OH HB279

Amends section 3301.56 of the Revised Code regarding preschool program director responsibilities and staffing requirements.

Establishes specific staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes for different age groups, ranging from 1:5 for infants under 12 months to 1:14 for 4- and 5-year-olds not in school.

Allows accredited Montessori programs using American Montessori Society or Association Montessori Internationale methods to combine preschool children ages 3-5 with kindergarteners, with staff ratios and group sizes consistent with the accreditation standards of those organizations rather than fixed state ratios.

Requires at least one employee on premises trained in first aid and communicable disease management, and one employee trained in child abuse recognition and prevention.

Grants parents, guardians, and custodians unlimited access to preschool facilities during operating hours to contact their child, evaluate care and premises.