Not all daycares are licensed, nor do they have to be. Even if a childcare provider doesn’t wish to have a licensed daycare (there are some legitimate reasons not to be licensed), knowing and meeting the regulations and requirements for licensing a daycare can be a good idea, and it isn't as difficult as it might seem at first.
Some believe that daycare regulations should be viewed as minimum requirements, that good childcare providers will meet and even exceed the requirements. Childcare veteran Joy Balfour says, "Meeting those minimum standards is easy. Most of them are just common sense, anyway. People who care about kids would do most of those things, and more, without being told that they have to do them. It's good for the kids, to have those safety and nutrition guidelines there."
Joy Balfour should know – she has operated facilities in several states, and has served as a consultant to other daycare centers, preschools, and private schools. Since 2006, she has been working in a group home. Referring to her long career with children, she says, "I was there when the FBI first started doing the fingerprinting [of people in child-centered professions]... Now, it's required, and it's all computerized, and they don't even use ink anymore – they just scan them [an applicant's fingerprints]."
Meals, Food, and Nutrition Requirements for Daycare
In Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulates daycare. DCFS has regulations regarding what, how much, and how often childcare providers must feed children. Daycare providers have the challenge of feeding children nutritious meals without spending too much money on food.
Some providers choose to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and receive reimbursements to defray their food costs. Some may decide that the regulations and paperwork are too much of a hassle. Providers who do not participate in that program still have an option to defray their expenses somewhat: they can take a tax deduction for their food costs.
Daycare Allowed to Serve Junk Food?
Nutritional requirements laid out by DCFS could be viewed by some as lax and not specific enough for providers to know what to prepare for children. Although meals should be nutritious and balanced, a daycare meal could be full of processed foods and still meet the nutritional requirements for daycare (at least in the state of Illinois).
Chicken nuggets could satisfy the requirement for meat and the requirement for bread/grains, if enough of them are served. Tater tots, applesauce, and milk can round out the meal, although poorly. The minimal requirements are just that – minimal requirements. The Department of Children and Family Services doesn't expect childcare providers to serve a steady diet of junk food to children in care. Providers can and should offer healthy foods that meet and exceed the requirements.
Childcare providers (and potential providers) can find detailed information regarding state licensing regulations, including nutritional requirements, in online documents provided by their state's licensing agency.
Daycare Food Requirements Minimum Threshold
The minimal requirements are just that – minimal requirements. DCFS doesn't expect childcare providers to serve a steady diet of junk food to children in care. Providers can and should offer healthy foods that meet and exceed the requirements. The daycare food guidelines are presented to childcare providers as a starting point for preparing healthy meals for children. Those who care about children will serve foods because of their healthfulness, not because of their low cost.
Career in Childcare a Good Move?
Job satisfaction and meaningful work are important, and childcare can be a fulfilling and rewarding career for people who do enjoy working with children. Before making any hasty decisions, readers should investigate some options.
Joy Balfour could talk at length about the subject of caring for children, but has one last statement. "It's worth it. You can see the difference you make – sometimes it takes a while, but you can see it. I've had children I've had [in care] come up to me years later, and thank me. What a feeling, knowing that you've made a difference in that child's life."
Resources:
Illinois DCFS nutrition rules in licensing regulations PDF
Missouri state-paid childcare program materials
Personal conversation with Joy Balfour January 6, 2010
Jennifer Harshman - With more than 20 years of experience and education in her fields, she's also read more than one book for every day she has lived.
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