health and safety of their children every day. Transporting children, whether as a provider or a parent/caregiver, demands the highest level of safety and responsibility. The Florida Department of Children and Families requires all providers to comply with health and safety licensing standards to ensure the well-being of all children in their care including those who are being transported. Failure to comply may result in administrative actions against your license, including revocation.

Our new video, Transportation Safety for Child Care Providers, provides information on the proper use of the transportation log and how to correctly perform a visual sweep of a vehicle. The death or injury of a child as a result of being left in a vehicle is completely preventable. It only takes moments to complete these safeguards to ensure every child in your care makes it home safe.

Upcoming Provider Meeting/Training Webinar - New Rule Changes for Rule 65C-20, F.A.C. Family Day Care Standards and Large Family Child Care Homes

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation has completed the rule promulgation process for family day care standards, Chapter 65C-20, Florida Administrative Code regarding Family Day Care Standards and Large Family Child Care Homes that were adopted on June 12, 2019.

The Department is hosting webinars for home providers to review and discuss new standards including suggested ways to achieve and maintain compliance.  There are two session times available, please click on the registration link below to register for the date/time that works best for you.  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2991105235091248130 .

-Posted 7/19/2019-

Upcoming Provider Meeting/Training Webinar - New Rule Changes for Rule 65C-22, F.A.C. Child Care Standards

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation has completed the rule promulgation process for Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code regarding child care standards specific to School-age only facilities that were adopted on June 12, 2019.

The Department is hosting webinars for school-age only providers to review and discuss new standards including suggested ways to achieve and maintain compliance.  There are two session times available, please click on the registration link below to register for the date/time that works best for you.  https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/631123372838215426.

-Posted 7/19/2019-

Revised Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC)

The Department has prepared a revised statement of estimated regulatory costs (SERC) for Rules 65C-22.001 and .008-.010, F.A.C. A copy of the revised SERC can be obtained by contacting Jodi Abramowitz at @email.

-Posted 4/10/2019-

2019 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!

The 11th annual statewide Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! (CLW) will take place the week of January 28 – February 1, 2019. This year’s theme is "Spreading Literacy, One View at a Time.” We encourage all providers to help spread the love of reading and the importance of literacy by participating.

-Posted 1/31/2019-

Child Care Provider Services Day

The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the Department are hosting a Child Care Provider Services Day in Bay county. The two-day event will provide an opportunity for child care providers impacted by Hurricane Michael to:

  • Obtain necessary information/forms to recreate files for licensure compliance;
  • Fingerprint new child care personnel via a mobile LiveScan vendor (don’t forget to bring your OCA#);
  • Meet and talk with ELC staff about reimbursements, Contracts, and Needs Assessment;
  • Obtain information from state and federal resources available to assist in recovery; and
  • Learn about the USDA Food Program.

Please register today by using the link below to take advantage of this opportunity.

View Flier

Date: February 8th and 9th
Location: *NEW LOCATION* Florida State University Panama City - Holley Lecture Hall C 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405-1099. To register, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0948A4AB22AAFB6-provider.

-Posted 1/31/2019-

Notice of Proposed Rule for 65C-22, F.A.C. - Child Care Facility

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, filed a Notice of Proposed Rule for rule changes to Chapter 65C-22 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) regarding Child Care Facility Standards and will hold a public hearing on January 30, 2019.  This is an opportunity for the Department to receive comments from providers, community partners, coalition staff, stakeholders, and the public related to the rule changes. Please share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider organizations in your area that may have an interest in this issue.  This hearing is open to the public and does not require a reservation. A copy of the rule language and incorporated documents are attached for your review.

January 30, 2019
3:00pm – 5:00pm EST or until business is concluded, whichever is earlier
Department of Children and Families
Big Bend Community Based Care
1000 W. Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310

The Department will accept comments on the proposed rule language until 5:00 PM EST on Friday, February 8, 2019 at @email.

Materials

-Posted 1/23/2019-

Notice of Proposed Rule for 65C-20, F.A.C. - Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, filed a Notice of Proposed Rule for rule changes to Chapter 65C-20 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) regarding Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home Standards and will hold a public hearing on January 30, 2019 This is an opportunity for the Department to receive comments from providers, community partners, coalition staff, stakeholders, and the general public related to the rule changes. Please share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider organizations in your area that may have an interest in this issue. This hearing is open to the public and does not require a reservation.

