Child Card Division

Child Care (Early Learning) Division

Religious Exemption Accreditation:
Faith Based Child Care Facilities in Florida may choose to obtain a Religious Exemption from Licensure Accreditation with the FCCPSA instead of obtaining a Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The FCCPSA is recognized by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an approved Religious Exemption Accrediting Agency for child care facilities.

The Florida Statutes provides Religious Exemption for child care facilities in the State of Florida. The facility must be an integral part of church or parochial school, meet the screening requirements pursuant to FLA STAT 402.305 and meet local health requirements in addition to the on-site evaluation process of the agency to ensure compliance with its standards for health, safety and sanitation.

In accordance with FLA STAT 402.306, the Department recognizes and exempts from licensure those religiously affiliated programs that meet the following statutory requirements:

"The provisions of FLA STAT 402.301-402.319, except for the requirements regarding screening of child care personnel, shall not apply to a child care facility which is an integral part of church or parochial schools conducting regularly scheduled classes, courses of study, or educational programs accredited by, or by a member of, and organization which publishes and requires compliance with its standards for health, safety, and sanitation, and safety and shall meet the screening requirements pursuant to FLA STAT 402, 305 and 402, 3055. Failure by a facility to comply with such screening requirements shall result in the loss of the facilities exemption from licensure."

Gold Seal Quality Care Accreditation:
The Florida Legislature established the Gold Seal Quality Care program to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that are accredited by nationally recognized agencies and whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children.

Accreditation as a Gold Seal Quality Care program demonstrates a level of educational professionalism and committment to quality standards that surpass the broad benchmarks of health and safety. These programs go beyond the required standards that all Child Care Facilities must comply with as they continue to pursue excellence. The FCCPSA joins with the Child Care Program with an in depth Self-Study program based on established national standards, combined with a detailed inspection process that will guide the center to meeting the high standards necessary to become a Gold Seal Quality Care program.

After School / School-Age Child Care:
As a Religious Exempt Accrediting Agency for Child Care Programs, FCCPSA offers accreditation for an After School Care / School-Age Child Care Program, providing that the program is an integral part of church and the staff meets the background screening requirements per Florida Statute.