Which agency is described as licensing and inspecting child care facilities to ensure compliance with state standards?

• A. Department of Children and Families
• B. Local Fire Department
• C. Local County Health Department
• D. Florida Abuse Hotline

Answer: (A)

Licensing and inspecting child care facilities to ensure they meet state standards are handled by the state agency that oversees child welfare and childcare licensing. This agency creates the rules, requires background checks, enforces staffing and safety requirements, and conducts regular inspections to verify compliance. In Florida, that role is filled by the Department of Children and Families. The other options have different duties: the local fire department focuses on fire safety, the local county health department handles health-related inspections, and the Florida Abuse Hotline is for reporting suspected abuse or neglect, not licensing.