January 30, 2019
6:00pm – 7:00pm EST or until business is concluded, whichever is earlier
Department of Children and Families
Big Bend Community Based Care
1000 W. Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310

The Department will accept comments on the proposed rule language until 5:00 PM EST on Friday, February 8, 2019 at HQW.Child.Care.Licensing@myflfamilies.com.

Materials

-Posted 1/23/2019-

Finding Quality Child Care

One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent is choosing quality child care for your child. The Department makes every effort to provide information parents need to make the best possible child care choices. The following resource may help you as you talk to and visit child care centers before deciding on the right fit for your child:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAM0y248Ugg

For additional information on choosing a quality child care provider, be sure to visit out Parents Resource page: http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care/parent-resources

-Posted 1/7/2019-

Hurricane Michael - Emergency Order

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, has issued an Emergency Order to assist providers in reopening and relocating after Hurricane Michael. The Emergency Order allows the Department to waive certain child care standards. At a minimum all child care providers must have power and water to operate. The Emergency Order is limited to the following counties: Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. If you are a child care provider in an affected county, please contact your local licensing office to start the process of becoming operational.

Miatta Jalaber, Northwest Region – Program Safety Manager
Miatta.Jalaber@myflfamilies.com
Phone: 850-273-9335

Angela Strumeyer, Northwest Region – Licensing Supervisor
Angela.Strumeyer@myflfamilies.com
Phone: 850-461-0896

 For Parents:

If you are a parent looking for child care in an affected county, check the list of open child care providers.

-Posted 10/30/2018 (updated 11/5/2018)-

Updated Juvenile Record Check Process

In an effort to reduce the amount of time it takes to request certified State of Florida criminal history juvenile record checks, FDLE has launched a public portal to facilitate the electronic submission of requests for certified State of Florida criminal history record checks. Effective July 2, 2018, family child care home providers in need of juvenile checks to be reviewed by DCF will be able to submit electronic requests to FDLE via a public portal. Linked below are instructions (screenshots) of the new screening process for all individuals ages 12 through 17, residing in a family day care home.

-Posted 08/08/2018-

65C-20, F.A.C. - Rule Development Workshops

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, will be conducting public workshops regarding rule development of the Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home standards to amend Chapter 65C-20 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).  The public workshop setting is an opportunity for the Department to receive comments from providers, community partners, coalition staff, stakeholders, and the general public related to the rule development. Please share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider organizations in your area that have an interest/investment in this issue.  The in-person meetings are open to the public and do not require a reservation.  If you choose to participate in the webinar, please register using the link provided (space is limited).
Workshop A:
Date and Time: Friday, July 27, 2018 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST, or at the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Location: Department of Children and Families, 1000 W. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Workshop B:
Date and Time: August 14, 2018 6:00 – 7:00 PM EST, or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Place: Webinar. To register for the webinar, please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3453634584586830849

Workshop C:
Date and Time: Monday, August 20, 2018 6:00 – 7:00 PM EST, or at the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Location: Town of Lady Lake Community Building, 237 West Guava Street, Lady Lake FL 32159

Workshop D:
Date and Time: August 24, 2018 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST, or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Place: Department of Children and Families, Rhode Building, 401 N.W. 2nd Ave., N23-25, Miami, FL 33128

The rule language and incorporated documents are attached for your review.  Please review and be prepared to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have.  If you are unable to participate in one of the scheduled workshops, you may submit your written comments/suggestions to HQW.Child.Care.Licensing@myflfamilies.com by August 27, 2018.  If you have any questions, please contact the Policy Unit at 850-488-4900.

Other Materials

-Posted 07/25/2018-

Child Care Facility 65C-22, F.A.C. - Rule Development Workshops

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, will be conducting public workshops regarding rule development of the Child Care Facility standards to amend Chapter 65C-22 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).  The public workshop setting is an opportunity for the Department to receive comments from providers, community partners, coalition staff, stakeholders, and the general public related to the rule development. Please share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider organizations in your area that have an interest/investment in this issue.  The in-person meetings are open to the public and do not require a reservation.  If you choose to participate in the webinar, please register using the link provided (space is limited).

