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: A child under the age of 24 months b. Toddler. Describe: A child 24 months to under 36 months of age c. Preschool. Describe: A child 36 months to under 5 years d. School-Age. Describe: A child five-twelve years of age 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: One adult to six infants, aged less than 24 months. Group size: (IDAPA 16.06.03.101, 16.06.03.300, 16.06.03.360) Each type of child care setting is limited by their provider agreement or daycare license to the total number of children in their care. The ratio point system limits the number of children per provider based on the children's ages, an important developmental consideration when evaluating mixed age child care programs.The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. When monitoring group size, the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provider agreement, daycare license type, occupancy load, and child ratio points are all considered, and the lowest number of children is the most allowed. For example, if a provider requests a center daycare license for 50 children, but the total maximum occupancy load for the facility is set at a maximum of 30 people on site by the local fire marshal, the provider would be limited to the occupancy load of no more than a total of 30 people (adults and children) onsite, and ratio points may further limit the amount of children allowed in the provider's care based on the children's ages. Cities and local municipalities may elect to administer more stringent group size requirements. The maximum occupancy load for a child care facility is required to be determined prior to the issuance of a daycare license. Occupant loads are determined by the local fire official according to the current Idaho Fire Code, which is based on the International Fire Code. (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) Currently, Idaho does not limit group sizes based on children’s age groups. This was an identified noncompliance in the April 4, 2023 Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance. IDHW needs additional time to develop policies and processes to address group sizes without hindering the important program flexibilities that our mixed-age childcare providers rely on. IDHW will request technical assistance regarding the implementation of this requirement. ii. Toddler. Ratio: One adult to eight toddlers, aged 24 months to under 36 months Group size: (IDAPA 16.06.03.101, 16.06.03.300, 16.06.03.360) Each type of child care setting is limited by their provider agreement or daycare license to the total number of children in their care. The ratio point system limits the number of children per provider based on the children's ages, an important developmental consideration when evaluating mixed age child care programs.The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. When monitoring group size, the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provider agreement, daycare license type, occupancy load, and child ratio points are all considered, and the lowest number of children is the most allowed. For example, if a provider requests a center daycare license for 50 children, but the total maximum occupancy load for the facility is set at a maximum of 30 people on site by the local fire marshal, the provider would be limited to the occupancy load of no more than a total of 30 people (adults and children) onsite, and ratio points may further limit the amount of children allowed in the provider's care based on the children's ages. Cities and local municipalities may elect to administer more stringent group size requirements. The maximum occupancy load for a child care facility is required to be determined prior to the issuance of a daycare license. Occupant loads are determined by the local fire official according to the current Idaho Fire Code, which is based on the International Fire Code. (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) Currently, Idaho does not limit group sizes based on children’s age groups. This was an identified noncompliance in the April 4, 2023 Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance. IDHW needs additional time to develop policies and processes to address group sizes without hindering the important program flexibilities that our mixed-age childcare providers rely on. IDHW will request technical assistance regarding the implementation of this requirement. iii. Preschool. Ratio: One adult to twelve preschoolers, aged 36 months to less than 5 years Group size: (IDAPA 16.06.03.101, 16.06.03.300, 16.06.03.360) Each type of child care setting is limited by their provider agreement or daycare license to the total number of children in their care. The ratio point system limits the number of children per provider based on the children's ages, an important developmental consideration when evaluating mixed age child care programs.The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. When monitoring group size, the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provider agreement, daycare license type, occupancy load, and child ratio points are all considered, and the lowest number of children is the most allowed. For example, if a provider requests a center daycare license for 50 children, but the total maximum occupancy load for the facility is set at a maximum of 30 people on site by the local fire marshal, the provider would be limited to the occupancy load of no more than a total of 30 people (adults and children) onsite, and ratio points may further limit the amount of children allowed in the provider's care based on the children's ages. Cities and local municipalities may elect to administer more stringent group size requirements. The maximum occupancy load for a child care facility is required to be determined prior to the issuance of a daycare license. Occupant loads are determined by the local fire official according to the current Idaho Fire Code, which is based on the International Fire Code. (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) Currently, Idaho does not limit group sizes based on children’s age groups. This was an identified noncompliance in the April 4, 2023 Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance. IDHW needs additional time to develop policies and processes to address group sizes without hindering the important program flexibilities that our mixed-age childcare providers rely on. IDHW will request technical assistance regarding the implementation of this requirement. iv. School-Age. Ratio: One adult to 24 school age children, aged 5 years to under 13 years Group size: (IDAPA 16.06.03.101, 16.06.03.300, 16.06.03.360) Each type of child care setting is limited by their provider agreement or daycare license to the total number of children in their care. The ratio point system limits the number of children per provider based on the children's ages, an important developmental consideration when evaluating mixed age child care programs.The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. When monitoring group size, the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provider agreement, daycare license type, occupancy load, and child ratio