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Health and Safety Checklists and Inspections Rule 6M-4.620 Implementation Guidance October 2016
Health and Safety Checklists and InspectionsRule 6M-4.620 Implementation Guidance
October 2016
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Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
School ReadinessHealth and Safety Checklists
and Inspections
Housekeeping / Webinar EtiquetteDue to the number of participants on today’s call and to avoid background noise, we have placed all phones on mute. We will stop periodically to address questions and comments.
Please type your comments or questions about any of the rule material(s) into the questions box of the Webinar control panel.
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Housekeeping / Webinar Etiquette
Rule materials are available on OEL’s website at:
http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/statewide_initiatives/laws_and_rule
s/proposed_rules.aspx
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Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.Rule Making Authority
HB 7053 (2016)• 402.311(2), F.S.
– School readiness providers must allow DCF/LLAs entry and access to facilities, personnel and records for inspections.
• 1002.82(2)(i), F.S. – OEL must enter into MOU with DCF/LLAs for inspection of
school readiness providers. Providers that refuse entry for inspection will have contract terminated.
• 1002.88(1)(c), F.S. – SR providers must provide health and safety of facilities
and premises, as verified pursuant to 402.311(2), F.S.
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Rule Making AuthorityHB 7053 (2016)
Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
• 1002.82(2), F.S. – OEL directed to establish:– Pre-service and in-service training requirements that
address school readiness child development standards, health and safety requirements, and social-emotional behavior intervention models, which may include positive behavior intervention and support models.
– Group sizes and ratios.– Standards for emergency preparedness and response.– 1002.88(1)(c), F.S. - Health and safety checklists.
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Required Health and Safety Topic Areas:
Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
• Communicable Diseases• SIDS/Safe Sleeping Practices• Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma• Transportation Safety (if applicable)• Emergency Preparedness and Response• Administration of Medication
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Required Health and Safety Topic Areas:
Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
• Building and Physical Premises Safety• Food and Allergic Reactions• Hazardous Materials • First Aid and CPR• Child Abuse and Neglect
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Standards also cover:
Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
• Supervision• Minimum age requirements• Nutrition, including age-appropriate feeding• Access to physical activity• Training requirements• Background screenings• Enforcement
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Rule 6M-4.620, F.A.C.
• 3 Provider-specific checklists with corresponding handbook to outline standards– Center-based programs (Licensed AND License-Exempt)
– Family Child Care Homes– Public and Non-public Schools
• 2 Record Keeping Forms– In-service Training Record– Child Abuse and Neglect
Deadlines for Compliance• October 24, 2016 effective date
• Inspections are anticipated to begin mid-November
• However, there are timeframes built into the rule text to help current providers initially come into compliance.
• Violations will not be issued prior to the established deadlines.
• Any issues of non-compliance identified prior to established timelines will be provided technical support and assistance.
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TIMELINES FOR CURRENT PROVIDERS (contracted on or before December 31, 2016)
March 31, 2017 – Training Requirements• All providers and personnel must be in compliance with training
requirements outlined in section 18 of handbook (FCCH – sec. 17).
June 30, 2017 – All other standards• Providers must be in compliance with all other standards outlined
within their respective provider-type handbook.
October 25, 2018 – Active Credential Requirements • Providers have 24 months from the date of enactment to come into
compliance with the active credential requirements for Group Size.• Group size requirements outlined in section 4 of handbook(s).
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Deadlines for Compliance
TIMELINES FOR NEW PROVIDERS (contracted on or after January 1, 2017)
Must have precontractual inspection and be in full compliance with standards as outlined in the handbook(s).
This applies to any NEW provider that is contracted for School Readiness on or after January 1, 2017 under the newly revised contract.
NEW refers to providers: Who have never contracted for school readiness previously. Who have not contracted for school readiness within the previous 12
months. Who have had a contract for school readiness terminated within the
previous 12 months.
