By Pamela Filler
By Pamela Filler
Each facility type, group or center has a limit of how many children it is able to provide care for. There are set staff/child ratios that must be followed for each type of facility. Following is an explanation of each facility type, capacity limit, and staff/child ratio guidelines.
Family Daycare
A family daycare has the capability to be registered for six children at one time (with only three being under the age of two years). In order to acquire full capacity, a provider must show proof of liability insurance for six children. Any children of the provider under the age of six are also counted as daycare children. A family daycare may have two overlap children, excluding infants (under the age of two). A providers approved overlap hours are stated on the registration certificate and during the approved overlap period, a provider may care for all children by him/herself.
Group Daycare
A group daycare has the capability to be registered for seven to 12 children at one time (with no more than six under the age of two). There is a space requirement of 35 square feet (usable space) per child. Again, liability insurance must be in effect to cover the number of children the provider is registered for. The providers children who are under the age of six are counted as daycare children; however, all children of the second caregiver, regardless of age, if brought to the facility, are counted as daycare children. A group daycare may have four overlap children, excluding infants (under the age of two). A providers approved overlap hours are stated on the registration certificate. At any time there are more than six children in attendance, a second caregiver must be present, including the approved overlap period.
Daycare Centers
Daycare centers are licensed whereas family or group facilities are registered. If a facility cares for more than 12 children a license is required. The number of children a center can be licensed for is determined by the square footage of usable space available and other requirements deemed appropriate by the local health department and fire marshalls office. Like family and group, a center must have 35 square feet per child. Overlap care does not apply to centers.
- Overlap care means care provided at a daycare facility and approved by the department for a designated period of time not to exceed three hours per day when the number of children in care may exceed the number of children registered for care on the registration certificate. Overlap care was designed to serve school aged children who may be present only before and after school.
Helping you make smart and health childcare choices
Pamela Filler is the child care licensor for Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt, Daniels and Sheridan counties.
