(1) Personnel.

(a) The family day care home license shall be issued in the name of the operator who must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the family home. The operator of a family day care may not work out of the home during the hours when the family day care is operating. In the event of rental or leased property the operator shall be the individual who occupies the residence.

(b) Substitutes. There shall be a written plan to provide at least one other competent adult, who must be at least 18 years of age, to be available to substitute for the operator on a temporary or emergency basis. This plan shall include the name, address and telephone number of the designated substitute.

(2) Staff Training.

(a) Prior to licensure, all family day care home operators must successfully complete the department's 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home training, as evidenced by passage of a competency based examination with a score of seventy (70) or better. Competency examinations will be offered by the Training Coordinating Agency. Prior to attending the training, Family Day Care Home operators have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the department's 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training module by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. All family day care home operators who have successfully completed the mandatory 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training prior to the availability of the competency examinations will not be required to complete the competency based testing.

(b) Documentation. Training certificates are issued or training transcripts are updated upon the successful completion of training, as evidenced by the passage of a competency examination. The 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training will be documented on CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript.

(c) Family day care home substitutes who work 40 hours or more a month on average during a 12 month period must successfully complete the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training, as evidenced by passage of a competency based examination with a score of seventy (70) or better, documented on the department's CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript. All family day care home substitutes who have completed the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training prior to the availability of the competency examination will not be required to complete the competency based testing. Prior to attending the training, Family Day Care Home substitutes have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the department's 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. Competency examinations will be offered by the Training Coordinating Agency. Family day care home substitutes who work less than 40 hours a month on average during a 12 month period shall complete the department's 3-clock-hour Fundamentals of Child Care training as documented on the department's CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript. Family day care substitutes who have successfully completed the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training will not be required to complete the 3-clock-hour Fundamentals of Child Care training.

(d) Prior to initial licensure, family day care home operators must have a valid certificate of course completion for infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures and first aid training. The substitute, prior to caring for children in the family day care home, must have a valid and current certificate of course completion for infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures and first aid training. Certificates of course completion are valid based on the time frames established by each first aid and CPR training program, not to exceed three years. On-line CPR courses are not acceptable to meet this standard. CPR Training must be done by classroom instruction.

(3) Supervision.

(a) At all times, which includes when the children are sleeping, the operator shall remain responsible for the supervision of the children in care and capable of responding to the emergencies and needs of the children. During the daytime hours of operation, children shall have adult supervision which means watching and directing children's activities, both indoors and outdoors, and responding to each child's needs.

(b) A child who has been placed in an isolation area due to illness must be within sight and hearing of the operator.

Specific Authority 402.313 FS. Law Implemented 402.313 FS. History-New 7-2-98, Amended 5-21-00, 7-13-03.

(1) General Requirements.

(a) Animals, pets or fowl must have current immunizations, if immunizations are available for the type of animal, pet or fowl, and free of disease.

(b) All areas and surfaces accessible to children shall be free of toxic substances and hazardous materials. All potentially harmful items including cleaning supplies, flammable products, poisonous and toxic materials must be labeled. These items as well as knives, and sharp tools and other potentially dangerous hazards shall be stored in locations inaccessible to the children in care.

(c) All family day care home operators shall inform parents in writing, if someone living in the home smokes. Pursuant to Chapter 386, Florida Statutes, while children are in care, smoking is prohibited within the family day care home, all outdoor play areas and in vehicles when transporting children.

(d) At all times when children are in care, firearms shall be stored in a location inaccessible to children and in accordance with Section 790.174, F.S.

(e) Play areas shall be clean, free of litter, nails, glass and other hazards.

(f) Family day care 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. For all other family day care homes, including those providing evening care, the outdoor space shall be fenced, a minimum of 4 feet in height, if the family day care home property borders any of the following:

1. Land road or land street open to travel by the public;

2. Road or street open to travel by the public divided by a median;

3. Road or street open to travel by the public where the posted or unposted speed limit is equal to or greater than 25 miles per hour; by municipal or county ordinance, pursuant to Section 316.189, F.S.

4. Lake, ditch, pond, brook, canal or other water hazard. All in-ground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools, more than one foot deep, shall have either a fence or barrier on all four sides, a minimum of 4 feet in height, separating the home from the swimming pool, or a pool alarm that is operable at all times when children are in care. The exterior wall of the home does not constitute a fence or barrier. All doors or gates in the fence or barrier shall be locked at all times when children are in care and when the pool is not being used by the children in care. In addition to the fence, barrier or pool alarm, the family day care home operator shall ensure that all exterior doors leading to the pool area remain locked at all times while children are in care. Barriers may be temporary in nature but must be sturdy and meet all the above requirements and be in place during all times when children are in care.

