Overview: State Child Care Licensing Regulations for ...

1 NCASE. Licensing Overview: State Child Care Licensing Regulations for summer Programs and Camps This document provides an overview of some general characteristics of State Child care Licensing Regulations for summer programs and day camps. The information is based on a scan of Regulations in 17 states (Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin), selected because of their geographic diversity.

2 The data was drawn from the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations ( ). Each State has a slightly different definition of summer programs and which Regulations apply. In a few cases, summer learning programs, as opposed to summer camps, may be licensed under State school-age Regulations if the programs are run by school districts, or if similar programming is offered to children and youth throughout the year. This is known as contiguous programming. Even when a program is full-year, there are often significant changes from after school to summer programming, with a large increase in staff, change in location, and shift in mission and curriculum.

3 states might explore the idea of having Licensing visits during the summer when programs change significantly. As shown in the chart on the following pages, the agency that licenses summer programs and the applicability of Licensing Regulations vary significantly by State . For example, in some states summer programs are licensed by the same agency as that which licenses programs that receive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies, while in some states other departments ( , Department of Public Health, Department of Public Recreation) are responsible for Licensing of summer programs.

4 In some states , summer programs may be exempt from Regulations if they are offered during limited time periods, or if they are sponsored by a public school. September 2017 1. NCASE. Licensing SUMMARY/GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. Programs are often exempt from Licensing Regulations if operated by a school district, State , city, county, special district, school district, or community college district. summer programs and day camps are often defined as operating during specific, and limited, times of the year, , summer months (often May through September) or during regular school vacations.

5 A distinction between summer learning programs and summer day camps is sometimes determined by location, , summer day camps take place in the outdoors. Regulations distinguish between day camps and overnight, residential camps. Some states define day camps as those that operate for less than 12 hours a day others, as those that operate less than 24 hours a day. Regulations for summer learning programs usually pertain to school-age youth (grades K-12), with some states reporting a trend in including pre-K or transition programs for kindergarten children in school-age programs.

6 Following is a chart listing summer Regulations in 17 states that have summer -specific Regulations . State Licensing Agency Definitions/Exemptions Timeframe/Seasonal Other Regulations Specifications AK Department of Health Exempt from Licensing if it -operates more than five & Human Services -holds a current accreditation or certification from the weeks in any 12-month American Camping Association or another national period;. accreditation group with standards the department -operates only during finds are substantially similar to the requirements; summer , winter, and provides services for children ages five years and spring school breaks.

7 Older September 2017 2. NCASE. Licensing State Licensing Agency Definitions/Exemptions Timeframe/Seasonal Other Regulations Specifications AR Arkansas Department 1. If hazardous items (ex. of Human Services, archery equipment) are used Division of Child Care during activities offered, such and Early Childhood equipment must be used under Education, Child Care close supervision and must be Licensing safely stored. 2. If specialized activities take ov/childcare/ Licensing /i place such as, but not limited to horseback riding, water activities, rock climbing, and other adventure-based activities, supervision of such activities must be provided by qualified staff that have received the proper training in the activity's guidelines, safety Regulations , and emergency procedures.

8 Playgrounds/Outdoor Learning Environment -Outdoor day camps need to have a shelter or permanent building for protection from inclement weather. -An outdoor day camp shall perform daily visual inspections of the outdoor space and facilities prior to the arrival of participants to ensure all September 2017 3. NCASE. Licensing State Licensing Agency Definitions/Exemptions Timeframe/Seasonal Other Regulations Specifications buildings, structures, and activity areas are in good repair and free of hazards. Drinking Facilities -Water transported to camp sites for drinking purposes shall be in closed containers.

9 Fresh water shall be provided daily. CA California Department Exempt from Licensing if The program is operated of Social Services, -it is any public recreation program. "Public recreation only during hours other Community Care program" means a program operated by the State , city, than normal school hours Licensing Division, county, special district, school district, community for grades K-12, in the Child Care Program college district, chartered city, or chartered city and public school district Office county that meets either of the following criteria (see where the program is next column)

10 Located, or operated only v/inforesources/ Child - during periods when Care- Licensing students in grades K-12, are normally not in session in the public school district where the program is located, for either of the following periods: 1. For under 16. hours per week. 2. For a total of 12 weeks or fewer during a 12-month period. This total applies to any 12 weeks within any 12-month period, September 2017 4. NCASE. Licensing State Licensing Agency Definitions/Exemptions Timeframe/Seasonal Other Regulations Specifications without regard to whether the weeks are consecutive.