child care licensing standards

CHILD CARE LICENSING STANDARDS

FOR UTAH

Quality Child Care Program Characteristics

Low adult-child ratio (not too many children for each adult to care for; the younger the children, the moiré adults will be needed.

Small group size. A variety of activities appropriate for the age of the child. Development encouraged in all areas of emotional, social, intellectual,

language, and physical skills Adequate amounts and arrangement of space. Safety. Good nutrition. Clean environment.

Quality Child Care Caregiver Characteristics

Trained in child development, experience with children. Low turnover rate (the caregiver won’t quit when your child is bonded

to them). Patient, accepting. Good health. Respect for and love of children. Has a child’s perspective. Sense of humor, emotionally warm. Responsive, flexible.

LICENSING1. Childcare facilities are licensed through the Utah

State Department of Health.2. You must obtain two licenses to open a childcare

business for profit. a. A Child Care license and a Business

License.

3. Renewed once a year. 

INSPECTIONS4. Three inspections will be made by a. Health Departmentb. City & Countyc. Fire Marshall Name 4 things they will be inspecting for:

NEIGHBORS, SMOKE ALARMS, FIRE EXITS, SAFETY,CLEAN SINKS AND GARBAGE

PRESCHOOL LICENSING5. Are there licensing requirements for

running a PRESCHOOL in a home or building?

Not usually, depending on money available

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS6. To be a director of a Day care one must have at

least an Associates Degree in Child Development or related field with 4 courses in Child Development or:

CDA: Child Development Associates

CCP: Certified Childcare Professional

NAC: National Administrators Credential 

MINIMUM AGE FOR DIRECTOR

21 YEARS

DEFINITION OF A DAY CARE:

7. A Day care is defined as caring for 13 or more children ages 2 – 13.

DEFINITION OF FAMILY GROUP:

8. A Family Group is defined as caring for7 to 13 children.

DEFINITION OF FAMILY CARE CENTER:

9. A Family Care center is defined as 4 to 6 children including own children.

10. MINIMUM CAREGIVER/CHILD RATIOS FOR DAY CARE 

Age of children Number of caregiver to child ratio Not to exceed in 1 room

Infant – 0 to 12 months 1-4 8

Toddlers – 13 to 23 months 1-4 8

Two Year Olds 1-7 14

Three Year Olds 1-12 24

Four Year Olds 1-15 25

Five Year Olds 1-20 25

Question? What is the relationship between the age

groups and why? Are these ratios reasonable and acceptable

to you?

MINIMUM AGE OF CARE GIVERS:

11. In order to work in a licensed childcare facility one must be 18 years old.

If one is supervised by a competent caregiver they may be 16 years old.

HOW MUCH TUITION?12. List 8 things you must consider when

setting a tuition fee: SUPPLIES

SNACKS

RENT UTILITIES

INSURANCE

ADVERTISINGLAUNDRY

SALARIES

MEAL & SNACK REQUIREMENTS:

12 hours 2 meals & 2 snacks

8 hours 1 meal & 2 snacks or 2 meals & 1 snack

4 hours 1 meal & 1 snack

Less than 4 hours 1 snack

HEALTH:14. Each employee will be screened for TB.a. Each employee who handles food will

need a Food Handlers b. At all times at least one employee must be

present who has CPR & First Aid. 

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS:

15. Minimum requirements for square footage in Daycare are:

a. 35 square feet per child indoors.b. 40 square feet per child outdoors.

SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS cont’d

Minimum 1000 square feet for outdoor play area. Outdoor play area must have shade, grass and

a drinking fountain. Outdoor play area must have 5 foot fence. 

16. For each 15 children there must be a child size toilet and sink.

 Water temperature on water heater must be 110 to 120 degrees. Why?

 17. There must be a posted evacuation plan. 18. Is smoking allowed at a day care? No 

THINK ABOUT THIS: If you were to open a daycare, would all

these regulations be too difficult? How would you save money and expenses

to increase profits? Can you think of any reason strict

regulations would benefit the Day Care owner?

THINK ABOUT THIS: As you become a voting citizen, will you

vote for people who support stricter regulations for day cares?

As you get involved politically, will you work to improve conditions in Day Cares?