(A) Inspections include any in-home, foster or child care facility caring for more than seven children under the age of 14, for a period of less than 24 hours at a time, exclusive of persons who are related by blood, marriage or adoption.
(B) An application for a permit to operate an in-home, foster or child care facility shall be submitted by the owner/operator of such facility. An environmental, playground and food service inspection will be conducted by the Health Official, routinely and on a complaint basis to ensure that the facilities, grounds and equipment are maintained in a safe and sanitary condition for the welfare of the occupants and patrons. Any deficiencies must be corrected before a permit will be issued. Thereafter, an annual re-inspection and applicable permit fees will be required.
(C) The permit application shall state the owner/operator’s name, address and telephone number and the names and social security numbers of all employees and staff members of the child care facility. A food service permit will be required and all employees will be required to obtain a food handlers card. The application shall indicate the name, street and mailing address, and times of operation of the child care facility.
(D) Upon change of ownership/operator, a new application will be required and a new inspection will be completed.
(E) The permit application will include a certificate of liability insurance of the minimum of $300,000 in accordance with Tex. Human Res. Code, Ch. 42.
(F) A certificate of occupancy, meeting all the requirements of the Building Official, shall be required before a child care facility permit will be issued.
(G) (1) The Health Official or designee is hereby authorized to suspend or revoke a child care facility permit for a violation of any provision of this subchapter. Suspension or revocation of a permit shall be issued by notice in writing, setting forth the reason therefor, and specifying any requirements or schedules of time for further action related to the suspension or revocation.
(2) The following actions shall constitute cause for suspension and/or revocation:
(a) Failure to respond within specified limits of time regarding violations observed during a Health Official inspection.
(b) Violation by the owner/operator or any employee or staff member of the requirements for permitting as contained in this subchapter.
(c) Any situation, which poses a safety or public health hazard to any child, entrusted to the care of the child care facility.
(d) Failure to keep continually in force, the required insurance against liability for bodily injury or death.
(e) Failure to possess a valid child care facility license or accreditation issued by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services.
(Ord. O-2009-011, passed 4-14-09)