loading…
loading…
loading…
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: Infant means a child less than 12 months old. b. Toddler. Describe: Toddler means a child at least 12 months old and less than 36 months old. c. Preschool. Describe: Preschool-age child means a child age three through five who is not yet attending kindergarten or a higher grade. If a child is older than age five and is not yet attending kindergarten or a higher grade, OCCL considers that child in the preschool- age group. d. School-Age. Describe: School-age child means a child who attends or has attended kindergarten or a higher grade. 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: 1:4 Group size: 8 ii. Toddler. Ratio: 1 year 1:6; 2 year 1:8 Group size: 3 years 20; 4 years 24 iii. Preschool. Ratio: 3 years 1:10; 4 years 1:12 Group size: 3 years 20; 4 years 24 iv. School-Age. Ratio: 1:15 Group size: 30 v. Mixed-Age Groups (if applicable). Ratio: Regulation 27 27. Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision A. A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children is provided at all times. This supervision occurs through the assignment of qualified staff members who are physically present and working with children. The licensee shall maintain the minimum staff-to-child ratio, except as stated in subsection 27.E, and maximum group size for each age group as listed in the table below: Age of Child Minimum Staff-to-child Ratio Maximum Group Size Infant Under 12 months 1:4 8 Young toddler (1 year old) 12 through 23 months 1:6 12 Older toddler (2 year old) 24 through 35 months 1:8 16 Young preschool child (3 year old) 36 through 47 months 1:10 20 Older preschool child (4 year old) 48 months or older and not yet attending kindergarten or higher 1:12 24 School-age child Attending kindergarten or higher 1:151 30 1 A licensee may apply for a variance from the minimum staff-to-child ratio to a staff-to-child ratio of 1:20 when a currently certified State of Delaware teacher is teaching school-age children in the teacher’s area of certification. The licensee shall have and follow a plan to comply with the staff-to child ratio of 1:15 when a certified teacher as described above is not present (such as during planned or unplanned absences, before and after care, etc.). A copy of the teacher’s current certification and the licensee’s plan for a teacher’s absence must be submitted to OCCL with the Variance Request form. No variance from the maximum group size of 30 will be granted. B. A licensee shall maintain the staff-to-child ratio for infants at all times. A staff member shall be assigned to care for specific infants and toddlers within the staff member’s group. C. For mixed age groups, the staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements are for the age of the youngest child present. D. While maintaining staff-to-child ratio, maximum group size may be exceeded when 12 or fewer children are present in the center. E. During nap times when children one year and older are sleeping, a licensee shall ensure at least half of the required staff members are present and directly observing the children. 1. A staff member may not sit between multiple classrooms or areas and monitor groups of napping children. 2. Maximum group size may not be exceeded. 39 F. A licensee shall ensure a staff member who is qualified as at least an early childhood teacher is present at all times during the hours of operation. A licensee shall have at least two staff present when seven or more children one year and older are present. The licensee shall have and follow emergency procedures providing immediate access to emergency services and an additional staff when only one staff member is present with children. G. A licensee shall ensure infants and toddlers are cared for in rooms and outdoor play areas suitable for these age groups separate from older children except in the following situations: Infants and Toddlers Can be Cared for with Older Children in the Following Situations: • When 12 or fewer children in total are present, provided that no more than nine of the 12 children are school-age; • During the first 90 minutes and last 90 minutes of the hours of operation, provided that no more than nine school-age children are present in one area; • When toddlers turn three years old and remain with their classes until new classrooms are assigned; or • During special events or occasions. H. A licensee shall ensure when 10 or more school-age children are present, the school-age children are cared for in an area physically separated from younger children. Group size: Regulation 27 27. Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision A. A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children is provided at all times. This supervision occurs through the assignment of qualified staff members who are physically present and working with children. The licensee shall maintain the minimum staff-to-child ratio, except as stated in subsection 27.E, and maximum group size for each age group as listed in the table below: Age of Child Minimum Staff-to-child Ratio Maximum Group Size Infant Under 12 months 1:4 8 Young toddler (1 year old) 12 through 23 months 1:6 12 Older toddler (2 year old) 24 through 35 months 1:8 16 Young preschool child (3 year old) 36 through 47 months 1:10 20 Older preschool child (4 year old) 48 months or older and not yet attending kindergarten or higher 1:12 24 School-age child Attending kindergarten or higher 1:151 30 1 A licensee may apply for a variance from the minimum staff-to-child ratio to a staff-to-child ratio of 1:20 when a currently certified State of Delaware teacher is teaching school-age children in the teacher’s area of certification. The licensee shall have and follow a plan to comply with the staff-to child ratio of 1:15 when a certified teacher as described above is not present (such as during planned or unplanned absences, before and after care, etc.). A copy of the teacher’s current certification and the licensee’s plan for a teacher’s absence must be submitted to OCCL with the Variance Request form. No variance from the maximum group size of 30 will be granted. B. A licensee shall maintain the staff-to-child ratio for infants at all times. A staff member shall be assigned to care for specific infants and toddlers within the staff member’s group. C. For mixed age groups, the staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements are for the age of the youngest child present. D. While maintaining staff-to-child ratio, maximum group size may be exceeded when 12 or fewer children are present in the center. E. During nap times when children one year and older are sleeping, a licensee shall ensure at least half of the required staff members are present and directly observing the children. 1. A staff member may not sit between multiple classrooms or areas and monitor groups of napping children. 2. Maximum group size may not be exceeded. 