15-17 · Outdoor Time, Fencing, and Play Area Requirements FDCH/LFCCH Handbook

Licensing Specialist observed several mounds of ants on the surface and outdoor play areas throughout the yard. Provider stated she has been having difficulty controlling the ants and is currently using a product called "Spectrac ide: Fire Ant Shield/Mound Destroyer". Due to excess rain falls in the area, the provider has had no luck getting rid of the ants. Outdoor play area has items needing removal such as a wooden plank, playground equipment that was not put together and placed against the wall, and other minor details. Provider was advised to remove the items immediately, which she did.7.6 Outdoor Time, Fencing and Play Area Requirements A. Outdoor Play areas shall be clean, in good repair and free from litter, nails, glass, and other hazards. B. Tubs, buckets, and other open containers of water should be emptied immediately after use. C. The outdoor play areas must be enclosed with fencing or walls a minimum of 4 feet in height. The fence must not prevent the supervision of children. The fence must be in good condition and conform to applicable local building codes. These areas must have at least two exits, with at least one being remote from the home. If an outdoor play area was approved for usage by the Department prior to October 25, 2017, no new exits are required to be added to meet this standard. However, if outdoor play area fencing is changed then the standard would apply, and two exits must be provided. D. Homes caring only for infants under 12 months of age shall not be required to have an outdoor play area; however, infants in care shall be provided opportunities for outdoor time each day that weather permits. E. All homes in which the property borders a public road/street or laned road/street with public access with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or greater, including those providing evening care, must maintain safe and adequate fencing or walls a minimum of four feet in height around the outdoor play area. F. Fencing, including gates, must be continuous, and shall not have opening or gaps larger than 3 1/2 inches that would allow children to exit the outdoor play area. The bottom or base of the fence must remain at ground level and free from erosion or buildup to prevent inside or outside access by children or animals. G. The fence, decking and gates must be constructed to discourage climbing. H. Outdoor play areas must be free from unsecured bodies of water. All water hazards must be inaccessible to children and enclosed with a fence that is 4 to 6 feet high or higher and the bottom or base of the fence must remain at ground level I. All homes must provide and maintain enough usable equipment suitable to each childs age and development and of a quantity for each to be involved in activities. All playground equipment, if provided, shall be securely anchored, unless portable or stationary by design, in good repair, maintained in safe condition, and placed to ensure safe usage by the children. J. Maintenance shall include checks at least every month of all supports above and below the ground, all connectors, and moving parts. Documentation must be maintained for a 12-month period. K. Permanent or stationary playground equipment must have a ground cover or other protective surface under the equipment that provides resilience and is maintained to reduce the incidence of injuries to children in the event of falls. Equipment used for climbing must not be placed over, or immediately next to hard surfaces not intended for use as surfacing for climbing equipment. All permanent/anchored playground equipment must be placed over a shock absorbing material that is either the unitary or the loose fill type extending beyond the perimeter of the stationary equipment. L. All equipment, fences, and objects on the homes premises shall be free from sharp, broken and jagged edges and properly placed to prevent overcrowding or safety hazards in any one area M. All equipment used in the outdoor play area shall be constructed

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

20-07 · Smoke Detector, Fire Extinguisher, Telephone, Lighting, Temperature and Ventilation

Licensing Specialist observed the area in which the children use had a temperature reading of 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The provider tried to cool the room down by setting the temperature lower on the air conditioning unit and placed a fan in the room. The room was checked a second time and cooled down to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Provider resolved the issue by moving the children into an extra room/living room area that was much cooler. Children were moved to cool down until their parents arrived. 7.12 Telephone, Lighting, Temperature and Ventilation A. The home shall have at least one operable corded telephone. B. At all times and appropriate for the activity, lighting in family day care homes must be sufficient enough to allow for safe movement and egress, and permit child care personnel to visually observe and supervise children in care. C. The home must have proper ventilation, and the temperature must be maintained between 65 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Corrected Corrected by Aug 26, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.