Inspections

Unannounced inspections of child care centers are conducted by the Food and Lodging section at least once every six months. Inspection of child care centers can be inspected as frequently as necessary in order to ensure compliance.

The degree of the child care center's compliance is indicated by the total demerit-point score which is indicated on the grade card that is located in a conspicuous place where it may be readily observed upon entering the child care center. Possible scores include:

• Superior - a child care center is classified as superior if the total demerit score is not more than 15 and no 6-demerit-point item is violated.
• Approved - a child care center is classified as approved, if the total demerit score is more than 15 and not more than 30, and no 6-demerit-point is violated.
• Provisional - a child care center is classified as provisional if any 6-demerit-point item is violated, or if the total demerit-point score is 30 but not more than 45.
• Disapproved - a child care center is classified as disapproved if the demerit score is 46 or more, or if conditions which resulted in a provisional classification have not been corrected in the time period specified by the Food and Lodging section.

Guidelines for construction and sanitation of child care centers may be found online.