(g) If a family day care home uses a swimming pool, it shall be maintained by using chlorine or other suitable chemicals. If the family day care home uses a swimming pool, which exceeds three (3) feet in depth at the family day care home site, one person who has completed a basic water safety course such as one offered by the American Red Cross, YMCA or other organization, must be present when children have access to the swimming area. If the family day care home uses swimming pools not at the site of the family day care home, or takes the children to beach or lake areas for swimming activities, the family day care home operator must provide one person with a certified lifeguard certificate or equivalent, who must be present when children are in the swimming area, unless a certified lifeguard is on duty.

(h) A family day care home must include a designated area where each child can sit quietly or lie down to rest or nap.

(i) Each child in care must be provided safe and sanitary bedding to be used when napping. Bedding means a cot, bed, crib, mattress, playpen or floor mat. Mats must be at least one inch thick and covered with an impermeable surface.

(j) Children one year of age or older may sleep on beds used by the family provided individual linens are provided for each child. Each child shall have a separate bed, cot, crib, playpen, mattress or floor mat, except that two (2) sibling preschool children may share a double bed. When children remain overnight, playpens and mats are not acceptable.

(k) Children up to one (1) year of age must be in their own crib, portacrib or playpen with sides. When napping or sleeping, young infants that are not capable of rolling over on their own shall be positioned on their back and on a firm surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), unless an alternative position is authorized in writing by a physician. The documentation shall be maintained in the child's record.

(l) A minimum distance of eighteen (18) inches must be maintained between individual napping space.

(m) Potable drinking water shall be available to children of all ages at all times. If disposable cups are used, they must be discarded after each use.

(n) Rodents and vermin shall be exterminated. Pest control shall not take place while rooms are occupied by children.

(o) All parts of the home, both indoors and outdoors, including the furnishings, equipment, and plumbing shall be kept clean and sanitary, free of hazards, in an orderly condition and in good repair at all times. The family day care home shall have an operable smoke detector and fire extinguisher in compliance with the state fire code, a working telephone, and lighting that allows for safe movement and egress for children in care. At all times and appropriate for the activity, lighting in family day care homes must be sufficient enough to allow the operator to visually observe and supervise children in care. The home must have proper ventilation and the temperature must be maintained between 65 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

(p) If the operator chooses to supply food, the operator shall provide nutritious meals and snacks of a quantity and quality to meet the daily nutritional needs of the children. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children, March 1999, which is incorporated by reference, shall be used to determine what food groups to serve at each meal or snack and the serving size of the selected foods for children one year of age and older. The fats and sweets category within the USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children cannot be counted as a food group. Copies of the USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children may be obtained from the district child care licensing office or local licensing agency. Using the USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children; breakfast shall consist of at least three different food groups; lunch and dinner shall consist of at least four different food groups and snacks shall consist of at least two different food groups. If a special diet is required for a child by a physician, appropriate documentation shall be maintained in the child's file to include the physician's order, a copy of a diet and sample meal plan for the special diet. If the parent or legal guardian notifies the family day care home of any known food allergies, written documentation must be maintained in the child's file.

(2) Hygiene and Sanitation.

(a) Operators, substitutes, and children shall wash their hands with soap and running water, drying thoroughly, following personal hygiene procedures for themselves, or when assisting others and immediately after outdoor play.

(b) Soiled items shall be placed in plastic lined, securely covered containers which are not accessible to children. The container shall be emptied, cleaned and disinfected daily. Children's wet or soiled clothing and crib sheets shall be changed promptly.

(c) Potty chairs, if used, shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use.

(d) Each child shall have his own individually labeled towel and wash cloth. If disposable towels are used they shall be discarded after each use.

(e) When children in diapers are in care, there shall be a diaper changing area with an impermeable surface which is cleaned with a sanitizing solution after each use. Children must be attended at all times when being diapered or when changing clothes.

(3) First Aid Kit and Emergency Procedures.

