5.2 Ratios, Group Size, and Qualifications for CCDF Providers

Lead Agencies must have child care standards for providers receiving CCDF funds, appropriate to the type of child care setting involved, that address appropriate staff:child ratios, group size limits for specific age populations, and the required qualifications for providers. Lead Agencies should map their categories of care to the CCDF categories. Exemptions for relative providers will be addressed in subsection 5.8. 5.2.1 Age classifications Describe how the Lead Agency defines the following age classifications (e.g., Infant: 0 – 18 months). a. Infant. Describe: 0-18 Months b. Toddler. Describe: 18 months- 30 months c. Preschool. Describe: 30 months up to 4 years of age; 4 years of age up to school-age. d. School-Age. Describe: 5 years of age on or before September 1 (or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district pursuant to Code of Alabama 1975 section 16-28-4) of a given year. 5.2.2 Ratio and group size limits Provide the ratio and group size limits for settings and age groups below. a. Licensed CCDF center-based care: i. Infant. Ratio: 1:5 Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. ii. Toddler. Ratio: 1:7 for age 18 months to 30 months; 1:8 for age 24 months to 36 months Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. iii. Preschool. Ratio: 1:11 for age 30 months to 4 years; 1:18 for age 4 years to school- age Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. iv. School-Age. Ratio: 1:21 for school-age up to 8 years; 1:22 for age 8 years and older Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. v. Mixed-Age Groups (if applicable). Ratio: When children of different ages are grouped together (multiple-age grouping), staff-child ratio shall be according to the age of the youngest child in the group if more than 20% of the children are in the youngest age category. If children in the youngest age category make up 20% or less of the group, staff-child ratio shall be according to the next highest age category. Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. b. If different, provide the ratios and group size requirements for the license-exempt center- based providers who receive CCDF funds under the following age groups: i. [ ] Not applicable. There are no differences in ratios and group size requirements. ii. Infant: 1:5 On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non- compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed-exempt center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. iii. Toddler: 1:7 for age 18 months to 30 months; 1:8 for age 24 months to 36 months On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non- compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed-exempt center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. iv. Preschool: 1:11 for age 30 months to 4 years; 1:18 for age 4 years to school-age On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non- compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed-exempt center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. v. School-Age: 1:21 for school-age up to 8 years; 1:22 for age 8 years and older On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non- compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed-exempt center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. vi. Mixed-Age Groups: When children of different ages are grouped together (multiple-age grouping), staff-child ratio shall be according to the age of the youngest child in the group if more than 20% of the children are in the youngest age category. If children in the youngest age category make up 20% or less of the group, staff-child ratio shall be according to the next highest age category. On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non- compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed-exempt center-based providers. Currently, group size is determined by all of the following categories: size of the room, age of the child, and available equipment per room. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. c. Licensed CCDF family child care home providers: i. Infant (if applicable) Ratio: For a Family home there are no more than three (3) infants under twelve (12) months. For Group home there are no more than six (6) children under 12 months. Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed family home providers. Currently, group size is determined for a Family and Group daycare home by the capacity of the rooms used by the children, the zoning requirements and the Fire inspection, number of staff, and amount of equipment. If any of these numbers vary the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. ii. Toddler (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable iii. Preschool (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable iv. School-Age (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable v. Mixed-Age Groups Ratio: The ratio for a family daycare home is 1:6 (there can be no more than three children younger than 12 months with one caregiver) and for a group daycare home the ratio is 2:12 (there can be no more than six children younger than 12 months with two caregivers). Group size: On February 22, 2022, the lead agency received a Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance letter notifying the lead agency that group size limits were non-compliant. The lead agency needs additional time to meet the requirements for group sizes for licensed family home providers. Currently, group size is determined for a Family and Group daycare home by the capacity of the rooms used by the children, the zoning requirements and the Fire inspection, number of staff, and amount of equipment. If any of these numbers vary, the lowest calculated number will determine the group size. The non-compliance is because group size limits are not based on the developmental needs of the children served. d. Are any of the responses above different for license-exempt family child care homes? [ ] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, describe how the ratio and group size requirements for license- exempt providers vary by age of children served. [x] Not applicable. The Lead Agency does not have license-exempt family child care homes. e. Licensed in-home care (care in the child’s own home): i. Infant (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable ii. Toddler (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable iii. Preschool (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable iv. School-Age (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable v. Mixed-Age Groups (if applicable) Ratio: Not Applicable Group size: Not Applicable f. Are any of the responses above different for license-exempt in-home care? [x] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, describe how the ratio and group size requirements for license- exempt in-home care vary by age of children served. 5.2.3 Teacher/caregiver qualifications for licensed, regulated, or registered care Provide the teacher/caregiver qualifications for each category of care. a. Licensed center-based care i. Describe the teacher qualifications for licensed CCDF center-based care (e.g., degrees, credentials, etc.), including any variations based on the ages of children in care: A teacher must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and have 12 hours of required Performance Standards training within 30 days of hire. By the first day of employment, the staff must have completed the 11 required CCDF training hours. In addition, teachers must have the required comprehensive background check every 5 years. The only variation in these training requirements will be for the providers that are not licensed for infants. Providers who are not licensed for children under age 2.5 years are not required to take training involving Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention and the use of safe sleep practices. All providers, no matter the age group they are caring for, only take transportation training when applicable ii. Describe the director qualification for licensed CCDF center-based care, including any variations based on the ages of children in care or the number of staff employed: The center director shall be at least 19 years of age and shall have at least twenty (20) clock hours of training in administration and management, and at least four (4) clock hours of training in quality childcare. In addition, the director shall meet: the minimum education qualifications of a high school diploma or GED, 120 clock hours of training in child care and at least 12 months of experience as a child care worker/teacher or as a director/program director in a licensed day care center or a Department approved setting; or have a CDA and 12 months experience; or have an Associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education and 9 months working experience; or have a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education and 6 months working experience b. Licensed family child care Describe the provider qualifications for licensed family child care homes, including any variations based on the ages of children in care: The caregiver shall have a high school diploma or GED and at least 24 hours of training in childcare and child development prior to initial licensing. For a group home, an assistant caregiver is also needed. The assistant caregiver shall have a high school diploma or GED and at least 12 hours of training within the first 30 days of employment. The caregiver and assistant caregiver must have completed training on the 11 required CCDF training topics. c. Licensed, regulated, or registered in-home care (care in the child’s own home by a non- relative) Describe the provider qualifications for licensed, regulated, or registered in-home care providers (care in the child’s own home) including any variations based on the ages of children in care: Not Applicable 5.2.4 Teacher/caregiver qualifications for license-exempt providers Provide the teacher/provider qualification requirements (for instance, age, high school diploma, specific training, etc.) for the license-exempt providers under the following categories of care: a. License-exempt center-based child care. A teacher must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and have completed the 12 required CCDF training topics and complete training in Child Development. b. License-exempt home-based child care. Not Applicable c. License-exempt in-home care (care in the child’s own home). Unregulated in-home providers in Alabama are considered relative providers. The lead agency exempts them from any requirements other than proof of relatedness. Therefore, teacher/caregiver qualifications are not required.