As of 2009, Louisiana had 1,906 licensed child care facilities.
Parents entrusting their children to day care centers on a regular or consistent basis present valid concerns regarding the health and safety standards of their chosen child care facility. In Louisiana, the state has enacted strict rules mandating minimum standards for placement agencies and child care facilities. The State of Louisiana closely monitors child care facilities. Licenses are revoked and fines and penalties imposed on child care facilities failing to comply with licensing regulations.
Definition
Act 1237 of the 1999 Louisiana Legislative Session defines a child care center as a facility or place operated by any agency, society, institution, corporation, person or persons or any other group for the primary purpose of providing supervision, guidance and care to seven or more children, not including those directly related to the caregiver. The law applies to any facility that provides child care for children, unaccompanied by a guardian or parent, on a regular basis for at least 12 hours in a continuous seven-day week.
Licensing
The Louisiana Revised Statutes establish minimum standards for the well-being and safety of children in day care centers. To regulate conditions and to ensure maintenance of these standards, the state established a program of licensing, administered by the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services. All child care facilities in the State of Louisiana, including facilities owned or operated by nonprofits, for-profits, private, governmental or church agencies, must be inspected and licensed.
Application
Child care facilities must comply with all local building and zoning ordinances in the location where the facility is to be established. Detailed information can be obtained from the offices of Public Health, Sanitarian Services, Code Enforcement and Building Safety and the Fire Department.
License applications may be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services. A child care facility that applies for federal or state funds must apply for a "Class A" license. License fees are based on the number of children the facility will care for and range from $25 to $250 per year. Prior to the approval of a license, the premises must be inspected and approved by the building inspector, fire marshal and sanitation inspector.
Applications can be downloaded from the State of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services website.
Director/Employee Qualifications
All child care facilities must have a director that is at least 21 years of age. The Louisiana Department of Social Services, Bureau of Licensing requires that director candidates meet one, or a combination of, the following criteria.
The director must hold an associate's or bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university, with at least 12 hours of early childhood or child development education and one year of experience in a licensed child care center or comparable setting.
The director must hold a diploma in early childhood education and training from a technical or vocational school, approved by the Bureau, and at least one year of experience in a licensed child care center or comparable setting.
The director must hold a Child Development Associate Credential and have had one year of experience working in a licensed child care facility or comparable setting.
The Director must hold a National Administrator Credential awarded by the National Child Care Association and one year of approved child care experience.
The director must have three years of experience as a director or staff member of a licensed child care center or comparable setting, plus six credit hours of early childhood development education or 90 hours of training approved by the Bureau.
Child care facilities are required to maintain complete and accurate records for all employees. Records must contain verification of references and background investigations. The facility is required to maintain a check of criminal records on all staff, contractors, employees and volunteers. All employees must be at least 16 years of age.
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