Workshop A:
Date and Time: Friday, July 27, 2018 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST, or at the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Location: Department of Children and Families, 1000 W. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Workshop B:
Date and Time: August 14, 2018 10:00AM – 12:00 PM EST, or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Place: GoToWebinar. To register for the webinar, please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5880882369204446721

Workshop C:
Date and Time: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 9:00 – 11:00 am EST, or at the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Location: Town of Lady Lake Community Building, 237 West Guava Street, Lady Lake FL 32159

Workshop D:
Date and Time: Thursday, August 23, 2018 1:00 – 3:00 pm CST, or at the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Location: Department of Children and Families, 33 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL 32503

Workshop E:
Date and Time: August 24, 2018 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST, or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.
Place: Department of Children and Families, Rhode Building, 401 N.W. 2nd Ave., N23-25, Miami, FL 33128

The rule language and incorporated documents are attached for your review.  Please review and be prepared to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have.  If you are unable to participate in one of the scheduled workshops, you may submit your written comments/suggestions to HQW.Child.Care.Licensing@myflfamilies.com by August 27, 2018.  If you have any questions, please contact the Policy Unit at 850-488-4900.

Other Materials

-Posted 07/25/2018-

Provider Meeting Webinar

Facilities:

Homes:

-Posted 03/27/2018-

Provider Meeting Webinar

 Facilities:

Homes:

-Posted 03/27/2018-

Upcoming Provider Meeting/Training Webinar

New Rule Changes for Rule 65C-22, F.A.C. Child Care Standards

The webinar will be held on January 22, 2018, at 9-11AM. There is no fee for this training.

This webinar will include a review of the new rule and incorporated documents; including detailed discussion on new standards and suggested ways home providers can achieve and maintain compliance.

-Posted 01/16/2018-

Upcoming Provider Meeting/Training Webinar
New Rule Changes for Rule 65C-20, F.A.C. Family Day Care Standards and Large Family Child Care Homes

The webinar will be held on January 22, 2018, at 1-3PM. There is no fee for this training.

This webinar will include a review of the new rule and incorporated documents; including detailed discussion on new standards and suggested ways home providers can achieve and maintain compliance. 

-Posted 01/16/2018-

Child Care Standards Rule Change Effective October 25, 2017

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation has completed the rule promulgation process for Child Care Standards, Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code and for Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home Standards, Chapter 65C-20, Florida Administrative Code. The new rule language will be adopted and becomes effective on October 25, 2017. Thank you to those of you who participated and contributed during this process.

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=65C-22

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=65C-20

The documents that are incorporated by reference may be obtained from the Forms and Applications tab of the Office of Child Care Regulation website.

-Posted 10/31/2017-

Health Risks After a Flood: Tips on How to Protect Your Family

This three-page fact sheet educates people about health risks after a storm. It outlines prevention of food-borne disease, water-borne illness, heat exhaustion and carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and mosquito-borne illness. It discusses post-flood clean up, clearing standing water, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Links for more information are provided.

English | Haitian Creole/Kreyòl | Spanish

-Posted 9/19/2017-

Precautions for Food Safety

This one-page fact sheet educates people about food safety in an emergency such as a hurricane. Risk of food poisoning is high when refrigerators and ovens are inoperable during an electrical outage. The document lists safe food handling practices to prevent food-borne illness. Links and telephone numbers for food safety and emergency information are provided.

English | Haitian Creole/Kreyòl | Spanish

-Posted 9/19/2017-

Frequently Asked Questions: Boil Water Advisories

This two-page fact sheet educates people about boil water advisories. It identifies boiling water as the best method to kill harmful bacteria and parasites in contaminated water. It discusses correct techniques for handwashing, washing dishes and clothes, bathing and shaving, washing fruits and vegetables, and making ice. It identifies infectious organisms in contaminated water, and advises when to seek medical attention if untreated water is consumed.

English | Haitian Creole/Kreyòl | Spanish

-Posted 9/19/2017-

Mold in Water-Damaged Buildings

This one-page fact sheet educates people about how to protect against health risks associated with mold after flooding or hurricane. It provides a list of safety precautions to avoid indoor air quality problems after a storm. Florida Department of Health contact information is provided.

English | Haitian Creole/Kreyòl | Spanish

-Posted 9/19/2017-

Public Hearing for Proposed Rule Changes

The embedded videos below are recordings of public hearings done via webinar for proposed rule changes to Chapter 65C-20 and Chapter 65C-22.

