Tennessee group child care home standards and practices.
In order to provide a safe environment for children receiving day care or child care at a group home, the state of Tennessee requires that group child care homes adhere to the "Group Child Care Home Standards." These standards provide a structure that enables the operator to build a program that provides consistent, safe care. An overview of these standards and practices is provided below.
Tennessee Group Child Care Home Licensing Requirements
Group Homes operating in the state of Tennessee must obtain a license. The license lasts for a period of one year and must be renewed if the owner wishes to continue operating the home. Renewals are awarded depending on the ability of the group home operator to comply with the "Standards for Group Child Care Homes." These standards include administrative standards, staff, equipment and program standards, health and safety standards, transportation standards, facilities and food standards and standards for the care of children with disabilities.
Administrative Standards for Group Child Care Homes
The licensee will be considered the primary caregiver of the group home. In addition, the home must have a "central operator" who is in charge for the daily administration of the home. A plan of operation must be developed. It must include policies on handling clients possessions, admission into the facility, services offered, provision for the individual needs of the children and a transportation plan if relevant to the design of the home.
Standards for Group Child Care Home Staff
The group home staff are required to pass a drug and alcohol screening if they will transport children. They must be at least 16 years of age. Caregivers must have a personality suitable for child care and they must undergo a criminal history and background check prior to employment.
Standards for Group Home Equipment
There are also detailed standards on the equipment that is kept in the group home. All equipment must be well-made and safe for children. Equipment deemed unsafe shall be removed from the home. There must be age-appropriate toys and learning materials for all children. Play equipment shall be provided so that there are twice the number of items available as there are children in the home. The operator shall provide toys for both active and quiet play suitable for children of all ages served in the home.
Standards for Health and Safety
Children older than eight weeks must have proof of proper immunization prior to receiving care in the home. Records shall be kept on site to list the immunization record and date of the children served in the home. In addition, physicians statements are required to be kept on site for children with disabilities and physicals are required for children older than 30 months.
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