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Staff Credentials SOP

Purpose

To ensure the childcare facility maintains appropriate staffing credentials in compliance with Section 402.305(3), Florida Statutes, and all applicable Florida Administrative Code requirements, including Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) standards.

Scope

This SOP applies to all child care personnel, instructional staff, and administrators responsible for staffing, hiring, credential verification, and compliance monitoring.

Policy Statement

The facility shall maintain a minimum of one credentialed child care personnel for every 20 children in care at all times.

Definitions

Credentialed Child Care Personnel
A child care professional who has been issued a Staff Credential Verification, documented on the individual’s Training Transcript and recognized by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Procedure

A. Credential Requirements

  1. All facilities must maintain the required ratio of credentialed staff to children (1:20).

  2. VPK instructional personnel must possess an appropriate and active credential as required by Florida law.

  3. If DCF determines that a designated VPK teacher does not hold an active credential:

    • DCF will notify the appropriate Early Learning Coalition or its designated representative.

    • Corrective action must be taken immediately.

B. Staff Credential Verification Application

  1. Candidates seeking a Staff Credential Verification must complete CF-FSP Form 5211 – Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application.

  2. The form is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(d), F.A.C.

  3. Applications must be submitted through the Department’s official website:

  4. Credential documentation must be uploaded and reflected on the individual’s Training Transcript.

C. Acceptable Credential Qualifications

To qualify for a Staff Credential Verification, the candidate must meet one (1) of the following:

  1. Active National Early Childhood Credential (NECC)

  2. Formal Educational Qualifications (as outlined on CF-FSP Form 5211)

  3. Birth Through Five Credentials, including:

    • Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)

    • Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate (CCAC)

    • Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)

  4. School-Age Child Care Credentials, including:

    • Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)

    • School-Age Professional Certificate (SAPC)

    • Graduates of U.S. Military school-age child care training programs are recognized as meeting the School-Age FCCPC requirement

    • Note: A School-Age FCCPC may not be used to meet credential requirements for VPK

  5. Employment History Recognition Exemption

    • This exemption may not be used to meet:

      • VPK credential requirements

      • Director Credential requirements

    • Effective July 1, 2006, the Department discontinued issuing this exemption

    • Individuals who received the exemption prior to this date remain valid

Documentation & Recordkeeping

  • All credential verifications must be:

    • Reflected on the individual’s Training Transcript

    • Maintained on file and available for licensing review

  • Staffing schedules must demonstrate continuous compliance with credentialed staff ratios.

Compliance Responsibility

The Director or Operator is responsible for:

  • Verifying credential status prior to assignment

  • Monitoring credential expiration dates

  • Ensuring VPK classrooms meet credential requirements at all times

  • Maintaining records in compliance with DCF and Early Learning Coalition standards