Encouraging Quality, Recognizing Excellence
We are pleased to provide you with up to date information on NECPA and our standards. Please find below important updates. If you have any questions, please contact the NECPA Center of Operations at 1.800.505.9878.
Updates:
- NECPA Fees
- NECPA Teacher Qualifications and Development
- NECPA Website
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-25
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-29
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-52
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-72
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-74
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-98 C
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-7
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-15
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-15O
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-19
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument, addition of Item III-19A
- NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-32a
1. Updates on NECPA Fees
As of June 1, 2012, the NECPA will update and implement the following fees:
- Implementation of Verification Visit Rescheduling Fee: $75.00
- Implementation of Annual Report Late Fee: $25.00
- Increase in Verification Visit Cancellation Fee to $625.00
- Increase in Verification Visit Request Fees, New Pricing:
- Licensed capacity of 7-60 Children: $1,050.00
- Licensed capacity of 61-120 Children: $1,150.00
- Licensed capacity of 121-240 Children: $1,250.00
- Licensed capacity of 241+ Children: $1,350.00
2. Update NECPA Teacher Qualifications and Development published on 12/30/2011
The NECPA has updated the requirements for Directors, Lead Teachers, Teachers, Associate and Assistant Teachers. Click here to review the updates published on 12/30/2011.
3. Update NECPA Website
The NECPA has updated the website with a section dedicated specifically to NECPA standards amendments. Please continue to reference the Standards Amendments page of our website on regular basis for NECPA Standards amendments. Click here to visit the Standards Amendments page on the NECPA website
4. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-25
The NECPA has updated item II-25, to provide the option of responding in the following ways:
Yes, No, N/A.
The NECPA has updated item II-25 with the following statement: What is the program policy when staff is absent?
5. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-29
The NECPA has updated item II-29, to provide the option of responding in the following ways: Yes, No, N/A.
6. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-52
The NECPA has updated Item II-52, by removing the word "Checklist".
7. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-72
The NECPA has updated item II-72, to read:
Check the fire (evacuation) drill log for the times at which drills have been held. Does the record show a drill held between the following times (please circle all that apply)?
6:00 am and 9:59 am
10:00 am and 1:59 pm
2:00 pm and 5:59 pm
6:00 pm and 11:59 pm
12:00 am and 5:59 am
Specify program hours of operation:___________________
8. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-74
The NECPA has updated item II-74, to read: RESERVED
9. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item II-98 C
The NECPA has updated item II-98 C, to read: An informed consent form will be signed by the parent that identifies specifically what information will be shared.
10. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-7
The NECPA has updated Item III-7 to include consideration of state regulations for surface material requirements. Programs may receive credit for this indicator using state regulations, provided the regulations require the surface material to extend at least 4 feet beyond the perimeter of the equipment. Please provide a copy of this regulation to the NECPA Verifier and note this within your NECPA Self Assessment Instrument. The current Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for surface material requirements is optimal.
11. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-15
The NECPA has updated Item III-15, to read:
*NOTE: The preferred method of handwashing is with warm running water and liquid soap for 10-20 seconds, 20 seconds being optimal. Sinks in centers shall be provided within arm's reach of the caregiver to diaper changing tables. A minimum of one handwashing sink shall be available for every two changing tables
The use hand sanitizers by children over twenty-four months of age and adults in child care programs in an appropriate alternative to the use of traditional handwashing with soap and water. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizer is not an acceptable substitute for hand washing for children of children under the age of 24 months because of the potential for them to eat the sanitizer rather than rubbing their hands together.
For visibly dirty hands, rinsing under running water or wiping with a water-saturated towel should be used to remove as much dirt as possible before using a hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer using an alcohol-based active ingredient must contain 60% to 95% alcohol. A single pump of an alcohol-based sanitizer should be dispensed. Hands should be rubbed together, distributing sanitizer to all hand and finger surfaces and hands should be permitted to air dry.
12. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-15O
The NECPA has removed the letter O from this item. The use of non-absorbent paper liners large enough to cover the changing surface from the child's shoulders to beyond the child's feet is no longer a requirement.
13. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-19
The NECPA has updated Item III-19, to read:
*NOTE: The preferred method of handwashing is with warm running water and liquid soap for 10-20 seconds, 20 seconds being optimal. Sinks in centers shall be provided within arm's reach of the caregiver to diaper changing tables. A minimum of one handwashing sink shall be available for every two changing tables
The use hand sanitizers by children over twenty-four months of age and adults in child care programs in an appropriate alternative to the use of traditional handwashing with soap and water. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizer is not an acceptable substitute for hand washing for children of children under the age of 24 months because of the potential for them to eat the sanitizer rather than rubbing their hands together.
For visibly dirty hands, rinsing under running water or wiping with a water-saturated towel should be used to remove as much dirt as possible before using a hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer using an alcohol-based active ingredient must contain 60% to 95% alcohol. A single pump of an alcohol-based sanitizer should be dispensed. Hands should be rubbed together, distributing sanitizer to all hand and finger surfaces and hands should be permitted to air dry.
14. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument, addition of Item III-19A
The NECPA has updated item III-19A, to read:
III-19A) If the facility uses alcohol based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more), does the dispenser meet the following requirements?
A) The maximum individual dispenser fluid capacity in rooms, corridors, and areas open to corridors is no more than 0.32 gal (1.2 liters). Yes No N/A
B) The maximum individual dispenser fluid capacity in a suite of rooms is no more than 0.53 gal (2.0 liters) Yes No N/A
C) Where aerosol containers are used, the maximum capacity of the aerosol dispenser is 18 oz. (0.51 kg) Yes No N/A
D) Wall mounted dispensers are separated from each other by horizontal spacing of not less than 48 in. Yes No N/A
E) Wall mounted dispensers are not installed above or adjacent to ignition sources such as electrical outlets. Yes No N/A
F) Wall mounted dispensers installed directly over carpeted floors are not permitted only in child care facilities protected by automatic sprinklers Yes No N/A
15. Update NECPA Self Assessment Instrument Item III-32a
The NECPA has updated Item II-32a, to provide the option of responding in the following ways: Yes, No, N/A.