OKDHS - OAC 340:110-1-4. Roles and responsibilities

340:110-1-4. Roles and responsibilities

Back

|

Next

Revised 7-1-11

(a) The staff members responsible for licensing child care facilities are under the supervision of Licensing Services within Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS). The licensing staff makes recommendations on all case actions to the licensing supervisor. The statewide licensing coordinator or designee is responsible for the final approval of all licensing recommendations. • 1

(b) Official licensing records for child care programs are maintained in the licensing staff's office. These records are open to the public upon request and the procedures in 340:110-1-14 are followed.

(c) In addition to licensing child care facilities, licensing staff:

(1) communicate with local fire and health officials within their assigned area regarding licensing policy, requirements, inspections, and other issues related to a specific facility or child care in general;

(2) refer facilities to local city officials regarding local ordinances and related compliance;

(3) assist parents in identifying child care options and providing information on choosing quality care;

(4) facilitate or sponsor training for child care providers; and • 2

(5) promote the availability of quality, affordable child care within the licensing staff's assigned area. • 3

(d) When possible, a licensing staff member is not assigned to the facility where the staff member's child is in care.

(e) All media requests for information regarding the licensing process, procedures, or case specific information are immediately forwarded to the licensing supervisor. The licensing supervisor forwards media contact information to the statewide licensing coordinator or designee, who provides the information to the Office of Communications per OAC 340:2-37-1.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:110-1-4

Revised 7-1-11

1.  (a) The county director's responsibilities in relation to local licensing staff are to:

(1) provide office space, equipment, supplies, computer technical support, and clerical support;

(2) include licensing in staff meetings when subjects relating to policy and procedure are discussed; and

(3) assist in disciplinary actions and hiring of new staff.

(b) Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS) State Office staff provides consultation for licensing field staff on interpretation of the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, Oklahoma Department of Human Services policy, licensing requirements, and other child care services. The statewide licensing coordinator, assistant licensing coordinator, and regional programs managers provide technical assistance for licensing field staff on case actions, legal actions, and complaint investigations. OCCS State Office staff meet regularly with licensing field staff in supervisory, regional, and statewide meetings to obtain input from the field, clarify policies and requirements, and provide training.

2.   Staff teaching at a college or a technology center must complete Form 11AD042E, Request for Approval of Other Employment, and follow policy per OAC 340:2-1-8. Restrictions for providing training, formal teaching, and Child Development Associate (CDA) involvement are identified in (1) through (3) of this paragraph.

(1) Staff are restricted from accepting payment from child care providers.

(2) While teaching at a college or technology center, staff need to explain they are not acting in the role of a licensing specialist or representing OCCS. Questions regarding licensing or enforcement are addressed by the student's licensing specialist. Staff are restricted from teaching:

(A) anyone from a facility that they monitor;

(B) classes on facility premises; and

(C) during work hours without taking approved leave.

(3) Staff providing CDA services are restricted from:

(A) observing or providing consultation on-site to a facility if they are teaching a CDA or Child Development block course; and

(B) being a CDA advisor for someone on their caseload.

3.  Some examples of methods to increase community awareness are newspaper articles, participation in Week of the Young Child, speaking to local organizations, and displays at community events.

Back

|

Next