points are all considered, and the lowest number of children is the most allowed. For example, if a provider requests a center daycare license for 50 children, but the total maximum occupancy load for the facility is set at a maximum of 30 people on site by the local fire marshal, the provider would be limited to the occupancy load of no more than a total of 30 people (adults and children) onsite, and ratio points may further limit the amount of children allowed in the provider's care based on the children's ages. Cities and local municipalities may elect to administer more stringent group size requirements. The maximum occupancy load for a child care facility is required to be determined prior to the issuance of a daycare license. Occupant loads are determined by the local fire official according to the current Idaho Fire Code, which is based on the International Fire Code. (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) Currently, Idaho does not limit group sizes based on children’s age groups. This was an identified noncompliance in the April 4, 2023 Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance. IDHW needs additional time to develop policies and processes to address group sizes without hindering the important program flexibilities that our mixed-age childcare providers rely on. IDHW will request technical assistance regarding the implementation of this requirement. v. Mixed-Age Groups (if applicable). Ratio: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: (IDAPA 16.06.03.101, 16.06.03.300, 16.06.03.360) Each type of child care setting is limited by their provider agreement or daycare license to the total number of children in their care. The ratio point system limits the number of children per provider based on the children's ages, an important developmental consideration when evaluating mixed age child care programs.The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. When monitoring group size, the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provider agreement, daycare license type, occupancy load, and child ratio points are all considered, and the lowest number of children is the most allowed. For example, if a provider requests a center daycare license for 50 children, but the total maximum occupancy load for the facility is set at a maximum of 30 people on site by the local fire marshal, the provider would be limited to the occupancy load of no more than a total of 30 people (adults and children) onsite, and ratio points may further limit the amount of children allowed in the provider's care based on the children's ages. Cities and local municipalities may elect to administer more stringent group size requirements. The maximum occupancy load for a child care facility is required to be determined prior to the issuance of a daycare license. Occupant loads are determined by the local fire official according to the current Idaho Fire Code, which is based on the International Fire Code. (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) Currently, Idaho does not limit group sizes based on children’s age groups. This was an identified noncompliance in the April 4, 2023 Preliminary Notice of Possible Non-Compliance. IDHW needs additional time to develop policies and processes to address group sizes without hindering the important program flexibilities that our mixed-age childcare providers rely on. IDHW will request technical assistance regarding the implementation of this requirement. 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: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: Six children (See IDAPA 16.06.12.101.03 "Family child care is for six (6) or fewer children.") ii. Toddler (if applicable) Ratio: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: Six children (See IDAPA 16.06.12.101.03 "Family child care is for six (6) or fewer children.") iii. Preschool (if applicable) Ratio: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: Six children (See IDAPA 16.06.12.101.03 "Family child care is for six (6) or fewer children.") iv. School-Age (if applicable) Ratio: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: Six children (See IDAPA 16.06.12.101.03 "Family child care is for six (6) or fewer children.") v. Mixed-Age Groups Ratio: Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39-1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12-point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. Group size: Six children (See IDAPA 16.06.12.101.03 "Family child care is for six (6) or fewer children.") d. Are any of the responses above different for license-exempt family child care homes? [x] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, describe how the ratio and group size requirements for license- exempt providers vary by age of children served. [ ] 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: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. Group size: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. ii. Toddler (if applicable) Ratio: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. Group size: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. iii. Preschool (if applicable) Ratio: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. Group size: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. iv. School-Age (if applicable) Ratio: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. Group size: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. v. Mixed-Age Groups (if applicable) Ratio: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. Group size: Idaho does not license in-home care in the child's home. f. Are any of the responses above different for license-exempt in-home care? [ ] No. [x] Yes. If yes, describe how the ratio and group size requirements for license- exempt in-home care vary by age of children served. Mixed Age Group Ratio - (39- 1109, Idaho Code), The maximum allowable child-to-staff ratio is based on a 12- point-per-staff member using the following point system: 1. Each child in attendance under the age of 24 months equals two points 2. Each child in attendance from 24 months to under 36 months of age equals one and one-half (1-1/2) points 3. Each child in attendance from 36 months to under five years of age equals one point 4. Each child in attendance from five to under thirteen years of age equals one-half (1/2) point. Each child in attendance shall be counted by the department for purposes of calculating maximum allowable points, counting the number of children in attendance and for determining compliance with child-to-staff ratios. 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: (16.06.03.200, 16.06.12) Lead and Assistant Teachers: 1. All Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care providers offering services must be 18 years old or older 2. Persons 16 or 17 years old may provide child care if they have direct, on-site supervision from a licensed child care provider who is at least 18 years old 3. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Employees, Volunteers, and Other Individuals: 1. All employees, volunteers, and individuals aged 13 or older who have direct contact with or provide care to children eligible for ICCP benefits must successfully receive clearance from a comprehensive criminal history and background check 2. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Owner/Operator: 1. For licensed providers, each owner or operator of a daycare center licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DWH) must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes four hours of on-going training every 12 months after the staff member's date of hire. For ICCP subsidy participating providers, each staff member who provides child care receives and completes twelve (12) hours of ongoing training every twelve (12) months after the staff member's date of hire. 2. Required trainings must be related to continuing education in child development ,does not include their pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid training, and must be documented and maintained in each staff member's record 3. Each owner or operator of a daycare center, group daycare facility, or family daycare home voluntarily licensed by DHW must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes Pediatric Rescue Breathing, Infant-Child CPR, and Pediatric First Aid Treatment certification from a certified instructor. 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: (16.06.03.200) No specific qualifications are required of directors. Each owner or operator of a daycare center licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes four hours of on-going training every 12 months after the staff member's date of hire. Required trainings must be related to continuing education in child development, does not include their pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid training, and must be documented and maintained in each staff member's record. Additionally, each owner or operator of a daycare center, group daycare facility, or family daycare home voluntarily licensed by DHW must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes Pediatric Rescue Breathing, Infant-Child CPR, and Pediatric First Aid Treatment certification from a certified instructor. 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: (16.06.03) Lead and assistant teachers: 1. All Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care providers offering services must be 18 years old or older 2. Persons 16 or 17 years old may provide child care if they have direct, on-site supervision from a licensed child care provider who is at least 18 years old 3. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Employees, Volunteers, and Other Individuals: 1. All employees, volunteers, and individuals aged 13 or older who have direct contact with or provide care to children eligible for ICCP benefits must successfully receive clearance from a comprehensive criminal history and background check 2. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Owner/Operator: 1. For licensed providers, each owner or operator of a daycare center licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DWH) must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes four hours of on-going training every 12 months after the staff member's date of hire. For ICCP subsidy participating providers, each staff member who provides child care receives and completes twelve (12) hours of ongoing training every twelve (12) months after the staff member's date of hire. 2. Required trainings must be related to continuing education in child development ,does not include their pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid training, and must be documented and maintained in each staff member's record 3. Each owner or operator of a daycare center, group daycare facility, or family daycare home voluntarily licensed by DHW must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes Pediatric Rescue Breathing, Infant-Child CPR, and Pediatric First Aid Treatment certification from a certified instructor. 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: 1. All Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care providers offering services must be 18 years old or older 2. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care 3. All employees, volunteers, and individuals aged 13 or older who have direct contact with or provide care to children eligible for ICCP benefits must successfully receive clearance from a comprehensive criminal history and background check 4. Each owner or operator of a daycare center, group daycare facility, or family daycare home voluntarily licensed by DHW must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes Pediatric Rescue Breathing, Infant-Child CPR, and Pediatric First Aid Treatment certification from a certified instructor. 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. Idaho does not have license-exempt center- based child care (16.06.03.101.03). b. License-exempt home-based child care. (16.06.03.200, 16.06.12) Lead and Assistant Teachers: 1. All Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care providers offering services must be 18 years old or older 2. Persons 16 or 17 years old may provide child care if they have direct, on-site supervision from a licensed child care provider who is at least 18 years old 3. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Employees, Volunteers, and Other Individuals: 1. All employees, volunteers, and individuals aged 13 or older who have direct contact with or provide care to children eligible for ICCP benefits must successfully receive clearance from a comprehensive criminal history and background check 2. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care Owner/Operator: 1. For licensed providers, each owner or operator of a daycare center licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DWH) must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes four hours of on-going training every 12 months after the staff member's date of hire. For ICCP subsidy participating providers, each staff member who provides child care receives and completes twelve (12) hours of ongoing training every twelve (12) months after the staff member's date of hire. 2. Required trainings must be related to continuing education in child development ,does not include their pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid training, and must be documented and maintained in each staff member's record 3. Each owner or operator of a daycare center, group daycare facility, or family daycare home voluntarily licensed by DHW must receive and ensure that each staff member receives and completes Pediatric Rescue Breathing, Infant-Child CPR, and Pediatric First Aid Treatment certification from a certified instructor. c. License-exempt in-home care (care in the child’s own home). Teacher/Caregiver Qualifications: 1. All Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) child care providers offering services must be 18 years old or older 2. Each provider must certify that they do not have a communicable disease or any physical or psychological condition that might pose a threat to the safety of a child in their care 3. All employees, volunteers, and individuals aged 13 or older who have direct contact with or provide care to children eligible for ICCP benefits must successfully receive clearance from a comprehensive criminal history and background check