# State Childcare Licensing Requirements

## General Licensing Standards

### Facility Requirements
- **Minimum space per child**: 35 square feet of indoor floor space per child
- **Play area requirements**: 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child
- **Ceiling height**: Minimum 8 feet in all child-occupied areas
- **Natural lighting**: At least 10% of floor area must be window space
- **Emergency exits**: Minimum 2 exits required for facilities serving 15+ children

### Staff Requirements
- **Staff-to-child ratios**:
  - Infants (0-12 months): 1:4 ratio
  - Toddlers (13-35 months): 1:6 ratio
  - Preschoolers (3-4 years): 1:12 ratio
  - School-age (5+ years): 1:15 ratio

### Background Check Requirements
All staff must complete:
- FBI criminal background check
- State criminal background check
- Child abuse and neglect registry check
- Sex offender registry check
- Motor vehicle records check (for transportation staff)

**Disqualifying offenses**:
- Any felony conviction involving violence
- Child abuse or neglect convictions
- Sexual offenses
- Drug trafficking convictions within 10 years

### Training Requirements
- **Director qualifications**: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field, plus 2 years experience
- **Lead teacher requirements**: Associates degree or CDA (Child Development Associate) credential
- **Annual training**: 20 hours continuing education annually for all staff
- **Mandatory training topics**:
  - Child development
  - Health and safety procedures
  - Emergency response
  - Mandated reporting
  - CPR and First Aid certification

## Health and Safety Standards

### Health Requirements
- **Immunization records**: Required for all children and staff
- **Health examinations**: Annual physical for staff, biannual for children
- **Sick child policies**: Children with fever over 101°F must be excluded
- **Medication administration**: Only trained staff can administer prescription medications

### Safety Requirements
- **Fire safety inspections**: Annual inspection by fire marshal required
- **Safety drills**: Monthly fire drills, quarterly severe weather drills
- **Playground safety**: Annual inspection by certified playground safety inspector
- **Water safety**: 4-foot fence around pools, constant supervision during water activities

## Nutrition Standards
- **Meal requirements**: Facilities operating 4+ hours must provide nutritious meals
- **USDA guidelines**: All meals must meet Child and Adult Care Food Program standards
- **Special diets**: Accommodations required for children with documented allergies or medical needs
- **Food safety**: All kitchen staff must have food handler's certification