Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine

DCF Competency Exam Practice Test: Child Care Rules & Safety

Quick, free quiz to check your child care rules exam knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Guilherme VianaUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for DCF test quiz on childcare facility rules on dark blue background

This quiz helps you prepare for the DCF competency exam by practicing child care rules on health, safety, nutrition, and supervision. Get quick checks on key standards before test day. For more practice, try our cda practice test, explore a free caregiver practice test, or review safety with a fire life safety practice test.

DCF supervision requires that caregivers maintain which level of oversight at all times?
Active, direct, and continuous supervision within sight and hearing
Periodic check-ins every 10 minutes with audio monitoring
Visual supervision only when children are outdoors
Supervision by camera from an adjacent room
undefined
Which health record must be on file prior to a child's attendance in a DCF-licensed facility (or by the timeframe required by rule)?
Current immunization record on the state-approved form or exemption, as permitted
A sports physical completed within the last two years
A copy of the family's health insurance card only
A written note from a parent stating the child is healthy
undefined
How often must fire evacuation drills be conducted and documented in a child care facility?
Twice a year, coordinated with local fire department
Only when new children enroll
At least monthly, at varying times of day
Only quarterly, during morning hours
undefined
Which infant safe sleep practice aligns with DCF standards?
Place infants on their backs to sleep, on a firm sleep surface
Place infants on their sides with a rolled towel for support
Allow soft bedding to keep infants warm
Use weighted blankets to reduce startle reflex
undefined
What is permitted inside an infant's crib during sleep in licensed care?
Only a tight-fitting sheet on a firm mattress
A pacifier attached to a stuffed animal
A bumper pad to cushion the crib rails
A light blanket tucked around the infant
undefined
Which bottle-warming method is acceptable in child care?
Heating in a microwave for less than 10 seconds
Warming in a container of warm water and testing temperature before feeding
Leaving the bottle on a radiator for 2 minutes
Adding hot tap water directly into the formula bottle
undefined
According to DCF standards, what is the required staff-to-child ratio for infants younger than 12 months in care?
2 staff for every 12 infants
1 staff for every 8 infants
1 staff for every 4 infants
1 staff for every 6 infants
undefined
Before an employee can work with children, which DCF screening is required?
Drug test only, no background screening
Level 2 fingerprint-based background screening with eligibility clearance
Personal references from at least three families
Local police department name check only
undefined
To administer a prescription medication to a child, what must the facility have and follow?
Written parent authorization and the medication in the original labeled container; document dose, time, and staff signature
Verbal consent from the parent and any container with the child's name on it
A text message from the parent and dosing at staff discretion
Parent authorization only; documentation is optional
undefined
What is the safe cold-holding temperature for potentially hazardous foods in child care food service?
Any temperature if served within 4 hours
41 F or colder
45 F or colder
50 F or colder
undefined
Which practice is NOT part of a proper diapering procedure in licensed child care?
Cleaning the child front to back and disposing of the diaper in a covered, lined container
Washing the caregiver's and child's hands after the diaper change
Sanitizing the diapering surface after each use
Using the same pair of gloves for consecutive diaper changes to reduce waste
undefined
Which is a core DCF requirement for swimming activities during field trips?
Lifeguard optional if life jackets are used
Parent permission not required if swimming occurs at a public pool
Staff may supervise from the pool deck with no lifeguard if the water is shallow
A certified lifeguard on duty, written parental permission, and staff actively supervising within arm's reach of non-swimmers
undefined
Which best practice is required for the storage of refrigerated breast milk in child care?
Warming in a microwave before storage
Keep on the door shelf to allow easy access
Store at 41 F or colder, label with child's name and date, and discard per time limits
Store at any cool temperature and use within one week
undefined
Which statement about food allergies and special diets in child care is correct?
Children with allergies must bring all their own food; no documentation needed
Written documentation and clear posting or notation for staff are required to prevent exposure
Verbal notice from a parent is sufficient with no record
Staff should avoid discussing allergies to protect privacy, so no internal notes are allowed
undefined
Which practice meets DCF expectations for safe storage of children's medications on site?
In the director's unlocked desk drawer
Locked and inaccessible to children; refrigerated meds in a locked box within the refrigerator
In the classroom cubbies with the child's belongings
On a high shelf labeled "Medicine"
undefined
Which is a correct response to a blood or body fluid spill in child care?
Use appropriate PPE, clean, then disinfect with an approved solution and observe contact time; wash hands
Have children help clean to teach responsibility
Rinse with water only and air-dry
Cover with paper towels and leave for custodial staff without PPE
undefined
What is the correct response when a child exhibits signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)?
Offer water and observe for 30 minutes
Give any available antihistamine and resume activities
Administer prescribed epinephrine per authorization and training, call 911, then contact the parent
Call the parent to pick up without treatment
undefined
Which action is required after a facility pesticide application?
Ensure children are not present during application and only return after the re-entry interval; store SDS on site
Re-enter immediately if there is no odor
No documentation or product information is needed
Allow children to watch from a safe distance
undefined
Which statement about staff-to-child ratios during water play or splash activities is accurate?
Ratios must never be relaxed and may need to be stricter, with staff positioned for close, constant supervision
Only one staff is needed if all children wear floaties
Parents on site eliminate the need for staff supervision
Ratios may be doubled if water is below 6 inches
undefined
Children with a 105 F fever may remain in care if they appear active and comfortable.
True
False
undefined
0

