At least every two (2) years, the local health director shall make unannounced visits, inspections or investigations of the licensed child care center or group child care home.

[19a-79-2a(c)(8)] · Corrected May 23, 2025

Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least three years after the child is no longer attending the program.

[19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)] · Corrected May 23, 2025

There shall be access to a minimum of seventy-five (75) square feet per child of outdoor space for the number of children using the space at any one time. The outdoor area shall be fenced or protected for safety. Outdoor play equipment shall have a shock absorbing surface, under and around, that shall effectively cushion the fall of a child, except where the child is sitting or standing at ground level. The shock absorbing surface shall be maintained at a depth of at least eight inches, be free of water and not allowed to become compacted. Acceptable shock absorbing surfaces may include mulch, sand, and wood chips. Synthetic material that is less than eight inches in depth, including but not limited to, rubber mats or tiles may be acceptable surfaces provided the operator maintains documentation on the licensed premises that the synthetic material is manufactured for this purpose, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and sufficient to cushion the fall of a child. Concrete, asphalt, grass and dirt shall not be considered a shock absorbing surface. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards. Nuts, bolts and screws shall be tight; and those that protrude shall be covered or protected. Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability when recommended by the manufacturer. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. The operator shall provide documentation to the Office, upon request, by a certified playground safety inspector that newly constructed playgrounds and all newly installed playground equipment that are set in position and anchored in such a way to last indefinitely are designed and installed in accordance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards. Drinking water shall be available and accessible to children. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents. All play equipment, fences, and structures shall not pose a hazard.

Exit doorways, stairs or hallways shall not be blocked by furniture, toys or play equipment. Cots, cribs and playpens shall be placed so that walkways are clear for emergencies and evacuation.

[19a-79-7a(d)(6)-(f)(3)] · Corrected Feb 28, 2025

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- · Corrected Jun 20, 2024

A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include evidence that the necessary information and documentation specified by the Office of Early Childhood in order to conduct background checks has been submitted. The operator shall provide to the Office of Early Childhood any information obtained concerning substantiated child abuse or neglect records or criminal convictions upon request.

[19a-79-4a(b)] · Corrected Jun 20, 2024

There shall be at least one (1) program staff person for every ten (10) children, or fraction thereof in attendance at all times. When there is a mixed age group, the lower required ratio for the age of the youngest child shall prevail. During nap time, when all of the children in the group are sleeping, the overall staff child ratios shall be maintained on the licensed premises. At no time shall a group of children be left unsupervised.

[19a-79-4a(c)(4)(A) thru (C) &/or 19a-79-4a(c)(6)] · Corrected Jun 20, 2024

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[-] · Corrected May 13, 2024

All spaces occupied by people, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings and parking lots shall have a minimum of one foot candle of lighting per square foot. All rooms used by children for reading, painting and other close work shall have at least fifty foot candles of light. For other work or play areas there shall e at least thirty foot candles of light.

[19a-79-7a(e)(8) &/or 19a-79-7a(e)(9)] · Corrected May 13, 2024

Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.

[19a-79-7a(h)(2)] · Corrected May 13, 2024

The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children.

[19a-79-7a(h)(7)] · Corrected May 13, 2024

The hands of the staff and the children shall be washed before and after each diaper change. Diapering and hand washing policies and procedures shall be posted in each diapering area.

[19a-79-10(e)(7) and/or 19a-79-10(e)(8)] · Corrected Mar 13, 2023

When a child care center or group child care home provides either meals or snacks, menus shall be prepared at least one (1) week in advance, dated and copies posted in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public. Changes shall be documented by the end of the program day. A copy of what was served shall be kept on file for three (3) months.

[19a-79-3a(e)(5) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)(4)] · Corrected Mar 13, 2023

The operator shall post no smoking signs at entrances in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

[19a-79-3a(e)(7)] · Corrected Mar 13, 2023

The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.

Each child care center and group child care home that serves children under three years of age shall have equipment and furniture to meet the developmental needs of the children served. Furniture shall include low tables and chairs according to children's size and development.

[19a-79-10(d)(2)(D)] · Corrected Aug 24, 2022

Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · Corrected Aug 24, 2022

Each child care center and group child care home that serves children under three years of age shall have equipment and furniture to meet the developmental needs of the children served. Furniture shall include chairs for feeding, each of which has a stable base, safety straps on all high chairs attached to the chair and a tray which locks securely.

[19a-79-10(d)(2)(C)] · Corrected Aug 24, 2022