Q & A With...Debra Johnson

Who is Debra Johnson? She works for the Department of Public Health in the Community Based Regulation Section, as the manager responsible for the licensing of child day care and youth camp programs. We sat down with Debra to discuss her job, how DPH goes through the licensing process, investigates complaints and other pertinent questions related to her position at DPH.

Q: How long have you been with the Community-Based Regulation Section? With the state of Connecticut?

A: “I started with the department over 21 years ago as a regulator [for health practitioners]. Over the past 8.5 years, I've worked in the child care and youth camps [section]. Half the time, I've been a supervisor and half the time I've been a manager. Since July 1, I've been acting section chief since Devon Conover's retirement.”

Q: Do you get to go out into the field and interact with providers?

A: “It's not a regular part of my job, although I do try to get out with specialists in the field to observe programs in operation, observe DPH staff and their work and provide guidance to DPH staff.”

Q: When is a family child care, group day care or child day care center inspected? Are they inspected during the licensing process? Spot inspections after licensing? Only when there is a reported violation?

A: “All programs are inspected before they are licensed to make sure they meet requirements. Once licensed, child day care centers and group day cares homes are inspected every two years; family child care homes are inspected once every three years, approximately. If there is a complaint, more frequent inspections may be necessary.”

Q: Is there a common violation that is seen in child care during inspections?

A: “There are some regulations that are cited more frequently than others. Physical plant requirements are frequently cited, because this violation category is broad and encompasses many different types of observations, such as hazards on the playground, chipping paint [that would need to be tested for lead] or accessible hazards.”

NOTE: Sample inspection forms that documents everything that is reviewed during an inspection can be found at the DPH Web site, www.ct.gov/dph/daycare

Q: What is the process of licensing a child care provider? How long does the initial process take?

A: “It varies and depends on how quickly information is sent in. For family child care providers, the process may be held up until the results of state and national criminal background checks are received.

Applications and accompanying documentation are submitted to DPH for review, then an inspection is set up and if there are problems found during the inspection, they need to be corrected. If all requirements are satisfied, a license is issued. It could take between several weeks and several months.

Centers also need building, fire, local and zoning approvals. Applicants may start the application process before all local approvals are obtained.”

Q: How often do licenses have to be renewed?

A: “Licenses are renewed every four years. Previously, licensees were renewed every two years. Routine inspections are not tied to the renewal date.”

Q: Is it required in Connecticut that all child care providers be licensed?

A: “By state statute, anyone providing child care services needs to be licensed, but there are exceptions that are specifically listed in the statutes.”

NOTE: Visit http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/daycare/pdf/Statutes_and_Regulations_Homes.pdf for a list of exemptions under Section 19a-77.

Q: What would you say is the best part of your job?

A: “There are great providers out there that we are able to work with to ensure kids have positive experiences in child care. The few non-compliant [providers], we address to keep kids safe. What we do here makes a difference – not everyone can say that about their job. I honestly can say I love my job. I think most people [here] would say that.”

Q: What trends are you seeing in centers that are being licensed?

A: “We have seen more kids with complex medical conditions coming [into programs] and therefore, more providers are petitioning DPH to administer medications to children by a route other than oral, topical or inhalant. This is another reason why it becomes increasingly important for programs to utilize their health consultants.”

“Another trend is that programs have had to examine what they will do in case of emergencies and develop and implement emergency preparedness plans.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to open a child care business?

A: “I would direct them to our Web site and 211 Childcare [call 2-1-1 or visit www.211childcare.org/]. They can also call the DPH Help Desk Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a licensing specialist manning the phones. The numbers are [toll-free] 1-800-282-6063 or 860-509-8045. This is also our complaint line for the public or for a provider who wants to call in an incident. Callers will be prompted for the help desk or complaint line when they call.”

Q: How many licenses are given out each year, approximately?

A: “In 2008, there were 273 new family day care home licenses issued and 78 for center/group day care. Currently licensed, there are 2,696 family day cares and 1,598 center and group day cares. Family day cares have declined over the years, but lately, it's been around 2,700.”

Q: What does it typically cost a center to go through the licensing process?

A: “The application [fee] is $40 for family child care, $200 for group and $400 for centers. This includes the inspection and is good for four years. The license is renewed at the same cost. The costs associated with getting a program up and running varies.”

Q: How does the criteria for substantiating incidents with children align, or not, with the criteria of DCF? We've heard there are times DCF does not substantiate an incident, meaning they investigate and do not find abuse or neglect, but DPH often substantiates those very same incidents.

A: “We do collaborate with DCF when the allegations involve child abuse or neglect. Our roles are different. DCF is focusing on if the child was abused or neglected. They have standards to meet to come to that conclusion – did it occur, yes or no. DPH is investigating the incident to determine if there was a regulatory violation. We look at our regulations to see if there was a violation. For example, there may be an incident involving child discipline that is inconsistent with the center's policy. DPH would substantiate a violation, but it may not rise to the level of an abuse or neglect substantiation [in the eyes of DCF].”

Q: How will DPH begin to collaborate with DSS, SDE and possibly DCF to minimize, or at least, streamline, reporting requirements of early care and education facilities to ensure compliance with recent legislation?

A: “We will continue to collaborate with DSS and SDE to streamline processes and simplify procedures for providers. Efforts regarding the identifying of a single standard of verifying 12 credits have already begun and are close to being finalized.”