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Deadlines for Compliance
Inspections• Inspections are anticipated to begin mid-November.• DCF is making a schedule for inspections of current
providers.• NEW providers must have precontractual inspection
completed.• Inspections process outlined on Page 7 of each
handbook.
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Inspection Process – LICENSED PROVIDERSWhen a licensed provider indicates to a coalition that it would like to contract for School Readiness…• ELC will check most recent DCF/LLA inspection to verify there
are no outstanding violations.• If no outstanding violations, the ELC may proceed with
contracting for School Readiness.• If there are outstanding violations, DCF will perform follow-up
inspections as usual to bring provider into compliance. • Once issues are corrected, provider will need to notify ELC, who
will then recheck inspection to verify compliance.• If no issues, ELC may proceed with contracting for SR.
Inspections
Inspection Process – LICENSE EXEMPT PROVIDERSWhen a license-exempt provider indicates to a coalition that it would like to contract for School Readiness…• If the provider is NOT licensed by DCF or LLA, the coalition will
contact DCF or the local licensing agency (LLA) to initiate a precontractual inspection.
• DCF or the LLA will have 45 days from notification to complete the precontractual inspection.
• Once inspection is complete, DCF or LLA will notify ELC within 10 days.
• ELC will check inspection to verify compliance.• If no issues, ELC may proceed with contracting for SR.
Inspections
Overview of StandardsHighlights
• Standards are specific to the School Readiness Program. Nothing in the handbook exempts providers from meeting standards to meet other program requirements. E.g. If licensed by DCF or the LLA(s), providers must still adhere to those program requirements, especially when standards are more stringent.
• Definitions Section– “Age appropriate”– “Program Personnel” – “Classroom” and “Stable Barriers”
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• Section 1 - Capacity– Indoor Floor Space requirements:
• 35 square feet per child• 20 square feet per child if program holds valid child care license issued by DCF on
or before October 1, 1992• 20 square feet per child – rooms within school-age program that are set up
exclusively for sedentary activities (as defined)
– Outdoor Space requirements• 45 square feet per child
– Multipurpose Rooms• Common areas; i.e. dining rooms• Square footage requirements do not apply when these rooms are being used for
dining or specific large group assemblies/activities.• Supervision and ratio requirements must still be maintained.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 2 – Minimum Age Requirements– Operator/Director/Person left in charge must be at least 21 years of
age and must be on premises at all times during operating hours.– No person under the age of 16 may be employed unless under direct
supervision. May not be counted for purposes of ratio.
• Section 3 – Ratios– Same as those set in statute for Licensed providers, s. 402.305, F.S.
• Birth to 12 months – 1:4• 12 to 24 months – 1:6• 2 years old – 1:11• 3 years old – 1:15• 4 years old – 1:20• 5 and above – 1:25
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 4 – Group Sizes– Sets maximum number of children, by age, that may be within a single
classroom (as defined).• Birth to 12 months: 12• One year olds: 12• Two year olds: 22• Three year olds: 30• Four to Six years old: 40• School-age: 50• Active credential required for at least one staff member• Group sizes do not apply during times of outdoor play, provided supervision and ratio
requirements are maintained.• Active credential requirements do not apply during nap time, provided supervision
requirements are maintained.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 5 – Supervision – Direct supervision means actively watching and directing children’s
activities.– Personnel must be assigned to provide direct supervision to specific
group of children. Present with those children at all times.– During nap time, supervision requires staff be in close proximity, within
sight and hearing of children. All staff required to meet ratios must be readily accessible and available.
– Children up to 24 months of age must be directly supervised at all times.– Staff must remain awake at all times during evening hours.– Children must be individually fed and supervised appropriate to their
age. If infants in care, no propped bottles.– Additional staff member required on field trips (above ratios).
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 6 – Transportation – Only applicable when transporting children in care.– Must adhere to requirements of s. 316.613, F.S. regarding the use of
child safety restraints.
• Section 7 – Planned Activities– Written plan of activities; must meet needs of all children in care.– Include alternate activities in the event of bad weather.– School-age programs must offer scheduled time for academic support or
homework assistance.
• Section 8 – Field Trip Activity– Parents notified in advance; posted for at least 2 working days prior.– Written parental permission must be obtained. Documentation
maintained for 15 months.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 9 – Child Discipline– Written policies and procedures regarding discipline and expulsion.– Must prohibit children from being subjected to discipline that is severe,
humiliating, frightening or associated with food, rest or toileting.– Should include positive behavioral intervention models to reduce the
occurrence of expulsion.– Copies must be available for review.– Must be provided to parents; signature of receipt in child’s file.
• Section 10 – Physical Environment– General cleaning; facilities must be clean, in good repair and free from
fire, health and safety hazards and vermin at all times.– Appropriate storage of harmful items and hazardous materials; labeled.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 10 – Physical Environment (cont’d)– No pest control or heavy cleaning when children present.– Animals properly vaccinated. Parent notification of animals on premises.– Smoking prohibited on premises, including vehicles and outdoor areas.– Lighting sufficient to provide supervision, to provide safe entrance and
exit of rooms.– Windows and screens required if windows and doors open for more than
entering/exiting.– Adequate ventilation and Temperature of 65 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.– Napping/safe sleep practices.– Exits, play areas and fencing.– Bathrooms and sinks.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 11 – Equipment and Furnishings– Indoor and outdoor equipment maintained in proper working order.– Equipment, toys and furnishings suitable to age and development of
children.– 6” ground cover or resilient surface under playground equipment.– Free from sharp, broken or jagged edges; maintained in safe condition.
• Section 12 – Health and Sanitation– Drinking water available at all times.– Handwashing – CDC guidelines; use of sanitizer not a substitute.– Diapering – separate handwashing station required in room where
children in diapers are in care.– Impermeable diaper changing surface. – Bedding and linens must be provided when napping or sleeping.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 13 – Health-related Requirements– Communicable Disease Control – isolation area requirements.– Must have at least one staff person present at all times with current
certification in First Aid & child CPR; includes on field trips.– First aid kit (with minimum materials) present onsite and on field trip.
• Section 14 – Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness– Written emergency preparedness plans, with specified elements.– Emergency evacuation plan in each room; diagram of safe routes.– Monthly practice drills.– Annual Fire inspection by certified fire inspector.– Fire extinguishers within 75 feet of rooms occupied by children; staff
trained in use and operation of fire extinguisher within 30 days.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 15 – Emergency Procedures and Notification– Emergency numbers posted on or near all telephones.– Parents immediately notified in event of serious illness, injury, accident
or emergency involving their child.– Accidents/incidents documented same day they occur.
• Section 16 – Medication • Section 17 – Food and Nutrition
– Food prep, storage, hygiene and handling; dishwashing/sanitation– Breastmilk, infant formula and food (if applicable)– Public/non-public schools may show evidence of completed DOH food
service inspection in lieu of duplicative inspection by DCF/LLA.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 18 – Training Requirements– Preservice: within 90 days of employment; no unsupervised contact with
or care of children prior to completion of preservice training.– 2 paths/options for training:
• 29 hour subset of DCF training courses• 14 hours of specific ELFL courses
– Annual in-service training; 10 hours.– Documentation and education exemptions outlined.
• Section 19 – Record Keeping– Children’s Files, Attendance, Background Screening, Personnel Records.– All records maintained minimum of 15 months.– Attendance records – in accordance with contract.
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
• Section 20 – Access– Must provide custodial parent/legal guardian access to child and
program during business hours (by phone and in-person)
• Section 21 – Child Safety– Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements
• Section 22 – Enforcement– Progressive enforcement pursuant to provider contract– Timeframes for correction(s)– Technical Support Violations– Corrective Action Plans– Probationary Status– Termination of Contract
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Highlights
Overview of Standards
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