11708402, 65C-22.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 11708402

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Division:

Family Safety and Preservation Program

Chapter:

CHILD CARE STANDARDS

Overview

RULE:

65C-22.001	General Requirements
65C-22.002	Physical Environment (Repealed)
65C-22.003	Training (Repealed)
65C-22.004	Health Related Requirements (Repealed)
65C-22.005	Food and Nutrition (Repealed)
65C-22.006	Record Keeping (Repealed)
65C-22.007	Evening Child Care
65C-22.008	School Age Child Care
65C-22.009	Gold Seal Quality Care Program (Transferred)
65C-22.010	Enforcement

PURPOSE:

Chapter 2010-161 sections 17 & 18, Laws of Florida eliminated the Department of Health’s authority to license and inspect food preparation and food service in child care facilities.  The legislation effectively requires the Department to assume responsibility for food hygiene in licensed child care facilities.  The Department adopted an emergency rule to provide temporary standards for food preparation and food service similar to those previously administered by the Department of Health, but a permanent rule is required to establish ongoing standards and enforcement authority to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of children in childcare facilities that provide meals/snacks.  Chapter 2010-114 sections 22 & 38, Laws of Florida provides updated background screening requirements for child care personnel.  Title 16, Parts 1219 &1220, Code of Federal Regulations updated crib requirements.  Modifications to fire safety and emergency preparedness rules reflect updated standards that provide clarifying language; incorporate provisions for emergency procedures for children with special needs; and procedures related to parental notification in the event of an emergency.  Modifications to planned activities rules reflect updated standards based on National Health and Safety Performance Standards and the national initiative to combat childhood obesity.  The modifications to the training curriculum rule provide clarifying language and incorporate food safety training as a new topic area option for continuing education.  Clarifying language is also included for indoor square footage.  Finally, the modifications to the after-school program descriptions provide clarifying language regarding instructional based after-school programs and provides an exception for programs that are otherwise excluded from licensure, that are on the federal After School Nutrition Program to provide a dinner meal.

SUMMARY:

The proposed rule amends several rules within chapter 65C-22 regarding food preparation, food service, and food storage in child care facilities licensed by the Department.  It will also revise language concerning indoor square footage; background screening standards; procedures related to fire safety and parental notification following an emergency; planned activity schedules; updated crib safety standards; updated topics acceptable to meet continuing education requirements; and afterschool program descriptions for programs that do not require licensure by the Department.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

402.305 FS.

LAW:

402.305 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

7/20/2012 Vol. 38/29

COMMENTS:

From 7/20/2012 To 8/10/2012 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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