(a) The home shall contain a first aid kit that shall be accessible to the operator and kept out of the reach of children. The kit must be clearly labeled "First Aid" and must, at a minimum, include:

1. Soap,

2. Band-Aids or equivalent,

3. Disposable non-porous gloves,

4. Cotton balls or applicators,

5. Sterile gauze pads and rolls,

6. Adhesive tape,

7. Thermometer,

8. Tweezers,

9. In date syrup of ipecac, labeled "DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY A PHYSICIAN OR POISON CONTROL" 1(800)222-1222,

10. Pre-moistened wipes,

11. Scissors, and

12. A current resource guide on first aid and CPR procedures.

(b) Emergency Procedures and Notification

1. Emergency telephone numbers, including ambulance, fire, police, poison control center, Florida Abuse Hotline, county public health unit, and the address of and directions to the home, must be posed on or near all telephones and shall be used to protect the health, safety and well-being of any child in care. To meet the immediate needs of the child, family day care home operators shall call 911 or other emergency numbers in the event of an emergency.

2. Custodial parents or legal guardian's shall be notified immediately in the event of any serious illness, accident, injury or emergency to their child and their specific instructions regarding action to be taken under such circumstances shall be obtained. If the custodial parent or legal guardian cannot be reached, the family day care home operator will contact those persons designated by the custodial parent or legal guardian to be contacted under these circumstances, and shall follow the written instructions provided by the custodial parent or legal guardian.

3. All accidents, incidents, and observed health related signs and symptoms which occur at a family day care home must be documented and shared with the custodial parent or legal guardian on the day they occur. Documentation shall include the name of the affected party, date and time of occurrence, description of occurrence, actions taken, and signature of operator and custodial parent or legal guardian. Records of accidents, incidents, and observed health related signs and symptoms must be maintained for one year.

4. Fire drills shall be conducted monthly and shall be conducted at various times when children are in care. A written record shall be maintained showing the date, time, number of children in attendance and time taken to evacuate the home. This record shall be maintained for six months.

5. After a fire or natural disaster, the operator must notify the licensing agency, within 24 hours, in order for the department or local licensing agency to ensure health standards are met for continued operation as a family day care home.

(4) Communicable Disease Control.

(a) The family day care home shall have an isolation area for a child who becomes ill. The child's condition shall be closely observed. Any child who is suspected of having a communicable disease or who has a fever, of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, in conjunction with any other signs of or develops other signs and symptoms which include any of the following: diarrhea, rash, pink eye, vomiting, or skin infection, shall be placed in the isolation area. Linens and disposables shall be changed after each use. The condition shall be reported to the parent or legal guardian and the child shall be removed from the family day care home. Such children shall not return to the home without medical authorization, or until the signs and symptoms of the disease are no longer present.

(b) A child who has head lice will not be permitted to return until treatment has been accomplished. The treatment shall include the removal of all lice, lice eggs and egg cases.

(c) An operator or household member who develops signs and symptoms of a communicable disease which include any of the following: fever (of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), in conjunction with any of the other following signs, diarrhea, rash, pink eye, or skin infection shall leave the areas of the home occupied by the children and shall not return without medical authorization, or until the signs and symptoms are no longer present. If it is the operator who is ill, the substitute must assume the operator's responsibilities.

(5) Medication. Family day care homes are not required to give medication, however, if they choose to do so, the following shall apply:

(a) Prescription and non-prescription medication brought to the family day care home by the custodial parent or legal guardian must be in the original container. Prescription medication must have the label stating the name of the physician, child's name, medication and medication directions. All prescription and non-prescription medication shall be dispensed according to written directions on the prescription label or printed manufacturer's label. For the purposes of dispensing non-prescription medication that is not brought in by the parent, in the event of an emergency, non-prescription medication can only be dispensed if the facility has written authorization from the parent or legal guardian to do so. Any medication dispensed under these conditions must be documented in the child's file and the parent or legal guardian must be notified on the day of occurrence. If the parent or legal guardian notifies the family day care home of any known allergies to medication, written documentation must be maintained in the child's file.

(b) All medicines shall be kept out of the reach of children and must have child resistant caps.

(c) Medication which has expired or is no longer being administered shall be returned to the custodial parent or legal guardian.

(d) A written record documenting the child's name, the name of the medication, date, time and amount of dosage to be given, and the signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian shall be maintained by the family child care provider. This record shall be initialed or signed by the adult who gave the medication.

(e) This record shall be maintained for six months.

Specific Authority 402.313 FS. Law Implemented 402.313 FS. History-New 7-2-98, Amended 1-4-01, 7-13-03.

