Running head: ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS

Assessment: Critique Licensing Regulations

Katy DeBroux
ECE: Health, Safety & Nutrition
February 18, 2013
Sharon Tilly

ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS

Assessment: Critique Licensing Regulations

While investigating the licensing regulations in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, I

learned a great deal about the numerous rules of sanitation, emergency prevention, meals and
nutrition for childcare centers.
One of the more involved regulations was the sanitation procedures. Understandably,
sanitation is an important aspect in the childcare setting. It is definitely important to keep things
clean and in good working order. For example, garbage containers should be emptied daily and
kept covered, eating surfaces must be washed and sanitized, bathrooms must be disinfected after
each use, toys and other equipment must be washed or cleaned when they become soiled, and the
presence of lead paint or toxic finishes are allowed on walls. However, it may be difficult at
times to completely comply with these standards. For example, keeping toys washed and
disinfected is very important. However, many children put toys in their mouths. It might be
difficult to notice every time a child puts a toy in their mouth. Children play close together and
therefore, could possibly share the same toy without a caregiver knowing.
Another difficult situation might be the bathroom facilities. According to the
administrative code, "Toilet rooms and fixtures must be in sanitary condition at all times"
(Families, 2009). What is considered sanitary? Does this involve using a disinfectant after each
toilet use? If true, this would be difficult for caregivers to comply with.
In addition, keeping lead paint out of the childcare center might seem simple. However,
there may be toys within the facility that contain lead without a caregivers knowledge.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, toys made in other countries or toys
that are older may contain lead. Also, the use of lead in plastic also exists (Lead Hazards In

ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS

Some Holiday Toys, 2012). Therefore, it is easy to see how a childcare facility or provider may
unintentionally be non-compliant in sanitation regulations.
One regulation that may be easier to comply with is nutrition and meals. According to
the meal and snack requirements, centers must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture child
care food program requirements. This requires that minimum food portions along with
nutritional value must be provided based on the traditional food-based menu planning approach
(Agriculture, 2012). This is provided by the Department of Agriculture. Also, children must be
provided food based on the amount of hours the child is present in the daycare facility. Facilities
must provide menus at least one week in advance and have them available for parents and
members of licensing. Furthermore, regulations require caregivers to sit at the table with the
children during meals.
Although most of these regulations seem straightforward, the rule that requires caregivers
to sit with children during a meal seems unreasonable. This rule especially seems difficult in a
licensed family daycare where there may only be one caregiver for eight children. The time
required to help young children cut food, clean spills and assist an infant might take up most of a
meal time. Although, it is understanding to promote a family type meal setting for children,
providers may not realistically be able to meet this regulation.
The last regulation I reviewed was emergencies. According to the administrative code, a
clear plan for emergencies must be written for fires, tornados, warnings a missing child or any
other emergency. The caregiver should have emergency cards, an attendance list, cell phone or a
radio. Evacuation drills must be done regularly with tornado drills being done monthly between
the months of April and October. Evacuation diagrams must be posted in every room. Working
smoke detectors as well as fire extinguishers must be present. Each floor in the facility must

ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS

have at least 2 exits. In addition, no more than 2 electrical appliances may be plugged into any
one outlet. Extension cords may not be used permanently for an appliance.
Many of the emergency regulations are critical and seem easy to comply with. Having a
written emergency plan, an evacuation procedure and the proper equipment to aid in an
emergency are essential. However, the exclusion of extension cords may be a bit excessive.
This may pose a problem when an older facility is being used for care. This also includes
daycare homes that may have insufficient outlets within rooms. In addition, most family
daycares have entertainment systems including a television, stereo, DVD and CD player all in
the same area. It might be unreasonable to have separate outlets for these items. Although the
reasoning behind the rule is comprehensible, it may be difficult for a facility to comply with.
Overall, the licensing regulations for sanitation, emergencies, and nutrition in childcare
facilities are reasonable and necessary.

The guidelines provided by the Department of Children

and Families facilitates the importance of safety in a childcare facility. Without them, many
facilities could possibly be dangerous. But more importantly, children may not get the proper
care and safety they deserve while spending time away from their families.

ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS

References

Agriculture, U. S. (2012, January 25). Nutrition Standards for School Meals. Retrieved
February 15, 2013, from U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-26/pdf/2012-1010.pdf
Families, W. D. (2009, January 1). Wisconsin Administrative Code: Division of Early
Care and Education. DCF 251 Licensing Rules For Group Child Care Centers With
Commentary,WI: Wisconsin Department of Children & Families.
Lead Hazards In Some Holiday Toys. (2012, December 3). Retrieved February 15, 2013,
from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/features/leadintoys/

Scoring Guide Criteria and Ratings

Criteria

Ratings

critique summary accurately represents the main points related

to sanitation

critique summary accurately represents the main points related

to emergencies

critique summary accurately represents the main points related

to meals and snacks

critique compares compliance of the regulations in a program

critique includes an explanation of your personal opinion

critique includes both positive and negative comments

critique is well organized, clear, and evidences correct

grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Document includes a scoring guide with self-evaluation

completed

Yes (1)

No (0)

ASSESSMENT: CRITIQUE LICENSING REGULATIONS