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Training Exemptions SOP

Purpose

To outline the circumstances under which child care personnel may be exempt from required Department of Children and Families (DCF) training courses based on competency examinations, educational qualifications, or legacy employment status.

Scope

This SOP applies to all child care personnel subject to Florida DCF introductory child care training requirements.

4.4 Training Exemptions

4.4.1 Competency Examination Exemptions

  • Child care personnel are permittedĀ one (1) opportunityĀ to exempt from one or more Department-required Introductory Child Care Training courses.

  • Exemptions are earned by achieving aĀ weighted score of 70% or higherĀ on the corresponding competency examination.

  • Competency examinations must be completedĀ prior to attendingĀ the related training course.

  • Once an examination attempt has been used, additional attempts are not permitted for exemption purposes.

4.4.2 Educational Exemptions

The Department or its designated representative may grant training exemptions based on verified educational credentials as outlined below.

A. Health, Safety, and Development Courses

Child care personnel may be exempt from the following courses:

  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition

  • Child Growth and Development

  • Behavioral Observation and Screening

If one of the following qualifications is met:

  1. An associate degree or higher withĀ six (6) college credit hoursĀ in early childhood education or child growth and development;Ā or

  2. A degree in elementary education with certification to teachĀ birth through sixth grade;Ā or

  3. AnĀ active National Early Childhood Credential (NECC);Ā or

  4. AnĀ active Birth Through Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC).

B. Early Childhood Education Degrees

  • Personnel holding aĀ bachelorā€™s degree or higherĀ in early childhood education or child growth and development are exempt from:

    • Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices

    • Infant and Toddler Appropriate Practices

    • Preschool Appropriate Practices

C. Elementary Education Degrees

  • Personnel holding aĀ bachelorā€™s degree or higherĀ in elementary education are exempt from:

    • Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices

    • School-Age Appropriate Practices

D. Exceptional Student Education Degrees

  • Personnel holding aĀ bachelorā€™s degree or higherĀ in exceptional student education are exempt from:

    • Special Needs Appropriate Practices

E. Non-Exempt Courses

  • No educational exemptionsĀ are permitted for:

    • Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations

    • Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

These courses are mandatory for all child care personnel regardless of education level.

4.4.3 Part II Training Exemption

  • Child care personnel who wereĀ employed at the same child care facility prior to October 1, 1992, and

  • Have hadĀ no break in employmentĀ with the same employer,

areĀ exempt from completing Part IIĀ of the child care training requirements.