DHS updates childcare rules, adds director on‑site time and clarifies training
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Summary
The Department of Human Services presented amendments requiring childcare directors to be on site 50% of monthly operating hours (with exceptions), tightened training timelines for first aid and added child maltreatment training; the committee gave a positive recommendation.
The Department of Human Services outlined permanent rule amendments to licensing and training standards for childcare providers during the committee's Jan. 26 meeting.
Callen Baggett, assistant commissioner with DHS, said the updates include a requirement that a childcare director be on site for 50% of an agency’s monthly operating hours with enumerated exceptions for leave, professional development and community engagement. The change does not apply to drop‑in childcare centers, Baggett said.
Other changes replace older training charts with a clarified set of requirements: first aid training must be completed within 90 days of employment for provisional licensees; substitutes must receive at least four hours of health and safety training; the rules add the term "child maltreatment" to several training topics (shaken baby/abusive head trauma training) and remove the word "unsupervised" before contact with children to require orientation before any contact.
Baggett told the committee the rules were previously filed, a typographical citation error required resubmission, and the department had already received public comment during earlier hearings; the agency incorporated some changes while clarifying others. Members asked whether the rules applied to in‑home providers; the department replied the rules apply to licensed child care unless the rule specifies otherwise.
The committee moved the rules with a positive recommendation; both the Senate and House recorded ayes. The department said it will continue work toward permanent rules and that these amendments reflect federal alignment and public comment.