Chapter 65C-20

Chapter 65C-22

-Posted 8/4/2017-

Background Screening Webinar

The embedded video is a recording of a provider-focused background screening webinar. Topics covered range from how to initiate a screening in the Clearinghouse to common reasons why one employee screening may take longer than others. Please view the FAQs for answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to the Clearinghouse and the background screening process.

-Posted 7/10/2017-

Notice of Proposed Rule for 65C-20, F.A.C. Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation filed a Notice of Proposed Rule for Chapter 65C-20, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) regarding Family Day Care Home and Large Family Child Care Home Standards on June 21, 2017 in the Florida Administrative Weekly (FAW).  A copy of the rule language and incorporated documents may be obtained below.

If a written request for a hearing is received by the department within 21 days of the notification in the FAW, the department will host a public hearing via webinar on July 13, 2017 5:30PM -7:00PM EST, or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier.  To register for the webinar please click on the following link:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1526198389136462594.

Please be advised that registering for this webinar does not constitute a request for public hearing.  The webinar will only be held if requested.

Written requests regarding the proposed rule may be sent to Cindy Campbell at @email.

Materials

-Posted 6/26/2017-

Notice of Proposed Rule 65C-22, F.A.C. Child Care Facility

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation filed a Notice of Proposed Rule for Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) regarding Child Care Facility Standards on June 21, 2017 in the Florida Administrative Weekly (FAW). A copy of the rule language and incorporated documents may be obtained here.

If a written request for a hearing is received by the department within 21 days of the notification in the FAW, the department will host a public hearing via webinar on July 13, 2017 12:30PM -2:00PM EST or the conclusion of business, whichever is earlier. To register for the webinar please click on the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2067505555676704002.

Please be advised that registering for this webinar does not constitute a request for public hearing. The webinar will only be held if requested.

Written requests regarding the proposed rule may be sent to Cindy Campbell at @email.

Materials

-Posted 6/26/2017-

Food Service Provider Information

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates food service providers. You can review inspection results of these providers at DBPR’s website (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/). (If you cannot locate your provider’s company, the Division recommends you contact your provider for the appropriate business name.) The site also includes a variety of other helpful information and a Customer Contact Number (850-487-1395) for any questions. You can also find a link to the inspection results on our “Other Programs and Services" page.

-Posted 11/16/2016-

Updated Background Screening Process

“To comply with new federal and state requirements, the department has revised the background screening process for individuals who have resided outside of Florida at some point in the last five years. Below is a summary of the new process, which authorizes provisional hiring based on certain criteria.

As always, we greatly appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we incorporate this additional layer of protection for the health and safety of our children. The department will continue to coordinate with our federal and local partners as we streamline the process for out of state checks.

Department staff are available to answer questions or assist with Clearinghouse access and account set up.  For direct assistance, please contact Background Screening Help Desk at 1-888-352-2842 or send an email to background screening unit at this link. 

 

Updated Background Screening Process
Instructions for Child Care Owner/Operator/Employers are outlined below.
More details and links to instructions for each step are available online at www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/background-screening/.

  1. Complete a search for the individual in the Background Screening Clearinghouse.
    1. For individuals who are already in the Clearinghouse:
      1. If the individual’s status is “DCF Child Care Eligible” – add individual to roster and proceed to steps 2 - 5.
      2. If the Clearinghouse indicates an  “Agency Review” is required – select “Initiate Agency Review” (no cost)
      3. If the individual has had a break in service for more than 90 days or needs to be rescreened by May 2017 – select “Initiate Resubmission”
    2. For individuals who are not in the Clearinghouse:
      1. Select “Initiate Screening.”
      2. Schedule a fingerprinting through a Clearinghouse-compatible Live Scan Vendor.
  2. Check criminal records for every state the individual has lived outside of Florida in the last five years. Forward results to the DCF Background Screening Unit for review.
  3. Check child abuse and neglect registry for every state outside of Florida the individual has lived in for the last five years.
  4. Check sexual offender/predator registry for every state outside of Florida the individual has lived in for the last five years.
  5. Check employment history with each employer for whom the individual has worked in the last five years. Try at least three times to contact the employer, and keep records of these contacts for your files.

Pending Results from Out-of-State Records – While you are waiting for the out of state results, if the individual meets the Florida Level 2 screening requirements, DCF may grant provisional hiring status for 45 days while the out-of-state check is pending. During provisional employment, the individual must be in the line of sight of an employee who has already met all screening/training requirements. 

