DCF Training: A Complete Guide for Child Care Providers in Florida

Key Highlights

• DCF training is required for child care staff in Florida to ensure safety, compliance, and quality of care.
• The 40-hour introductory training (often called "45 hours of DCF training") covers child growth, safety, abuse reporting, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Training must be started within 90 days of employment and completed within one year.
• All child care staff must complete at least 10 hours of annual in-service training every fiscal year.
• The official DCF Training Portal allows you to register, log in, view transcripts, and print certificates.
• Costs vary depending on providers, but many approved colleges and agencies offer courses starting from $35 per module or around $174 for the full program.

Introduction

If you plan to work in child care in Florida, you will quickly encounter the term DCF training. Managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), this training ensures that everyone working with children meets minimum standards for safety, development, and well-being. Whether you're a teacher, assistant, or director, completing these trainings is essential not only for compliance but also for building a strong foundation in child care.

This guide breaks down exactly what DCF training is, why it matters, what courses you must take, how to access them, costs involved, and how to keep up with annual requirements.

What is DCF Training?

DCF training refers to the mandatory training programs developed by the Florida Department of Children and Families for child care staff. These courses cover everything from child development and nutrition to child abuse prevention and safe practices.

The goal is simple: to make sure children are safe, supported, and cared for by trained professionals who understand both the legal responsibilities and the best practices for working with young children.

Why DCF Training Matters

Completing DCF training is more than just checking a box.

• Legal Compliance: It is required for all licensed child care facilities, large family child care homes, and licensed family child care homes in Florida. Without it, employment may be at risk.
• Quality of Care: Training equips staff to recognize and prevent abuse, promote healthy development, and maintain safe and nurturing environments.
• Career Growth: Many positions require these credentials. Completing training can help professionals qualify for higher positions, earn director credentials, and expand career opportunities.

To ensure your child care facility meets all Florida licensing standards, consider our licensing consultation service for expert guidance on compliance and training requirements.

The 40-/45-Hour Introductory Training

One of the most common requirements is the 40-hour introductory training, which is often referred to as "45 hours of DCF training."

Part I: 30 Hours

• Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations (6 hours)
• Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (4 hours)
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition (8 hours)
• Child Growth and Development (6 hours)
• Behavioral Observation and Screening (6 hours)

Part II: 10 Hours

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices (5 hours)
• Plus one of the following:
• Infant & Toddler Practices (5 hours)
• Preschool Practices (5 hours)
• School-Age Practices (5 hours)
• Alternatively, Special Needs Appropriate Practices (10 hours) may substitute for the above.

Together, these courses build a well-rounded foundation for anyone working with children in a licensed facility.

Deadlines to Remember

• Start within 90 days: Employees must begin training, sit for an exam, or apply for an exemption within their first 90 days on the job.
• Finish within one year: All 40 hours of required training must be completed and exams passed within one year of beginning employment.

Additional Required Training

DCF also requires several additional trainings depending on your role:

• 30-Day Orientation: Topics like safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome, and fire extinguisher training must be completed before or within 30 days of hire.
• Medication & Transportation: Employees who administer medication or transport children must complete additional specialized training.
• Annual In-Service Training: Each fiscal year, every child care worker must complete at least 10 hours of in-service training or 1 CEU.

For customized policies and procedures tailored to your child care agency's needs, explore our any agency type customized policies and procedures to stay compliant effortlessly.

How to Access DCF Training

The Florida DCF offers an online portal to manage all training needs.

1. Create an Account: Go to the DCF Child Care Training Portal and register.
2. Log In: Use your username and password to sign in. If you forget your password, reset options are available.
3. Register for Courses: Select online or in-person training sessions offered by approved providers.
4. Track Your Transcript: The portal keeps a record of completed courses, exams, and CEUs.
5. Print Certificates: Once training is finished, you can print official certificates for your records or employer.

For more details on Florida's child care regulations, visit the official Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Licensing page.

How Much Does DCF Training Cost?

The cost of DCF training depends on where you take the courses. Some examples:

• Technical Colleges: Sheridan Technical College offers a 45-hour program for around $174.
• Training Agencies: Community organizations like 4C Florida charge between $35 and $55 per module depending on the course length.
• Exam Fees: Additional fees may apply for competency exams or certification requests.

Many employers reimburse or directly cover these costs for employees, so always check with your facility.

Staying Compliant

Completing the initial 40-hour training is only the beginning. To stay compliant:

• Log at least 10 hours of approved in-service training each fiscal year.
• Keep transcripts updated in the DCF Training Portal.
• For directors, complete any renewal or additional credentialing requirements on time.

Staying current not only keeps you compliant but also ensures you are up to date on the latest standards in child development and safety.

Need help navigating licensing and compliance? Our licensing consultation service provides personalized support to streamline your child care operations.

Explore All Compliance Products

Looking for state-ready templates, policies, and manuals? Browse our complete catalog here: CarePolicy – All Products.

Conclusion

DCF training is the backbone of child care compliance in Florida. By completing the initial 40-hour training, following up with annual in-service requirements, and keeping your transcript current, you'll be fully prepared to meet state requirements and provide the highest quality care.

The investment of time and cost pays off in both career opportunities and, most importantly, the safety and development of children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is DCF training?

DCF training refers to the mandatory courses created by the Florida Department of Children and Families for child care personnel.

What is the "45-hour DCF training"?

It's commonly used to describe the 40-hour training plus additional modules, bringing the total to around 45 hours.

How much does DCF training cost?

Prices vary, but individual courses may cost $35--$55, while a full 45-hour program can cost around $174 at a technical college.

Do I need to finish training before starting work?

You can begin working, but you must start training or take an exam within 90 days of hire and finish within one year.

Do I need training every year?

Yes. All child care staff must complete at least 10 hours of annual in-service training.

Where do I log in for training?

Go to the official DCF Child Care Training Portal to log in, view transcripts, and register for classes.