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?