  1. DCF’s Background Screening Unit will issue an eligible or non-eligible result for employment through the Clearinghouse upon completion of searches and results from other states, if applicable.

Note: Keep a copy, on-site at the child care program, of documentation of all elements in the process in the individual’s personnel file for review by the licensing authority.”

-Posted 10/11/2016-

New Online Training Courses Available

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation is offering 3 new courses: Safe Sleep Practices, Guide to School-Age Program Quality Standards and Self-Assessment, and Child Growth and Development.

Safe Sleep Practices (SAFE) is a 1-hr online course for caregivers to become familiar with safe sleep-related practices for infants and toddlers. This course provides an overview of appropriate methods, tips, and requirements for ensuring infants and toddlers are safe while they sleep, and be less likely to experience injury or death as a result of unsafe sleeping practices.

Guide to School-Age Program Quality Standards and Self-Assessment (SALT) is a 12-hr online course which is a combination of two courses: The 8-hr Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs (SQAP), and the 4-hr Quality Self-Assessment and Improvement for Afterschool Programs (QSAI), of which the content of the two individual courses have not changed. What is different is individuals will now register for a single course and upon completion of both courses (SQAP and QSAI) will have access to a single CEU assessment and competency exam.

Child Growth and Development (CGDR) is a 6-hr course offered on-line or as instructor-led. The CGDR course describes basic principles of child growth and development, and developmentally appropriate practices. Individuals that have completed the Child Growth and Development (CGAD) course prior to July 5, 2016 will have until March 31, 2017 to register for the competency exam. Individuals that completed the Child Growth and Development (CGD or CGAD) course to meet the Part I or Family Child Care Home training requirements do not have to retake the course. Individuals may choose to take the new course (CGDR) to earn CEUs or in-service credit.

These courses are available under Training and Credentialing.

-Posted 07/27/2016-

Upcoming Provider Meetings

The Provider Meeting Presentation is currently being updated and will be available to the public soon.

Each region will be hosting a provider meeting to discuss recent federal changes to Child Care regulations and Background Screening requirements. You will find each scheduled meeting further down this page with the same title.

-Posted 07/15/2016

6M-4.620 – Health and Safety Checklists and Inspections (School Readiness Program), Notice of Proposed Rule

A Notice of Proposed Rule for the Florida Office of Early Learning’s School Readiness Program, Rule 6M-4.620 - Health and Safety Checklists and Inspections, was noticed in the Florida Administrative Weekly on July 8, 2016. A public hearing, if requested in writing within 21 days of the notice of proposed rule, will be held via webinar on Monday, August 1, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., EDT, or until business is concluded, whichever is earlier.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Molly Grant at 850-717-8578 or @email.

-Posted 07/12/2016

NEW LAW CHANGES REGARDING BACKGROUND SCREENING
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2016

Dear Child Care Provider:

On November 19, 2014, the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014 was signed into law. The new law prescribes health and safety requirements that include changes to background screening requirements that apply to all child care providers and requires more information be available to parents and the general public about child care choices. The new federal requirements required changes to Florida law governing screening for child care employment.  Beginning July 1, 2016, new elements will be included in a background screening for all child care personnel, which include searches of the National Sex Offender Registry, state criminal records, state sex offender registries, and child abuse and neglect registries of all states in which the child care personnel resided during the preceding five years. 

Action steps are being updated and will be available shortly.

-Posted 07/01/2016

Deadly Danger: Infants on Air Mattresses

CPSC has received reports of 40 infant suffocation deaths in the last five years, of infants who were placed to sleep on air mattresses. Infants can suffocate on an air mattress or can become entrapped between the mattress and bed frame or mattress and wall. Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces (such as water beds and adult beds), which are not specifically designed or safe for infant use. Even properly-inflated air mattresses are usually too soft for infants to maintain a clear airway. For a safer space for baby use a crib or play yard that has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and tight fitting bottom sheet without any blankets, bumpers, pillows or stuffed animals.

  • Never place infants ages 15 months old and younger to sleep on an inflatable air mattress
  • Always place baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib or play yard that meets current standards

The Deadly Danger Air Mattress poster is easy to download and print, email or post for sharing with those you care about.

Find more tips and free materials to help people in your community become informed at our NSN website.

As always, thanks for spreading the word and helping to make your community safer.