39 F. A licensee shall ensure a staff member who is qualified as at least an early childhood teacher is present at all times during the hours of operation. A licensee shall have at least two staff present when seven or more children one year and older are present. The licensee shall have and follow emergency procedures providing immediate access to emergency services and an additional staff when only one staff member is present with children. G. A licensee shall ensure infants and toddlers are cared for in rooms and outdoor play areas suitable for these age groups separate from older children except in the following situations: Infants and Toddlers Can be Cared for with Older Children in the Following Situations: • When 12 or fewer children in total are present, provided that no more than nine of the 12 children are school-age; • During the first 90 minutes and last 90 minutes of the hours of operation, provided that no more than nine school-age children are present in one area; • When toddlers turn three years old and remain with their classes until new classrooms are assigned; or • During special events or occasions. H. A licensee shall ensure when 10 or more school-age children are present, the school-age children are cared for in an area physically separated from younger children. 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. [x] Not applicable. There are no differences in ratios and group size requirements. ii. Infant: iii. Toddler: iv. Preschool: v. School-Age: vi. Mixed-Age Groups: c. Licensed CCDF family child care home providers: i. Infant (if applicable) Ratio: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). In a level 1 or level II family child care home no more than 2 infants with one provider and no more than 4 infants in a large family child care home with one provider. Group size: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). They may be mixed with older children. A Level I family child care may have 5 or 6 children. A Level II family child care home may have 9 children. A large family child care home may have 12 children. Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. ii. Toddler (if applicable) Ratio: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A level I family child care provider (FCCH) may choose to have 3 under two years of age, however they can only care for a maximum of five children. A level II FCCH may have no more than 4 under 24 months with one staff. A LFCCH may have no more than 4 under 24 months with one staff and no more than 6 under 24 months with two staff. Group size: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A Level I family child care may have 5 or 6 children. A Level II family child care home may have 9 children. A large family child care home may have 12 children. Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. iii. Preschool (if applicable) Ratio: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A level 1 FCCH may have 6 preschool-age children to one provider, A level II family provider may have 6 preschool-age and 3 school-age children to one provider. A large family may have 6 preschool-age with one provider and 12 with two staff. Group size: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A Level I family child care may have 5 or 6 children. A Level II family child care home may have 9 children. A large family child care home may have 12 children. Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. iv. School-Age (if applicable) Ratio: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A level 1 FCCH may have 6 school-age children to one provider, A level II family provider may have 9 school-age to one provider. A large family may have 9 school- age kids with one provider and 12 with two staff. Group size: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). A Level I family child care may have 6 children. A Level II family child care home may have 9 children. A large family child care home may have 12 children. Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. v. Mixed-Age Groups Ratio: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Group size: Delaware received a preliminary notice of non compliance for this on (1/10/23). Family Providers A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. B. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 1. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. C. A Level I family home is licensed to provide child care for up to four children preschool-age or younger and for up to two additional school-age children that do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the six children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than six children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Another option for a Level I family home is to provide child care for up to five children preschool-age and younger and no additional school-age children that do not live in the family home; 2. No more than two of the five children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than three of the five children may be under the age of 24 months. A Level II family home is licensed to provide child care for up to six children preschool-age or younger and for up to three additional school-age children 62 who do not live in the family home and attend only before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 3. No more than two of the nine children may be under the age of 12 months; and No more than four of the nine children may be under the age of 24 months; and No more than nine children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. Large Family Providers A licensee shall ensure a large family provider or large family assistant in accordance with subsection 67.C may alone care for six children preschool-age or younger and three additional school-age children who do not live in the large family home and attend only for before school, after school, during school holidays, and during school vacation; 1. No more than two of the nine children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than four of the nine children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than nine children may be present at any time. School- age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and large family assistant or large family aide are present when there are seven or more preschool-age or younger children present. 1. No more than four of the 12 children are under the age of 12 months; and 2. No more than six of the 12 children are under the age of 24 months; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. A licensee shall ensure a large family provider and two additional staff members are present when: 1. Five or six children 12 months or younger are present; no more than six children under the age of 12 months may be present at any time; or 2. Seven or more children under the age of 24 months are present; and 3. No more than 12 children may be present at any time. School-age children may fill preschool-age or younger children's spaces. 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: Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers Regulation 24H starting on page 31 is a chart that shows how a licensee must ensure an early childhood teacher is at least 18 years old and meets one of multiple education and experience pathways to be qualified as a teacher. This chart visual is really the best way to explain it, and we are happy to provide another type of document since it is not working in CARS. https://education.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DELACARE- Regulations-for-Early-Care-and-Education-and-School-Age-Centers-22.pdf 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: Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers Regulation 24E starting on page 29 is a chart that shows how a licensee must ensure an early childhood administrator is at least 21 years old and meets one of multiple education and experience pathways to be qualified as an administrator. This chart visual is really the best way to explain it, and we are happy to provide another type of document since it is not working in CARS. https://education.