Module 1: Florida DCF Compliance & Licensing Requirements

Florida DCF Compliance & Licensing

Florida law requires every childcare facility to operate in strict compliance with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing standards. This is not optional. This is the foundation of everything we do.

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Key Regulatory Framework

• Florida Statute §402.305 — Licensing standards for childcare facilities

• Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code — Childcare facility standards

• Chapter 39, Florida Statutes — Child abuse reporting (Mandatory Reporter Law)

• APPLE Accreditation Standards — Our Gold Seal pursuit

Staff-to-Child Ratios (Non-Negotiable)

Florida law mandates specific staff-to-child ratios that must be maintained at all times. These are minimums — our standard exceeds them.

• Infants (0-1 year): 1 staff per 4 children

• 1-year-olds: 1 staff per 6 children

• 2-year-olds: 1 staff per 11 children

• 3-year-olds: 1 staff per 15 children

• 4-year-olds: 1 staff per 20 children

• 5-year-olds and older: 1 staff per 25 children

Your Mandatory Reporter Obligation

Under Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, every employee of Peas in a Pod is a mandatory reporter. This means you are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment — immediately.

"Reasonable suspicion" does not mean certainty. If you have reason to believe a child may be abused or neglected, you MUST report it. Call the Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873.

Required Training Hours

• 40 clock hours of DCF-approved training before working with children unsupervised

• Annual continuing education requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification — current at all times

• Child abuse recognition and reporting training

Your compliance with these requirements is tracked in Brightwheel and Gusto. Any lapse in required certifications will result in immediate reassignment until certifications are renewed.