Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing Requirements
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Pennsylvania childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.36 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.131 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.133 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.122 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.117 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.141 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law 23 Pa.C.S. §6311; 55 Pa. Code §3270.31 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.123 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; 55 Pa. Code §3270.14 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.172 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.175 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Pennsylvania mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (13-24 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (25-36 months) | 1:6 |
| Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:10 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:12 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
Background Check Requirements
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record
- FBI fingerprint check (Act 73)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
- Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check
Inspection Frequency
Annual unannounced inspection; complaint-based inspections
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to $5,000/day; provisional, suspended, or revoked certificate under Human Services Code §1026
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Generate a Pennsylvania-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Pennsylvania childcare parent handbook?
Pennsylvania childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Pennsylvania?
Childcare licensing in Pennsylvania is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services. You can find official licensing information at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Child-Care.aspx.
What happens if a Pennsylvania childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Pennsylvania parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines up to $5,000/day; provisional, suspended, or revoked certificate under Human Services Code §1026
How often are Pennsylvania childcare centers inspected?
Pennsylvania childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual unannounced inspection; complaint-based inspections