(1) Immunizations. Within 30 days of enrollment, each child must have on file and keep up to date a completed DH Form 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, Part A-1, B, and or C, (July 2001), or DH Form 681, Religious Exemption from Immunization (May 1999), which is incorporated by reference in subsection 64D-3.011(5), F.A.C., DH Forms 680 and 681 can be obtained from the local county health department. The DH Form 680, Florida Certification of Immunization Parts A-1, Certification of Immunizationor for K-12 Excluding 7th Grade Requirements or Part B, Temporary Medical Exemption, shall be signed by a physician or authorized personnel licensed under the provisions of Chapter 458, 459, or 460, F.S. and shall document vaccination for the prevention of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, mumps, and Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB), and effective July 1, 2001, completion of varicella vaccination. The DH Form 680, Florida Certification of Immunization Part C, Permanent Medical Exemptions, shall be dated and signed by a physician licensed under the provisions of Chapter 458 or 459, F.S.

(2) Children's Student Health Examination.

(a) Within 30 days of enrollment, each child must have on file a completed DH Form 3040, (June 02), Student Health Examination, which is incorporated by reference, and copies of which are available from the local county health department or the child's pediatrician. The student health examination shall be completed by a person given statutory authority to perform health examinations. Certification that a health examination has been completed may be documented on the State of Florida, Department of Health, DH Form 3040, June 02, OR a signed statement by an authorized professional that indicates the results of the components included in the health examination.

(b) This Student Health Examination is valid for two (2) years from the date the physical was performed.

(3) Immunization and Health Records.

(a) Copies of required records are acceptable for documentation. Original documents are the property of the party providing the information.

(b) School-age children attending public or nonpublic schools are not required to have student health examination (DH Form 3040) and immunization records (DH 680 or 681) on file at the family day care home as such records are on file at the school where the child is enrolled.

(4) Enrollment and Medical Authorization.

(a) The operator shall obtain enrollment information from the child's custodial parent or legal guardian, prior to accepting the child in care. This information shall be documented on CF-FSP Form 5219, Dec. 02, Child Care Application for Enrollment, which can be obtained from the local Department of Children and Families district service center or the local licensing agency, and is incorporated by reference, or an equivalent that contains all the information required by the department's form.

(b) Enrollment information shall be kept current and on file for each child in care.

Specific Authority 402.313 FS. Law Implemented 402.313 FS. History-New 7-2-98, Amended 5-21-00, 7-13-03.

(1) Pursuant to Section 402.313, F.S., family day care homes may be fined a maximum of $100 per violation, per day for noncompliance with any of the applicable provisions of Sections 402.301-402.319, F.S.

(2) The operation of a family day care home is prohibited unless registered, or licensed, as required by county ordinance or resolution. The department or local licensing agency shall have the authority to seek an injunction in the circuit court where the home is located to stop the continued operation of a family day care home which is not licensed or registered. For licensed family day care homes, the department or local licensing agency shall also have the authority to seek an injunction in the circuit court where the home is located to stop the continued operation if the family day care home is in violation of the minimum standards.

(3) The family day care operator must allow access to the entire premises of the family day care home to inspect for compliance with family day care minimum standards.

Specific Authority 402.313 FS. Law Implemented 402.313, 402.319(5) FS. History-New 7-2-98, Amended 7-13-03.

(1) Large Family Child Care Homes. Large family child care homes shall meet all of the requirements in Rules 65C-20.008-65C-20.012, F.A.C., in addition to the requirements listed below.

(2) Definitions:

(a) "Full Time Employee," means one additional staff person at least 18 years of age, who is on the premises of a home operating as a large family child care home.

(b) "Hours of Operation," means the hours of the day or night that a large family child care home has enough children in care to meet the definition of a large family child care home.

(c) "Large Family Child Care Home," is defined by Section 402.3131, F.S., and for the purpose of this rule means a home which must have been licensed in the State of Florida as a family day care home for two consecutive years, with an operator who has had a child development associate credential or its equivalent for 1 year, and meet all the requirements of this rule. Large family child care homes must meet and comply with all standards of this rule at all times unless there are insufficient numbers of children in care to meet the definition of a large family child care home, in which case an additional employee is not required.

(d) "Operator," means the occupant and licensee of the large family child care home who is at least 21 years of age and responsible for the overall operation of the home.

(e) "Substitute," means a competent adult, at least 18 years of age, who is available to substitute for the operator or employee on a temporary or emergency basis.

(3) License.

