Kimbro's Training & Consultation Services

Here is a link to additional proposed revisions to minimum standards for all providers. It also includes minimum standards for emergency/family shelters and regulations for pre-k and/or school age programs http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Information_for_Providers/2010_day_care_proposed.asp

Here is a link to proposed revisions for CPA's, GRO's, Independent Foster & Group Homes

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Information_for_providers/2010_residential_care_proposed.asp  

Transportation Safety Law For Childcare Providers  http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Information_for_Providers/2009_transportation_law_changes.asp

This link provides information regarding all laws that affect any type of licensed facility or business CCLProviderLeg81.pdf

Recommendations from the Subcommittee of the Committee on Licensing Standards

These proposals must be approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS, the Executive Commissioner of the Health & Human Services Commission, and the DFPS council before being proposed for public comment. The standards as adopted will reflect input from all internal and external stakeholders.

* Amending operational policies to include emergency preparedness plans and breatfeeding provisions.

* Revising record keeping rules to specifically include electronic records.

* Clarifying what "routinely present" means and specify minimum amount of time a director must be present during operating hours.

* Decreasing rations for two and three year olds, combine children 18-23 months with 2 year olds into one specified age group 18-35 months.

* Decreasing group sizes for children between the ages of birth throujgh 17 months, two years, and three years.

* Adding and clarifying training topics for annual training requirements for caregivers and directors. (Attachment, responsive care giving, communication with families, child health to include nutrition and physical activity).

* Adding reference to Texas Trainer Registry in rule concerning training criteria.

* Revising activity plans to include screen time activities, if offered. Adding two hour daily limit of screen time for children two years and older and prohibit screen time for children less than two years of age.

* Revising activity plan and activities provided to include requirement that children ages 18 months and older have opportunities to play outdoors in the morning and afternoon.

* Adding requirement that daily report for toddlers be shared with parents.

* Clarifying nighttime supervision rule to be consistent with general supervision requirements.

* Adding that water be served at all meals, snacks and after active play.

* Adding limits to amount of juice that may be served daily and specify that juice may only be served to children age 12 months and older. 

* Revising rule regarding exclusion of children with fever to be consistent with current recommendation from the merican Academy of Pediatrics.

* Amending rule regarding loftsd to distinguish between those used as an extension of the classroom versus those used for active play.

* Adding rules to distinguish between bounce houses and open inflatables.

* Clarifying use zones for playground equipment.

* Revising rule regarding severe weather drills to be required every three months.

* Revising rules regarding indoor and outdoor shared space to align with collaborations between school districts and centers.

* Modifying rules to include "certificate of coursework" as defined by TEA in addition to high school diploma of GED as acceptable qualifications for caregivers.

* Amending rules regarding sanitation and fire inspections for centers located in public school facilities.

* Amending ratios for licensed homes to be consistent with registered homes.

Source: 2010 Leadership & Professional Development Summit.