Feedback
We would love to hear from you. Let us know how you use the information we send out and give us an estimate of the number of people to whom you distribute our safety messages. We also welcome ideas on how to serve you better. Please send your ideas, success stories or questions to nsn@cpsc.gov.

Safety in Numbers
Thanks to members like you sharing the safety tips and resources included in these messages, communities are being empowered with the knowledge to keep families safe. Please continue to encourage people and organizations with similar safety concerns to sign up at https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Neighborhood-Safety-Network/NSN-Signup-Form/ to receive Neighborhood Safety Network messages that put the power of product safety information in their hands.

-Posted 06/20/2016

Broward County Child Care Providers

Important Notice: Criminal Background Screening Requirements
View document for more details.

-Posted 05/18/2016

New Child Care Law Changes

On November 19, 2014, the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014 was signed into law. The new law prescribes health and safety requirements that apply to school readiness program providers and requires that more information be available to parents and the general public about child care choices.

The federal government works with states to support low-income working families by providing access to child care through the federal CCDBG. Florida uses CCDBG funds for its school readiness program. The school readiness program provides subsidies for child care services and early childhood education for children of low-income families, children in protective services who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and children with disabilities. Families use these subsidies to purchase child care services from school readiness providers. In many cases, these child care facilities are regulated by the Department of Children and Families’ Child Care program. The state must implement these requirements to continue receiving CCDBG funding.[1]

While Florida’s school readiness programs meet many of the new federal requirements, some changes to Florida law governing the program were necessary. One change needed was an increase in the elements for screening all child care personnel to include searches of the National Sex Offender Registry, state criminal records, state sex offender registries, and child abuse and neglect registries of all states in which the child care personnel resided during the preceding five years. 

During the 2016 Florida legislative session, laws were amended to assist with the implementation of newly prescribed federal law.  Below are two laws that have an impact on child care programs:

HB 1125 Relating to Eligibility for Employment as Child Care Personnel: This bill amended section 435.07, Florida Statutes, (HB 1125 – Chapter 2016-98, Laws of Florida), to make the new CCDBG background screening requirements apply to all child care personnel regardless of whether their employer receives federal CCDBG funding. The bill prohibits the Department of Children and Families from granting exemptions for employment as child care personnel to persons who have been:  

  • Registered as a sex offender as described in 42 U.S.C. s. 9858f(c)(1)(C) and are subject to the registration requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act; or
  • Arrested for and are awaiting final disposition of, found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged, for certain state felonies and misdemeanors enumerated in the bill that are aligned with the crimes listed in the federal requirements.[2]

HB 7053 Relating to Child Care and Development Block Grant Program: This bill requires that school readiness program providers must meet a minimum level of health and safety and receive at least one annual inspection. The Department of Children and Families and/or the local licensing agency, as applicable, will conduct inspections to determine compliance with the school readiness program provider standards through exercise of their discretionary power to enforce compliance with the laws. The authority to inspect includes access to facilities, personnel, and records. A school readiness program provider that refuses entry or inspection shall have its provider contract terminated. School readiness providers must:  provide more information to the public to promote informed child care choices; provide training on child care development research and best practices and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training; provide an appropriate group size as well as an appropriate staff-to-child ratio; and employ child care personnel who have satisfied the screening requirements of Chapter 402, Florida Statutes, and fulfilled the training requirements of the Office of Early Learning.[3]

If you have any questions on the new law changes, you may contact your local licensing office.

[1] CS/CS/CS/HB 1125 2016 House of Representative Final Bill Analysis, March 25, 2016
[2] CS/CS/CS/HB 1125 2016 House of Representative Final Bill Analysis, March 25, 2016
[3] CS/ HB 7053, 2016 House of Representatives Final Bill Analysis, March 24, 2016

-Posted 05/12/2016

FFCCHA 24th Annual Conference

Florida Family Child Care Homes Association Inc. present the 24th Annual Conference-Enhancing Our Minds…in 2016.

View brochure for details.

-Posted 02/11/2016

Rule Workshops

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, will be conducting two public workshops regarding rule development of School-Age Child Care standards to amend Chapter 65C-22 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The public workshop setting is an opportunity for the Department to receive comments from providers, community partners, coalition staff, stakeholders, and the general public related to the rule development. Please share this information with those agencies, providers, and provider organizations in your area that have an interest/investment in this issue.