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DELACARE- Regulations-for-Early-Care-and-Education-and-School-Age-Centers-22.pdf 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: Family and Large Family Child Care Homes Regulation 55 & 66 55. Qualifications A. A licensee shall submit copies of training certificates, transcripts, and diplomas to OCCL as proof of meeting the qualifications for a particular level. B. For programs licensed after January 1, 2009, a family provider shall be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify as a Level I family home. C. A licensee shall request approval from OCCL to move from a Level I to a Level II family home. A licensee may not operate a Level II family home until receiving written approval from OCCL. D. A family provider shall have the following experience to qualify as a Level II: Experience Qualifications for Level II: • Twenty-four months of experience working with children in a group; or • Three months of supervised student teaching; or • Twenty-four months of providing child care as a licensed Level I family home with no substantiated complaints for serious health and safety violations, or substantial non-compliance. E. A family provider shall be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, and successfully complete of one the following to qualify as a Level II: Education Qualifications for Level II: • Sixty-clock-hours of training with at least three-clock-hours in each of the following areas: child development; developmental curriculum planning or environment and curriculum; observation and assessment; positive behavior supports or social-emotional development; health, safety, physical activity, and nutrition; family and community; professionalism; and management and administration related to running a child care; or • Three college or university credits from a regionally approved college or university in courses related to any of the following areas: child development; developmental curriculum planning or environment and curriculum; observation and assessment; positive behavior supports or social-emotional development; health, safety, physical activity, and nutrition; family and community; professionalism; and management and administration related to running a child care; or • Qualified as at least an early childhood assistant teacher as per DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers (2022). 66. Qualifications A. A licensee and each staff member shall submit copies of training certificates, transcripts, and diplomas to OCCL as proof of meeting the qualifications of a particular position. B. The owner (now licensee), caregiver (now large family provider), or associate caregiver (now large family assistant) of a large family home that was licensed before January 1, 2009, may continue to qualify for the former positions as stated in DELACARE: Requirements for Large Family Child Care Homes (1994) only if remaining at the same large family home. Staff members hired after January 1, 2009, are required to meet the qualifications of these regulations for those positions. C. A licensee shall be considered a staff member if present at the large family home during the hours of operation for seven or more hours per week. A licensee is required to follow all regulations regarding a staff member. D. A licensee shall serve as or hire a person to serve as the large family provider at the large family home. A licensee shall ensure the large family provider is at least 21 years old, has 24 months of experience working with children in a group, has a high school diploma or its equivalent, and has successfully completed one of the following: Education Requirements for Large Family Provider: • Training for Early Care and Education 1 and 2 or equivalent training as recognized by OCCL, such as within the Council for Professional Recognition’s CDA Gold StandardSM Comprehensive certification; • A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) that is kept valid or current; • Delaware Department of Labor's Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program; • A high school diploma from a vocational-technical high school's three-year program in early childhood education accepted by the Department; • Nine college or university credits, including three in early childhood education, three in child development, and three in positive behavior management; • One-year early childhood diploma program from a two-year college; • An Associate degree from an accredited college or university and six college or university credits of child development or early childhood education; or • Qualified as at least an early childhood teacher as per DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers (2022). E. A licensee shall ensure the large family assistant is at least 18 years old, has six months of experience working with children in a group, has a high school diploma or its equivalent, and has successfully completed one of the following: Education Requirements for Large Family Assistant: • Sixty-clock-hours of training with a minimum of three-clock-hours in each of the following areas: child development; developmental curriculum planning or environment and curriculum; observation and assessment; positive behavior supports or social-emotional development; health, safety, physical activity, and nutrition; family and community; and professionalism; or • Three college or university credits from a regionally accredited college or university in courses related to any of the following areas: child development; developmental curriculum planning or environment and curriculum; observation and assessment; positive behavior supports or social-emotional development; health, safety, physical activity, and nutrition; family and community; professionalism, disability non-discrimination, accommodations, or modifications; and management and administration related to operating a child care facility; or • Qualified as at least an early childhood assistant teacher as per DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers (2022). F. A licensee shall ensure that the large family aide is at least 18 years old and has a high school diploma or its equivalent. Unless trained in the orientation topics, administration of medication, and CPR and first aid, the large family aide shall remain under the direct supervision of the large family provider, large family assistant, or substitute at all times. G. A licensee shall ensure an adult or volunteer is always under the supervision of the large family provider and direct supervision of at least the large family assistant. 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: Delaware does not license, regulate, or register in-home care (care in the child’s own home by a non-relative). Relative Care providers are the only exempt category that can provide care in the child’s own home, and that is care offered by a relative only. They are required to participate in 28 hours of training and 3 hours of refresher training annually. 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. Not Applicable to the Office of Child Care Licensing. b. License-exempt home-based child care. Not Applicable to the Office of Child Care Licensing. c. License-exempt in-home care (care in the child’s own home). Not Applicable to the Office of Child Care Licensing.