How2Day: What Are the Rules & Regulations for a State Licensed Day Care Center?

States set forth regulations to ensure day care centers foster child development. Stockbroker/Valueline/Getty Images
Children and their best interests are at the core of any day care program. Many employed parents choose to place their children in day care facilities while they are working. Sometimes day care centers are incorporated into a public school or an accredited non-public school system. Individual states license day care centers according to a predetermined set of rules and regulations. Although licensing regulations differ among states, common threads are typically found.

The building and its surrounding areas must be safe and up to code. Fire, health and sanitation inspections are routine. Inspectors will look at many features, such as toilet facilities, water quality, ventilation, lighting and playground areas.

Staff members must be qualified. There is generally a director who is responsible for the overall operation of the day care facility. Teachers are required to have associate or bachelor's degrees in some states. Adequate auxiliary staff, such as kitchen and clerical, must be in place. Staff members are subject to employee and criminal background checks. Many states require access to a nurse or doctor.

Depending on its designation, a day care center must adhere to age parameters when accepting children into the facility. Staff ratios are set according to ages of the children. Some centers can only take infants from 6 weeks to 18 months old. Toddlers are considered by most states to be 18 months to 3 years old. Preschool age begins at 3 years old. Many centers are set up for integrated ages, which requires even stricter guidelines for staff ratio.

Behavioral procedures must be established and cannot include corporal punishment of any kind. The staff must model respect and use positive means to guide students toward learning.

Safety drills must be conducted on a regular basis. Personnel must have a plan in place for safe evacuation. Fire drills and other safety drills are generally conducted and recorded at least once per month.

Meals typically include breakfast, snacks and dinner for students who are on site for an extended period of time. Clean facilities and nutritious meals are expected. The kitchen facilities are periodically inspected without notice.

The adopted curriculum must reflect standards set by the state. The facility needs to meet the emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs of the students. Special needs students must be taken into account and provided for according to their individualized educational programs.

Day care centers must prepare for state inspections. Depending on their specific programs, centers could be licensed by the state's department of human services or by the state board of education. State employees evaluate the facilities to make sure they conform to standards. Impromptu inspections can always be expected.

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