Workshop A
February 17, 2016
1:00pm - 3:00pm ET or until business is concluded, whichever is earlier
Florida State College at Jacksonville (Downtown Campus)
101 West State Street
RoomA1068 Large Auditorium
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Workshop B
February 18, 2016
10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. ET or until business is concluded, whichever is earlier
Cooper Memorial Library
2525 Oakley Seaver Drive
Clermont, Florida 34711

Attachments

-Posted 02/03/2016

28th Annual Early Childhood Conference

The College of Central Florida and Early Learning Coalition of Marion County present the 28th Annual Early Childhood Conference. See this flyer for more details.

-Posted 12/18/2015

The Benefits of Monitoring Child Care Providers

The Administration for Children and Families describes how new monitoring requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 will benefit children, parents and child care providers.

See video.

-Posted 11/18/2015

New Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) Courses available August 17, 2015

See flyer for details.

-Posted 08/17/2015

Provider Registration for Florida's Background Screening Clearinghouse has Begun

Pre-registration for the Background Screening Clearinghouse Results Portal is now available for the following provider group(s):

  • Child Care Facilities
  • Foster Care
  • Family Child Care Homes
  • Child Placing and Residential Agencies
  • Substance Abuse (Adults Only)
  • Religious Exempt Providers
  • Afterschool and/or Enrichment Programs
  • Chapter 39 Contract Providers

The Clearinghouse will provide for the sharing of criminal history information among the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Children and Families, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Elder Affairs, the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Vocational Rehabilitation.

The advantages to the Clearinghouse are:

  • Eliminates duplicate screenings for individuals requiring screening across multiple state agencies
  • Persons with a Clearinghouse Screening will not be required to be re-fingerprinted
  • Screening information for new hires previously screened through the Clearinghouse will be available to providers
  • A photograph of the person being fingerprinted will be submitted with the screening
  • The retention of fingerprints by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; this will allow providers to receive notification if an employee is arrested in the State of Florida and provide protection for the vulnerable populations we serve
  • Providers can track the status of screenings that they initiate until completion

DCF and AHCA (the agency that houses and maintains the Clearinghouse) strongly encourage DCF providers to PRE-REGISTER starting June 19, 2015.

Registration for the Clearinghouse Results Portal is FREE.

Instructions to pre-register (complete user instruction guide with screen shots at (http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/background-screening/clearinghouse/):

  1. Click this link to open your browser to the AHCA Portal.
  2. Click on the link for ‘New User Registration’.
  3. Check the box for user Authorization and click ‘Continue’ button.
  4. Fill out the information fields to create your account.
    1. Important: the email you enter on this page will be used for all future user account notifications and background screening notifications.
  5. Click the ‘Register’ button.
  6. Click the ‘Return to Login’ button on the next screen.
  7. Log in using the username and password you created.
  8. Select ‘Department of Children and Families’ from the ‘select program’ drop down list and click ‘Request Program Access’.
  9. Select ‘Provider’ from the ‘role’ drop down list.
  10. Select your provider type from the ‘provider type’ drop down list.
  11. Begin typing the name of the provider you represent.
  12. Select it from the list when it appears and be sure your OCA number matches.
  13. Click ‘Add Provider’ button.
  14. Repeat steps 10-12 for additional providers you represent, if applicable.
  15. Click ‘Submit Request and Generate User Agreement’.
  16. Review the user registration agreement that opens in the next window.
  17. Print the agreement by clicking the ‘here’ link in the upper right hand corner of the window under your email and user ID.
  18. Sign the agreement and have your owner/administrator/supervisor sign it.
  19. Send the agreement and a copy of your driver’s license or state-issued photo ID to DCF in one of the following ways:
    • Mail To:
      Office of Background Screening
      2415 North Monroe Street
      Suite 400
      Tallahassee, Florida 32303-4190
    • Scan and E-Mail To:
      background.screening@myflfamilies.com
      Subject Line: BGS User Agreement
    • Fax To:
      813-558-1171

Important Note:
DCF will finalize your registration for the Clearinghouse Results Portal after July 6, 2015. You will receive an email when your registration is complete with a link to the Clearinghouse Results Portal and training materials.

You may begin using the Clearinghouse Results Portal to search for applicants, initiate screenings, and check eligibility determinations when you receive the registration approval email.

-Posted 07/02/2015

Summer BreakSpot Provides Florida Kids Healthy Meals All Summer Long

Visit the Fresh From Florida website and find a Summer BreakSpot near you. Free breakfasts, lunches and snacks are available to anyone age 18 and under all summer long.

