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Licensing Criteria
The Code of Virginia, Section 63.1-196.3, allows day care centers operated by religious institutions the opportunity to file for an exemption from licensure by meeting documentation and other requirements specified within the exemption law. The statements below have been prepared and distributed to meet the requirements of the exemption law. If you have any questions or comments, contact the director.
General Staff Qualifications
The teacher should be a Christian and experienced in working with young children. A basic love of children and a commitment to teaching are essential. It is preferred that the teacher have a bachelors degree in an appropriate field; however, in lieu of a degree the minimum qualification would be a high school diploma and at least two years experience as a teachers aide or substitute. All teachers are encouraged to participate in early childhood education workshops or conferences on an annual basis.
Physical Facilities
Smithfield Baptist Preschool is located at 100 Wainwright Drive in the Red Point Heights subdivision of Smithfield. Our preschool utilizes twelve classrooms. The preschool also uses the Family Life Center, and the media library. On days when the FLC is used for indoor play, safety mats are used under the climbing and play equipment. When the weather permits, we play outside. Our playground is fenced and has mulch as a ground covering.
Enrollment Capacity
Smithfield Baptist Preschool was issued a conditional use permit for the enrollment of 100 children in April 1992. The certificate of occupancy provided by the County of Isle of Wight was amended to an approved occupant load of 120 (students and teachers) in August 1996.
Health Requirements for Staff
Our staff must be certified annually by a practicing physician to be free from any disability, which would prevent them from caring for young children. Documentation is on file in the office.
Insurance
Smithfield Baptist Preschool is covered by public liability insurance provided by Manry-Rawls Corporation.
In addition our preschool has established and implemented procedures for:
- Hand washing by staff and children before eating and after toileting
- Appropriate supervision of all children in care, including daily intake and dismissal procedures to ensure safety.
- A daily simple health screening and exclusion of sick children by a person trained to perform such screening.
- Ensuring that a person trained and certified in child CPR is present at the center whenever children are present.
- Ensuring that all staff are able to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, and are knowledgeable of their responsibility to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
- Ensuring that all staff and administration personnel involved in the operation of the preschool are required to undergo a criminal records check and sex offender and crimes against minors registry search.
- Ensuring that all persons involved in the transportation of the preschoolers hold a valid Virginia drivers license, that the vehicles display a current inspection sticker and are insured, and that the children are placed in the proper child restraint devices.
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