Child Care Facility Handbook Page | 10
participation in an appropriate professional organization, publishing an article related to
early childhood or school-age education, presentation in the field of early childhood or
school-age education at a conference, teach courses through an educational institution,
participate in an educational research project, completion of initial or renewal of a Florida-
recognized accreditation program, serve as a validator or advisor for a Florida-recognized
accreditation program, serve as an editor or reviewer for a professional journal or book,
or active participation in rule development workshops.
“Re-screening” is the background screening process that is conducted every five years
after the date of the initial screening. Re-screening must include national and statewide
criminal records checks through the FDLE, a search of the sexual predator and sexual
offender registry, and Florida’s child abuse and neglect registry.
“Sanitize” means the process of destroying or reducing organisms to a safe level.
Includes properly cleaned equipment and surfaces, such as sinks and sleep mats.
Sanitation shall be accomplished with the application of a chemical sanitizer or the use of
hot water or steam. Sanitizing agents must be used according to the manufacturer label.
Sanitizing agents used on food contact surfaces must be labeled by the manufacturer safe
for use on food contact surfaces and have specific instructions designed for use on food
contact surfaces. The manufacturer’s directions must be followed.
“School-Age Child Care Credential” is equivalent to a child development associate
credential, pursuant to 402.305(3)(b), F.S., and offered through one of the following
programs: Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) and Florida Department
of Education School-Age Professional Certificate (SAPC). Issuance of a School-Age Child
Care Credential certifies successful completion of a Department-approved training
program that consists of a minimum of 120 hours of school-age/early childhood instruction,
480 contact hours with school-age children, and a formal observation. Credentials must
be documented on CF-FSP Form 5270, Florida Child Care Professional Credential
Certificate. A copy of CF-FSP 5270 may be obtained from the Department’s website at
www.myflfamilies.com/childcare. Active credentials are valid for five years from the date
of issuance. A list of approved and recognized School-Age Child Care Credential
programs may be obtained from the Department’s website at www.
myflfamilies.com/childcare.
“Serious Injury,” is any injury/incident resulting in death or serious physical or emotional
harm to a child that prudently calls for medical attention, including medication errors that
present a risk of ineffectiveness or adverse reaction.
“Serving food,” means the provision of meals and snacks to children.
“Single-service articles” means any cups, containers, plates, straws, place mats,
napkins, doilies, spoons, stirrers, paddles, knives, forks, wrapping materials and all similar
articles that are constructed wholly or in part from paper, paperboard, molded pulp, foil,
wood, plastic, synthetic or other readily destructible materials, and which are intended by
the manufacturers to be for one-time, one-person use, then to be discarded.
“Sleeping” means the normal night time sleep cycle.
“Stable walls or barriers” refer to the boundaries that define a classroom space. Walls
or barriers must be constructed in a sturdy manner and anchored together, or to the floor
or walls. Walls or barriers must be stable and secure and must not pose a threat to falling
over. The material for the barriers or walls must be non-hazardous and may not be made
of materials such as see-thru or plastic curtains, fabric or mesh materials. The stable walls
or barriers must be a minimum of 32 inches in height from the floor in classrooms for