This MTL Replaces CCCMPL 41 and FCCMPL 33.
Background:
On November 28, 2022, the Ohio Department of Job and Family
Services (ODJFS) implemented two new policies to expand age requirements for
child care workers. The new policies were outlined in Child Care Center Manual
Procedure Letter (CCCMPL) 41 and Family Child Care Manual Procedure Letter
(FCCMPL) 33. High school students/graduates are now permitted to work as a
child care staff member (CCSM) in a limited capacity in licensed child care
centers and family child care homes. As a CCSM, high school students and high
school graduates under the age of eighteen are to meet all CCSM requirements
outlined in Chapters 12 and 13 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).
Rules 5101:2-12-08 and 5101:2-13-08 are
effective January 27, 2024
Revised rules:
Rule 5101:2-12-08 "Employee and child care staff member
requirements for a licensed child care center"
- Add criteria for enrolled high school students
and high school graduates under the age of eighteen to work as CCSM.
- Add a new appendix D to rule 5101:2-12-08,
outlining limitations on child supervision and safety requirements for high
school students and high school graduates.
Rule 5101:2-13-08 "Employees, child care staff members and
substitute responsibilities and qualifications for a licensed family child care
provider"
- Add criteria for high school graduates under the
age of eighteen to work as CCSM.
- Add criteria outlining limitations on child
supervision and safety requirements for high school graduate.
- Revise appendix A to update age requirements for
family child care staff members
Additional Information:
For child care centers, supervision of
the high school students is the responsibility of the child care center
administrator. The center administrator is also responsible for ensuring that
another CCSM is assigned to work with the high school student and does not
leave them alone at any time when supervising children.
Two new roles are available in the
Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) for these child care staff members to use when
they create their employment record for the program in the OPR. These roles
include "High School Junior" and "HS Senior or Graduate
<18."
Child care programs employing minors
as a CCSM are to comply with Ohio Minor Labor Law requirements
for those less than 18 years of age; including, but not limited to working
permits, wage agreements, work hours, and student documentation, as outlined
in Chapter 4109. of the Ohio Revised
Code (ORC).
Please contact the Child Care Policy Help Desk at childcarepolicy@jfs.ohio.gov or
1-877-302-2347, option 4, if you have any questions.