Licensing Rules: Where Does Your State Fall?

[drseuss]

In reading a few of the discussions on this board, it is clear that licensing rules vary a lot across the country.

I am curious to know how other providers feel that their state licensing regulations fall, relatively, on a scale from loose to stringent. Are there states that are known for loose or stringent regulations?

My state (WI) seems to be more stringent, but I'm not sure where we fall in the grand scheme of things. In one of the discussions here, a few weeks ago, someone had mentioned that the federal government is trying to phase out family child care, and the more I think about it, the more I tend to believe it. I would not be surprised to find out that was the plan, at least. By driving all the licensed providers clinically insane with red tape they will achieve the goal. Some of the things they ask for, I'm not sure how they can even ask with a straight face. A bird flew over the patio and pooped on it! Non-compliance statement and plan of action needed ASAP! Just a little sarcasm there...

I am a big rule follower. I could rattle off the statutes on any topic you asked me to. But I do feel a lot of frustration, because I am so busy following all the rules to the letter, that I don't feel like I get to spend as much time doing what I really want to do with the children. Just so much micromanaging to do. I miss the days when we could dot the i and cross the t once instead of three times just to be sure. It would be nice to have an assistant, but financially it is just not feasible. I might as well not work at all.

Do any of you happen to have a daily/weekly/monthly checklist-type system that you use to streamline your days to ensure you are covering all of the rules?

[Blackcat31]

Are you looking for this type of info?

Ranking of State Standards and Oversight of Small Family Child Care Homes

"Child Care Aware® of America assessed state policies for small family child care homes, where up to six children are cared for in the home of the provider for compensation.

The maximum number of points a state could receive is 150.

Sixteen states scored zero.

Of the states that scored points, the average score was 69, which equates to 46 percent - a failing grade in any classroom.

Family child care in the United States is characterized by weak state inspection standards, incomplete background checks, weak training requirements, weak early learning standards and weak basic health and safety standards."

Here is the link so you can read the full report yourself.
There is also a complete state ranking so you can see where each state falls. There is also an individual page for each state listing the areas they scored high in and the areas that are in need of repair or better assessment.

http://www.naccrra.org/about-child-care/state-child-care-licensing/2012-leaving-children-to-chance-child-care-homes

This is a subject that interests me greatly so any other info you are in need of, just let me know...I might already have it collected and saved.

HTH

[drseuss]

Wow, that is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for! Thank you!

[Blackcat31]

Wow, that is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for! Thank you!

You are welcome!

My state (MN) sends out reports for ALL licensed facilities that receive correction orders or licensing violations and/or negative action orders.

I read daily the number of providers who violate the same rule over and over and there is often little or no recourse. ALL of which makes me sick.

For example, this week alone I've read about 14 different providers/centers that were cited (and some fined) for violation of safe sleep practices. The biggest fine is $100 REGARDLESS it seems of whether it's the 1st or 15th time the provider has been cited before.

It makes me mad to see that so many states have failed in this capacity as well as in meeting the requirements they themselves put in place.

[Annalee]

You are welcome!

My state (MN) sends out reports for ALL licensed facilities that receive correction orders or licensing violations and/or negative action orders.

I read daily the number of providers who violate the same rule over and over and there is often little or no recourse. ALL of which makes me sick.

For example, this week alone I've read about 14 different providers/centers that were cited (and some fined) for violation of safe sleep practices. The biggest fine is $100 REGARDLESS it seems of whether it's the 1st or 15th time the provider has been cited before.

It makes me mad to see that so many states have failed in this capacity as well as in meeting the requirements they themselves put in place.

Thanks BC for the website with the info you listed in previous post. I have viewed much documentation of FCC but not this. In my state the violations are not listed yet, but providers received word they plan to be in the near future. The problem I see with the whole STATE system is inconsistencies between program evaluators along with other organization like CCR&R, QRIS due to inconsistencies. Many providers absolutely DO NOT know what is expected from them. I noticed on the site you listed for my state there should be materials from 8 domains of learning for children.....THIS IS NOT HAPPENING HERE so who is responsible? This is just one listed item but there are other requirements on there that licensing nor anyone else touches. It depends on what side of the bed they got up on...if they like the provider or not.....if they want to take the trouble to write-them-up. It is frustrating! Another shame is, many providers just go underground and keep the same amount of kids I do...not taxes, not bs license, etc. The SYSTEM is MESSED UP to say it nicely!!!!!:confused:

[Blackcat31]

Thanks BC for the website with the info you listed in previous post. I have viewed much documentation of FCC but not this. In my state the violations are not listed yet, but providers received word they plan to be in the near future. The problem I see with the whole STATE system is inconsistencies between program evaluators along with other organization like CCR&R, QRIS due to inconsistencies. Many providers absolutely DO NOT know what is expected from them. I noticed on the site you listed for my state there should be materials from 8 domains of learning for children.....THIS IS NOT HAPPENING HERE so who is responsible? This is just one listed item but there are other requirements on there that licensing nor anyone else touches. It depends on what side of the bed they got up on...if they like the provider or not.....if they want to take the trouble to write-them-up. It is frustrating! Another shame is, many providers just go underground and keep the same amount of kids I do...not taxes, not bs license, etc. The SYSTEM is MESSED UP to say it nicely!!!!!:confused:

Yes, there really needs to be a better system of checks and balances.

[Heidi]

You are welcome!

My state (MN) sends out reports for ALL licensed facilities that receive correction orders or licensing violations and/or negative action orders.

I read daily the number of providers who violate the same rule over and over and there is often little or no recourse. ALL of which makes me sick.

For example, this week alone I've read about 14 different providers/centers that were cited (and some fined) for violation of safe sleep practices. The biggest fine is $100 REGARDLESS it seems of whether it's the 1st or 15th time the provider has been cited before.

It makes me mad to see that so many states have failed in this capacity as well as in meeting the requirements they themselves put in place.

so...another example of why I hate "quality improvement initiatives" which, to my knowledge CHILDCARE AWARE pushed in the first place. They don't enforce the regulations already in place nearly enough, but add MORE "suggestions" instead. I just DO NOT GET IT!

[Annalee]

so...another example of why I hate "quality improvement initiatives" which, to my knowledge CHILDCARE AWARE pushed in the first place. They don't enforce the regulations already in place nearly enough, but add MORE "suggestions" instead. I just DO NOT GET IT!

AMEN, AMEN and AMEN!!!!!!

[Heidi]

Thanks BC for the website with the info you listed in previous post. I have viewed much documentation of FCC but not this. In my state the violations are not listed yet, but providers received word they plan to be in the near future. The problem I see with the whole STATE system is inconsistencies between program evaluators along with other organization like CCR&R, QRIS due to inconsistencies. Many providers absolutely DO NOT know what is expected from them. I noticed on the site you listed for my state there should be materials from 8 domains of learning for children.....THIS IS NOT HAPPENING HERE so who is responsible? This is just one listed item but there are other requirements on there that licensing nor anyone else touches. It depends on what side of the bed they got up on...if they like the provider or not.....if they want to take the trouble to write-them-up. It is frustrating! Another shame is, many providers just go underground and keep the same amount of kids I do...not taxes, not bs license, etc. The SYSTEM is MESSED UP to say it nicely!!!!!:confused:

In WI, it's probably more consistent than most. In fact, the licensers have been told to make NO exceptions, ever. They really can't look the other way, even for minor issues taken care of in their presence. For instance, if an outlet plug is out, but laying right there (maybe provider has school agers who forget). Even if the provider notices it and fixes it right away, the licenser must cite.

Honestly, I don't care that much, because our state's website lists the citation, but also the details and the provider's correction plan. So, at least if parents look, they can see how minor (or not) the violation is.

[Annalee]

In WI, it's probably more consistent than most. In fact, the licensers have been told to make NO exceptions, ever. They really can't look the other way, even for minor issues taken care of in their presence. For instance, if an outlet plug is out, but laying right there (maybe provider has school agers who forget). Even if the provider notices it and fixes it right away, the licenser must cite.

Honestly, I don't care that much, because our state's website lists the citation, but also the details and the provider's correction plan. So, at least if parents look, they can see how minor (or not) the violation is.

Licensing was told "no exceptions" here too but it still seems they pick and choose....... :confused:

[NoMoreJuice!]

