Understanding Early Learning Centers
Early Learning Centers, often referred to as “child care” or “daycare” centers, are regulated and licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education. Since major regulation changes in 2015, programs servicing children in these settings are organized into three types: Type I, Type II, or Type III. As shown below, the license types help families know the requirements of each category. Although regulated by the Licensing Standards of Bulletin 137, centers have the option of voluntarily exceeding the minimum standards required of their license type. Much of this information is outlined in the Louisiana Department of Education’s Performance Profiles which can be found at www.louisianaschools.com
Quality Indicator
Participates in Early Childhood Care and Education Network regarding kindergarten readiness, programs will:
Work with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) Early Childhood Division
Formally observe teachers twice a year
Implement LDE Birth to Five Early Learning and Development Standards
Participate in additional training
Receive a yearly performance profile
Lead Teachers must obtain an Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate
Type III
YES
Type II
NO
Type I
NO
Quality Indicator
Receives Public Funding
Accepts Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Head Start/Early Head Start
And other similar programs
Type III
YES
Type II
NO
Type I
NO
Quality Indicator
Staff Continuing Education Training Requirements
All Staff and Administrators must participate in annual training as per licensing guidelines.
Type III
YES
Type II
YES
Type I
YES
Quality Indicator
Minimum Child to Staff Ratios
This is number of adults required based on the number of children in the area.
For mixed age groups, the ratio of the youngest age group must be followed.
All classrooms cannot exceed these ratios as per licensing guidelines.
Type III
YES
Type II
YES
Infants
1 Year Olds
2 Year Olds
3 Year Olds
4 Year Olds
5 Year Olds
6 Years and Up
Type I
YES
5:1
7:1
11:1
13:1
15:1
19:1
23:1
Quality Indicator
CPR / First Aid
Requirements for staff on premises and accessible to children having current certifications in: Infant/Child CPR; Adult CPR; Pediatric First Aid are set forth by LDOE.
Medication Administration Training
All staff who administer medication shall have medication administration training every two years. Each center shall have at least two staff trained.
Type III
YES
Type II
YES
Type I
YES
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