Child care licensing regulations are designed to
reduce the risk of harm to children while they are participating in out of home
care. In examining national research, state statistics, and the best practices
of states that have been recognized as having effective licensing systems, Ohio
has identified those rule areas which could lead to the greatest risk of harm.
These rules were also looked at through the lens of meeting three criteria: any
non-compliances must be observable, not inferable; they must truly lead to the
greatest risk of harm to children; and they must be defendable.
The most egregious offenses are considered Serious Risk Non-Compliance (SRNC) and are 6 points. Moderate Risk Non-Compliance (MRNC) are 3 points. All other non-compliances are considered 'low risk' and valued as 1 point. A program will not be eligible for a star rating or a star rating may be reduced or removed if a program has a 6 point serious risk, or a total of 24 points or more of serious and moderate risk non-compliances in a 12-month period.