All licensed child care providers must meet basic health and safety guidelines approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. There are differences in the requirements for child day care centers, group day care homes, and family day care homes. Below, the guidelines for each are outlined.

If you have a question about these guidelines, or want to report a provider that is not meeting the guidelines you can contact your Regional Child Development Office.

 

Child Day Care Centers and Group Day Care Homes

Ratios- Part of the way that providers can ensure that children are properly cared for are by maintaining proper ratios of children to caregivers. Each provider must maintain these ratios at all times. Below are the ratios for each age group.

                         0-12 months          4:1         3 years - 5 years                   10:1
                       13-24 months          5:1         1st grade - 3rd grade            12:1
                       25-36 months          6:1         4th grade and up                   15:1
  
Staff Requirements- All staff must have a criminal background clearance, child abuse clearance, a health appraisal every year, and the food handlers at the site must have a food prep license.  Each staff member must complete yearly child care training.

Safety Requirements

  • Toys and play equipment must be safe and clean
  • Must have fire extinguishers and a fire evacuation plan with fire drills
  • Child can only be picked up by a parent or a person given written permission by parent
  • Hot water temperature must be at a non-scalding temperature
  • Indoor temperature must be at least 65 degrees.  If temperature is above 85 degrees, there must be fans or air conditioning

Click here for more information about child day care centers and group day care homes!

Family Day Care Homes

Ratios- No more than 6 children unrelated to the provider may be in care at one time.  No more than two of the children may be infants. The provider may care for no more than 5 infants and toddlers at one time.

Staff Requirements- All staff must have a criminal background clearance, child abuse clearance, a health appraisal every two years, and the food handlers at the site must have a food prep license.  Each staff member must complete yearly child care training.

Safety Requirements-

  • Toys and play equipment must be safe and clean
  • Must have fire extinguishers and a fire evacuation plan with fire drills
  • Child can only be picked up by a parent or a person given written permission by parent
  • Hot water temperature must be at a non-scalding temperature
  • Indoor temperature must be at least 65 degrees.  If temperature is above 85 degrees, there must be fans or air conditioning

Click here for more information about family day care homes!

 

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This site is made possible by a grant from the Department of Public Welfare, Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Public Welfare, Estelle B. Richman.
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