Purpose


The proposed amendments by the Child Care Program Office (CCPO) of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to F.A.C. Chapter 65C-22, F.A.C., are necessary for the uniform and proper administration and enforcement of State of Florida child care training and licensure policies and procedures. The granting of rule writing authority to the CCPO of all Child Development Associate Equivalency (CDAE) programs by the legislature in 2004 as well as the statewide Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) initiative in 2005, warrant the amendments to the rule in the area of child care personnel training in order to provide clarification and unwavering guidance to the public on the “staff credential” policy required by the State in child care facilities. The rule amendments in the area of child care licensing are necessary for the clarification of policies and procedures relating to child safety and health and sanitation issues and to preserve the public welfare generally.