**This is another mini paper written for my Trends and Problems class. It was written sophomore year at PBC***
In order to have a successfully operating pre-school, certain laws and regulations need to be understood and followed. There are several laws the states and counties make in order to make sure children are being kept in safe environments. Most laws are made by the states in accordance with federal laws and the counties make sure these laws are followed through in their law books. Some counties will also add to these laws, but not subtract. Davidson County, North Carolina follows the state guidelines thoroughly. These laws and guidelines are usually checked up on by state and local officials regularly.
In North Carolina there are a few laws that need to be followed. The North Carolina Division of Child Development gives a list of laws needed to be followed by pre-school facilities. The first has to do with transportation- “Child care centers or family child care homes providing transportation for children must meet all motor vehicle laws, including inspection, insurance, license, and restraint requirements. Children may never be left alone in a vehicle and child-staff ratio must be maintained” (“North Carolina”). The second section of laws has to do with record keeping. It seems as though a record needs to be kept for everything- children's attendance, children’s immunizations, children’s emergency phone numbers, and monthly fire drills (“North Carolina”). The next law is that every center or preschool has to have a discipline policy (“North Carolina”). They have to discuss the policy with parents and give them a personal copy when they enroll their child in the school (“North Carolina”). Corporal punishment is prohibited (“North Carolina”). Another law is that child abuse or neglect, if suspected, has to be reported (“North Carolina”). Also, the school must keep in mind parental rights- parents have the right to enter a family child care home or center at any time while their child is present, parents have the right to see the license displayed in a prominent place, and parents have the right to know how their child will be disciplined (“North Carolina”). There are specific laws related to staff members- “The administrator of a child care center must be at least 21, and have at least a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential or its equivalent. Lead teachers in a child care center must be at least 18 and have at least a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or its equivalent. If administrators and lead teachers do not meet this requirement, they must begin credential coursework within six months of being hired. Staff younger than 18 years of age must work under the direct supervision of staff 21 years of age or older. All staff must complete a minimum number of training hours including ITS-SIDS training for any caregiver that works with infants 12 months of age or younger, and CPR and first aid training. All staff must also undergo a criminal records background check” (“North Carolina”). The staff/child ratios are the following- one to five for zero to one year olds, one to six for one year to two year olds, one to ten for two year olds, one to fifteen for three year olds, one to twenty for four years olds, and one to twenty five for school-age children (“North Carolina”). The maximum number of students is ten zero to one year olds, twelve one to two year olds, twenty two year olds, and twenty-five for three year olds and up (“North Carolina”). Space and equipment are regulated- “To meet licensing requirements, there must be at least 25 square feet per child indoors and 75 square feet per child outdoors. Outdoor play space must be fenced. Indoor equipment must be clean, safe, well maintained, and developmentally appropriate. Outdoor equipment and furnishings must be child size, sturdy, and free of hazards that could injure children” (“North Carolina”). Lastly, there are few health laws such as the food should be nutritional and offered every four hours, and everything in children’s reach should be sanitary (“North Carolina”).
There are many laws and regulations in place in order to run an successful child care center. Sometimes these laws become somewhat of a hassle, but they are needed. In order to keep the children safe there needs to be understood requirements for every center. Laws provide organization and a firm basis for protection. Laws are needful and helpful. Every teacher should know the laws of her country, state, county, and center.
Works Cited
“North Carolina Child Care Law and Rules.” Division of Child Development: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2009. Web. 1 September 2010
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