The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Nebraska Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Nebraska. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NEBRASKA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children and Family Services
P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5044
http://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/CCC391-3.pd
(402) 471-3121
License renewal: No renewal required after one year provisional license.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
6 Wks.- 18 Wks. |
18 Mos.-3 Years |
3 Years |
4 – 5 Years |
5+ Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:15
|
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None | |
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
20 |
24 |
30 | |
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
1050 sf. | |
Outdoor Space Requirements: 100 sf per child.
- There must be no barnyard animals and must be free to animal waste.
- The director has to make sure that the fenced outdoor play area is available directly to the child care.
- The fence and all the toys and equipment within the fenced area must be free from rust and free of sharp and hazardous edges.
- A licensee must ensure that there is stationary outdoor equipment that is securely anchored such as climbing and swings, and swing seats must be made of pliable material.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
1 |
A minimum of 1 operable toilet and sink must be available per 15 children 2 years old or older. |
19 |
The application/ licensee must complete a pre-employment criminal history on each volunteer 19 years old or older. |
1 |
During every nap time, at least 1 teacher must be in the room where the children are napping, as long as the staff to child ratio is maintained center-wide. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
When transportation is provided for children, the number of children transported must not exceed the seating capacity. |  |
The department may conduct unannounced monitoring inspections to determine compliance with regulations and the conditions of any negative action or discipline. |  |
When new staff or volunteers are employed, they must be provided with an orientation prior to their having a direct responsibility to the children. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019