All child care centers in Ohio must be licensed. The definition of a center is a place that is not the home of the administrator in which seven to twelve children at one time are cared for; or a place where child care is provided for thirteen or more children at one time. Licensed programs conform to minimal health, safety and education requirements. |
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Child care centers vary in size and are limited in capacity for the number of children who can be enrolled. These limitations are based on the building’s physical dimensions, child-teacher ratios and possibly by the director’s preferences and philosophy. |
Child care centers can serve children birth to school-age. Again, these differences are very often determined or limited by the building’s physical design, child-teacher ratios and qualifications, and possibly by the director’s preferences, philosophy and over-all budgeting restraints.
Child care centers are staffed by early childhood professionals who meet minimum criteria: are 18 years old with a high school education (there are few exceptions to this) and must have at least 45 hours of training within three years of employment in specific areas of early childhood. There are other requirements including references, a criminal records check, and record of employment.
Many child care center directors choose to meet more than the minimum criteria of health and safety required by the state of Ohio. Those directors and their staff may have achieved accreditation. |
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