Quick Facts

VT Child Care Program Regulations

 

There are many state regulations for child care programs in the State of Vermont. The following are shortened descriptions of some different types of care in Vermont and some differences in the regulations for each type. This is not a full list of regulation..

 

 

Types of Programs

Unregulated care:

A person providing care for children of not more than two families is exempt from licensure in the state of Vermont. Also most summer camps and recreation activities are exempt from licensure. The State of Vermont doesn't regulate any nanny/Au Pair services.

 

Legally Exempt Child Care Provider:

A person providing care for children of not more than two families that are eligible for child care subsidy. The provider must pass criminal record check and meet minimal Vermont health and safety standards.

 

Non-reoccurring care:

Child Care services provided specifically to meet the short-term needs of families arising from tourism, recreation, or shopping.

 

Registered Home:

Child care services provided in an individual person's home. The person that is registered provides the majority of the care to the children during open hours. Must meet Vermont's regulations for quality and safety for registered home.

Required Staff/Child Ratio:

The caregiver (the registrant) is allowed to have up to 6 children full time, only 2 of the 6 children can be under the age of 2 years. They may also have 4 additional school-age children, before and after school.

 

Licensed Home:

An early childhood program licensed for up to 12 children in the residence of the licensee where the licensee is one of the primary caregivers. Must meet Vermont's regulations for quality and safety for licensed home.

Required Staff/Child Ratio:

Two staff members must be present when the number of children exceeds 6. No more than 2 children under the age of 24 months per staff person.

 

School Age and Early, Childhood Program

This includes part-day and full-day programs, after-school programs, and preschools. Most center-based programs must be licensed to care for a larger number of children. This means the center must meet Vermont's regulations for quality and safety for licensed child care.

 

Required Staff/Child Ratios

Children’s Ages                                    Maximum in Group                               Staff: Child

6 weeks – 23 months                                          8                                                        1:4

24 months – 35 months                                     10                                                        1:5

3 years – Kindergarten                                     20                                                        1:10

1st grade – 15 years                              No Maximum                                                   1:13

 

Guidance and Discipline

 

All regulated child care providers are expected to use guidance that is appropriate to each child's level of development. They shall use positive methods of guidance & discipline.

 

Child care providers shall not use any form of inappropriate discipline or corporal punishment, such as, but not limited to: hitting, biting, spanking, withholding necessary food, water, rest or toilet use, inflicting mental or emotional punishment such as humiliating, shaming, threatening or frightening a child.

 

Concerns

 

If you have a concern about a provider or questions about regulations you can call the Child Care Consumer Concern Line at 1-800-540-7942 or 802-241­2367. Or log on to www.brightfuturesinfo.org

 

For more information on child care regulations in the State of Vermont visit http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/cdd/