Who is considered the operator of a child care facility?

The operator of a child care facility is defined as any onsite person responsible for overall operations. This includes ensuring that the facility adheres to regulations and meets the needs of the children and families it serves. The operator plays a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of the facility, overseeing staff, managing schedules, addressing parent concerns, and ensuring that the environment is safe and conducive to learning.

The definition encompasses a broader scope than solely managing financial aspects or focusing exclusively on educational quality; while these elements are important, they do not fully capture the comprehensive responsibilities associated with the role of an operator. Additionally, stating that only the owner is the operator overlooks the possibility that ownership can be separate from the day-to-day management. An operator must be physically present and actively engaged in the facility to effectively maintain operations and provide quality care for children.