OKDHS - OAC 340:110-1-43. Roles and responsibilities of licensing staff

340:110-1-43. Roles and responsibilities of licensing staff

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Revised 7-1-11

(a) Licensing staff for residential child care and child-placing agencies conducts onsite visits, documents findings, provides technical assistance and consultation in the licensing staff's assigned areas, and makes recommendations on all case actions to the programs manager. The programs manager or designee is responsible for final approval of all licensing recommendations. • 1

(b) Official licensing records for child care programs are maintained in the licensing staff's office and are open to the public upon request.

(c) In addition to licensing facilities and agencies, licensing staff:

(1) communicate with local fire and health officials within the licensing staff's assigned area regarding licensing rules and 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) facilitate or sponsor training for child care providers; and • 2
(4) coordinate with other regulatory and investigative state entities in promoting quality care in residential settings within the licensing staff's assigned area.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:110-1-43

Revised 7-1-11

1. (a) Based upon documented findings, the licensing staff makes recommendations on issuance and other case actions to the programs manager of Residential Licensing Services, Oklahoma Child Care Services, (OCCS). After review of the recommended case action, the programs manager is responsible for final approval of all licensing recommendations. The license is signed by the statewide licensing coordinator.

(b) Licensing staff coordinates with other Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) employees, Children and Family Services Division, Office of Client Advocacy, the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and other state and local officials.

(c) OCCS provides consultation for licensing field staff on interpretation of the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, OKDHS rules and policy, licensing requirements, and other services. The programs manager provides technical assistance for the licensing staff on case actions, legal actions, and complaint investigations.

2. Staff teaching at a college or a technology center must complete Form 11AD042E, Request for Approval of Other Employment, and OAC 340:2-1-8 is followed. Restrictions for providing training, formal teaching, and Child Development Associate (CDA) involvement are listed in paragraphs (1) – (3) of this instruction:

(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 a 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.

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