-Posted 06/05/2015

Background Screening Requirements for Membership Organizations

BEGINNING JULY 1, 2015 - BACKGROUND SCREENING WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PERSONNEL OF MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS:

Governor Scott signed into law SB 7078 Relating to Child Welfare.  This bill authorizes critical incident rapid response teams to review cases of child deaths occurring during an open investigation; requires case staffing when medical neglect is substantiated; requires an epidemiological child abuse death assessment and prevention system; provides intent for the operation of and interaction between the state and local death review committees, etc.

The bill also amends s. 402.301, F.S., regarding all personnel of membership organizations affiliated with national organizations to meet Level 2 background screening requirements and  s. 402.302(3), F.S., regarding the definition of child care personnel to include “membership organizations” for the purpose of background screening requirements.

Any organization having questions concerning the background screening process may visit the Department’s website at www.myflfamilies.com/backgroundscreening or call the call center at 888-352-2842.

-Posted 06/04/2015

Measles Educational Information

Lately, with national news outlets reporting an ongoing multistate Measles outbreak, it is very important to stay educated and informed on what is known about this highly infectious disease. Though currently there have been no confirmed reports of Measles among Florida Residents the following link provides information and the latest updates regarding Measles from the Florida Department of Health.

-Posted 02/19/2015

What Early Care and Education Providers and Families Should Know About Enterovirus D68

The Administration for Children and Families has received questions from Head Start and child care programs about recent news reports of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) spreading across the country. Infecting about 10 to 15 million Americans each year, enteroviruses are very common, especially during the summer and fall months. Infants and children are more susceptible to infection due to developing immune systems and the lack of prior exposure to viruses. Pregnant women also have a greater chance of being infected but will only develop mild or no symptoms. In fact, most people who acquire enteroviruses do not get sick. However, EV-D68 can cause mild-to-severe respiratory illness. Children with asthma could have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.

Similar to the common cold, mild symptoms can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body and muscle aches. Severe symptoms can include wheezing and difficulty in breathing. Some individuals could develop heart or brain infections or even become paralyzed.

You can get infected with enteroviruses by having close contact with an infected person who coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Currently, there is no specific treatment, antiviral medication, or vaccine for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. For mild respiratory illness, symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be given to children. Individuals with severe respiratory illness might need to be hospitalized.

You can help prevent yourself from getting and spreading EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by following these steps.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils, with people who are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

Please see the below links for additional information:

http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html

-Posted 10/17/2014

Child Care Licensure Questionnaire

Used to assess the need for your program to be licensed as a “Child Care Facility,” as required under S. 402.302(1), Florida Statutes.

-Posted 09/19/2014

Announcement

Are you considering providing child care services and not sure if your program needs to be licensed to operate. The Department of Children and Families Office of Child Care Regulation is statutorily responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training throughout Florida. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff. This program currently regulates licensed child care facilities, licensed family day care homes, licensed large family child care homes, and licensed mildly ill facilities in 62 of the 67 counties in Florida. In addition, the Office of Child Care Regulation administers the registration of family day care homes not required to be licensed. In order to assess the need for your program to be licensed as a “Child Care Facility,” as required under S. 402.302(1), Florida Statutes, please complete these questions and mail to the address listed on the survey. This questionnaire will be reviewed by the Department and you will be contacted by the Office of Child Care Regulation and Background Screening office as soon as possible.

-Posted 06/13/2014-

New Behavioral Observation and Screening Course

Child Care Providers:

The new 6-hour online and instructor-led Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOSR) course will replace the existing 6-hour online and instructor-led course Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOAS) course effective July 1, 2014.

Individuals who have successfully completed the current 6-hour Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOAS) course or the old 10-hour Behavioral Observation and Screening course (BOS) do not have to retake the courses. The certificates reflecting completion of the previous courses will continue to appear on the child care training transcript. However, individuals who have already received credit for the old courses may choose to take the new course to earn in-service credit and Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

To make sure students who complete the current Behavior Observation and Screening (BOAS) course are not penalized because of the release of the new course, they will have until June 30, 2015 to pass the exam associated with the BOAS course.

Please contact the Child Care Training Information Center, toll-free, at 1-888-352-2842 if you have any questions.

Office of Child Care Regulation

-Posted 06/06/2014-

 

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