Ks

I've owned a licensed daycare in two different counties in KS, and I've found that not only do regulations vary greatly from state to state, but the state regulations' interpretations by the surveyors vary greatly from county to county! I don't think any of KS regs are unnecessary, and I don't find them to be unreasonably hard to follow. They're pretty tough on not spreading germs: washing hands when kids arrive in the morning, before/after every meal, after every toileting/diaper changing, after being outside, and after handling pets... so about 20 times a day. But the surveyors really make the difference. I used to have one that was a NAZI and I swear made up her own rules...I would have to call Topeka and clarify them with her supervisor it got so ridiculous. But here in KC area, I LOVE my surveyors, and I know they are on my team.

Anyway, to sum up: I think KS has great regs that are for the safety and well being of the kids, and I don't think I'd change any of them. If you'd like to see a copy: http://www.kdheks.gov/bcclr/regs/day...care_regs.html

[lucky]

You are welcome!

My state (MN) sends out reports for ALL licensed facilities that receive correction orders or licensing violations and/or negative action orders.

I read daily the number of providers who violate the same rule over and over and there is often little or no recourse. ALL of which makes me sick.

For example, this week alone I've read about 14 different providers/centers that were cited (and some fined) for violation of safe sleep practices. The biggest fine is $100 REGARDLESS it seems of whether it's the 1st or 15th time the provider has been cited before.

It makes me mad to see that so many states have failed in this capacity as well as in meeting the requirements they themselves put in place.

I'm in your state as well and I currently have 4 providers in my not very large city on conditional licenses because of capacity issues. If you read the conditional orders all of them have been reminded repeatedly for this. One of them was caring for 17 children alone at one point. I'm glad they are finally citing them but why has it been allowed to go on for so long first!

[drseuss]

In WI, it's probably more consistent than most. In fact, the licensers have been told to make NO exceptions, ever. They really can't look the other way, even for minor issues taken care of in their presence. For instance, if an outlet plug is out, but laying right there (maybe provider has school agers who forget). Even if the provider notices it and fixes it right away, the licenser must cite.

Honestly, I don't care that much, because our state's website lists the citation, but also the details and the provider's correction plan. So, at least if parents look, they can see how minor (or not) the violation is.

I think you must be correct that the inspectors here are not to make any exceptions. I do feel that they should be able to take things into account and use some common sense judgement in certain situations, though. Here is an example of something that I was cited for that I thought to be totally unnecessary. This is the kind of thing that I am talking about when I say 'they are going to drive the providers insane'. One of my dck's enrollment forms was cited as incomplete, because I did not have father's specific place of employment listed. DCD is a logger, so the form said self-employed logger at XYZ logz. As far as a location, he does not have anything specific to list. He is in the woods, and could be about anywhere at any given time. His cell phone number is listed, but the licensor wanted a specific physical place of employment. What the heck? You want GPS coordinates? Now I have a public record of non-compliance because of that. Those little things just bug me I guess. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I realize. I just don't like having a non-compliance for something like that.

[Heidi]

I think you must be correct that the inspectors here are not to make any exceptions. I do feel that they should be able to take things into account and use some common sense judgement in certain situations, though. Here is an example of something that I was cited for that I thought to be totally unnecessary. This is the kind of thing that I am talking about when I say 'they are going to drive the providers insane'. One of my dck's enrollment forms was cited as incomplete, because I did not have father's specific place of employment listed. DCD is a logger, so the form said self-employed logger at XYZ logz. As far as a location, he does not have anything specific to list. He is in the woods, and could be about anywhere at any given time. His cell phone number is listed, but the licensor wanted a specific physical place of employment. What the heck? You want GPS coordinates? Now I have a public record of non-compliance because of that. Those little things just bug me I guess. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I realize. I just don't like having a non-compliance for something like that.

That's freakin' hilarious! ::

Seriously, I guess the only thing he could put was the headquarters address?

[llpa]

PA scored 0 I am so not surprised I am a group home but rent a space for my dc. My licensor wrote me up because I didn't have a copy of my rules and regs in both my dc rooms ( even tho they are connected by an OPEN archway), but has never asked even ONE question about my program, how my schedule reflects my day, what I even have planned for the day etc. Nothing about the dcks at all ever!!! When she is here, it's an hour max.