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand DCF Regulatory Framework -

    Gain a clear grasp of the rules and regulations governing childcare facilities under the Department of Children and Families, including licensing requirements and compliance standards.

  2. Apply Health and Safety Protocols -

    Learn to implement best practices for sanitation, emergency preparedness, and facility maintenance to ensure a safe environment for children.

  3. Implement Nutrition Standards -

    Master the essential guidelines for meal planning, dietary restrictions, and proper feeding practices that meet DCF child nutrition requirements.

  4. Recall Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements -

    Understand how to maintain accurate logs, incident reports, and attendance records in compliance with DCF competency exam standards.

  5. Analyze Compliance Scenarios -

    Develop the ability to identify common violations and determine corrective actions through interactive quiz questions based on real-world situations.

  6. Prepare for the 45-Hour DCF Florida Exam -

    Build confidence with targeted practice questions and test-taking strategies designed to help you succeed on your DCF competency exam practice test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Immunizations and Health Records -

    Every child must have up-to-date immunization and health screenings per Florida Statutes Chapter 64E-16 and DCF guidelines. Use the "VAX-CHECK" mnemonic (Vaccine records, Ailments, eXemptions, Check annual renewal, Health form) to ensure compliance during your 45 hours DCF Florida prep. Checking records weekly helps you ace the dcf test and dcf competency exam practice test sections on health requirements.

  2. Safe Sleep and SIDS Prevention -

    Follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Back to Sleep" rule: infants under 1 year must be placed on their backs in a crib free of soft items. Remember "ABC" (Alone, on Back, in Crib) to recall safe sleep standards during dcf rules and regulations study guide reviews. This is a high-yield topic for the dcf testing's safety section.

  3. Nutrition and Meal Planning -

    Adhere to USDA CACFP meal patterns, ensuring children receive components from milk, fruit/vegetable, grain, and protein each day. Use the "1-2-3 Plate Check" (1 milk, 2 fruits/vegetables, 3-ounce grain) as a quick formula during your dcf test study sessions. Mastering these guidelines is crucial for the nutrition segment of the dcf competency exam practice test.

  4. Staff-to-Child Ratios -

    Florida Rule 65C-22 mandates specific ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:12 for preschoolers). Calculate staffing by dividing total children by the ratio: e.g., 18 preschoolers รท 6 = 3 staff. Using "INF-4, TOD-6, PRE-12" flashcards during your 45 hours dcf florida course will cement this for the dcf testing regulations section.

  5. Emergency Plans and Reporting -

    Child care centers must have written emergency response plans per Florida Department of Children and Families and must report incidents within 24 hours. Apply the S.T.O.P. drill (Staff Training, Timely reporting, Occupant accounting, Practice drills) as a shorthand during the dcf rules and regulations study guide review. These protocols frequently appear on the dcf test.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Nutrition & Fitness Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker