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space occupied by cribs, cots or built in cabinets. Group size cannot exceed the center's capacity, which is determined by this square footage requirement. The State Fire Marshal or delegated authority determines the amount of space that can be used to determine capacity of the provider, and group size cannot exceed this determination. The program must have one operable toilet and one operable sink per 15 children, and group size of any age group cannot exceed this requirement.

-- Teacher/caregiver qualifications: Teacher: Must be at least 18 years of age and meet one of the following: Bachelor's or Associate's degree in early childhood, education or child/youth development; have a CDA credential; or high school diploma and 1500 verified clock hours of experience in organized group settings for children or a plan to acquire at least 3 credit hours or 45 clock hours of training in early childhood.All support staff must be at least 16 years of age; all rooms providing care for children must always have a person who meets teacher qualifications.

5. If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply to exempt centers Nebraska does not exempt child care centers.

6. Describe, if applicable, ratios, group sizes, and qualifications for classrooms with mixed age groups. Nebraska does not have adjusted regulations for mixed age groups in child care centers.

7. Describe the director qualifications for licensed CCDF center-based care, including any variations based on the ages of children in care. Directors must be at least 19 years of age and meet one of the following: Bachelor's or Associate's degree in an early childhood field or Bachelor's degree in any area with at least 6 credit hours in early childhood; CDA credential; or a high school diploma and 3000 clock hours of verifiable experience AND have successful completed six credit hours or 36 clock hours in the field of early childhood or a written DHHS approved plan to acquire at least 6 credit hours or 36 clock hours. These trainings must be done within 12 months.

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