Summary information on some of the regulations
(The information below is provided as a convenience to interested parties, it is highly recommended that the actual regulations be viewed, as the information contained below is a non-expert summary.  Links to the current regulations are provided)

 General Information
This document summarizes some of the elements in a Child Care environment which have been identified as key to meeting a child's developmental needs. What cannot be set out in regulations is the manner in which a caregiver interacts with a child.  This element must be observed and judged carefully by a parent.  To help parents carefully review child care options please review our detailed child care questionnaire.

Child Care Staff Ratios The number of caregiving staff to the number of children is critical to the quality of care and interaction your child will receive.
Child Care Space Requirements The amount of physical space for each child to play impacts a child's ability to have sufficient room to explore and to play without feeling over crowded.  There needs to be adequate space indoors and out.
Child Care Staff Education Requirements Numerous studies have shown that better trained staff provide higher quality care.   

 Click Here to view the full set of Pennsylvania Family Day Care Homes Regulations

Pennsylvania Family Day Care Ratios: (treat each option as an OR)

Click here to see the Pennsylvania Family Day Care Home Ratio Requirement regulation.

1. There are no regulations on the amount of physical space which must be provided in doors or outdoors for children in care.
2. There are rules regarding the safety of outdoor space and specific safety issues for indoor space (i.e. the use of outlet covers, storage of toxic substances, water temperature, etc.)  Click here for the Pennsylvania Family Day Care Homes Physical Site Regulation.

Child Care Staffing Levels & Education Requirements

Pennsylvania Family Day Care Home providers and staff are required to be at least 18 years of age.  Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and must be directly supervised by staff personnel, at all times.  A person who is at least 16 years of age and has approved training (see regulation 3290.31) may be used as a staff person.  

Staff are required to receive 12 clock hours of child care training biennially (see regulation 3290.31 for details on approved training).  Click here to see the Pennsylvania Family Day Care Home Age and Training Regulation.