Once awarded, accreditation is valid for up to three (3) years when once again, the child care provider must reapply for accreditation.
Accredited providers must submit an annual report every year with exception to the year of initial/renewal accreditation. That means, the child care provider will submit an annual report the second year of accreditation.
The provisions of ss. 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, an organization which publishes and requires compliance with its standards for health, safety, and sanitation.
However, such facilities shall meet minimum requirements of the applicable local governing body as to health, sanitation, and safety and shall meet the screening requirements pursuant to ss. 402.305 and 402.3055. Failure by a facility to comply with such screening requirements shall result in the loss of the facility's exemption from licensure.
New Health and Safety Check Policy:
If the provider intends to or is currently participating in school readiness then it is NOT required to have a Health and Safety Check by Green Apple validators to receive license exempt approval. Instead the provider shall submit a copy of the most recent inspection/checklist from the department or local licensing agency within thirty days from the date of application.
If the provider does not intend to or is not currently participating in school readiness then it shall submit a Request for Health and Safety Check by Green Apple validators prior to license exempt approval.
Green Apple Accreditation of Children's Services (GAACS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, disability, or national origin in the administration of its programs.