(a) Application for a license or for renewal of a license to operate a large family child care home shall be made on CF-FSP Form 5238, Jan. 2003, Application for a License to Operate a Large Family Child Care Home, which is incorporated by reference and can be obtained at the Department of Children and Family Services local district service center or the local licensing agency. A license to operate a Large Family Child Care Home may be used to operate a Family Day Care Home, when the number of children in care meets the definition of a Family Day Care Home. A license to operate a Family Day Care Home cannot be used to operate a Large Family Child Care Home.

(b) A copy of the annual license shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the large family child care home.

(4) LFCCH Personnel:

(a) The large family child care home license shall be issued in the name of the operator who must be at least 21 years of age and the occupant of the large family child care home. In the event of rental or leased property the operator shall be the individual who occupies the residence.

(b) The operator of the large family child care home may not work outside of the home during hours when the large family child care home is operating.

(5) LFCCH Staff Training:

(a) In addition to the successful completion of the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home training completed prior to caring for children, large family child care home operators must successfully complete training as evidenced by passage of a competency examination with a score of seventy (70) or better in one of the following 10-clock-hour specialized training modules within six (6) months of licensure:

1. Infants and Toddlers Appropriate Practices;

2. Preschool Appropriate Practices;

3. School-Age Appropriate Practices for school-age children; and

4. Special Needs Appropriate Practices.

(b) Training certificates are issued or training transcripts are updated upon the successful completion of training, as evidenced by the passage of a competency examination with a score of seventy (70) or better. Competency examinations will be offered by the Training Coordinating Agency. Prior to attending the training, Large Family Child Care Home operators have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the 10-clock-hour specialized training module by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. The 10-hour specialized training must be documented on CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript.

(c) Large family child care homes must have one person on the premises during all hours of operation who has a valid certificate of course completion for infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures and first aid training.

(d) Employees in a large family child care home shall be at least 18 years of age and within 90 days of employment within the child care field, shall begin the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training. Prior to attending the training, employees in a large family child care home have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. The training shall be successfully completed within one year of the date on which the training began, as evidenced by the passage of a competency examination with a score of seventy (70) or better. The Family Child Care Home Training must be documented on the department's CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript.

(e) Prior to taking care of children, substitutes for the operator of large family child care homes shall be at least 18 years of age and shall have successfully completed the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training, as evidenced by the passage of a competency examination with a score of seventy (70) or better. Prior to attending the training, substitutes for the operator have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. Competency examinations will be offered by the Training Coordinating Agency. Completion of the 30 hour Family Child Care Home Training shall be documented on the department's CF-FSP Form 5267, May 2003, and the department's child care training transcript. Substitutes for an employee at a large family child care home who work less than 40 hours a month on average during a 12 month period, shall complete the department's 3-clock-hour Fundamentals of Child Care Training. Prior to taking care of children, substitutes for an employee at a large family child care home who work more than 40 hours a month on average during a 12 month period, shall successfully complete the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training, as demonstrated through passage of a competency examination with a score of seventy (70) or better, documented on the form the transcript referenced above. Prior to attending the training, substitutes for an employee at a large family child care home who work more than 40 hours a month on average during a 12 month period have one opportunity, if they choose, to exempt from the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training by successfully completing competency examinations with a score of seventy (70) or better. All large family child care home substitutes who have completed the 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home Training prior to the availability of the competency examination will not be required to complete the competency based testing.

(6) LFCCH Supervision.

(a) In a large family child care home direct supervision must be maintained at all times during the hours of operation. Direct supervision means watching and directing children's activities within the area designated as usable indoor floor space or outdoor play space and responding to each child's need.

(b) Additional Supervision Requirements.

1. In addition to the number of staff required to meet staff to child ratios, if there are more than 6 preschoolers participating on field trips away from the large family child care home, there must be one additional adult present, per each 6 preschoolers, or any fraction thereof, to provide direct supervision to the children. Where some children remain in the home the adult supervision as required in Section 402.302(8), F.S., shall be maintained. At no time shall the total number of children exceed the capacity as defined in Section 402.3131, F.S.

2. If a large family child care home uses a swimming pool which exceeds 3 feet in depth or uses beach or lake areas for water activities, the large family child care home must provide one person with a certified lifeguard certificate or equivalent, unless a certified lifeguard is on duty and present when children are in the swimming area.

(7) Transportation.

(a) When any vehicle is regularly used by a large family child care home to provide transportation, the driver shall have a current Florida driver's license in accordance with Sections 322.01-.70, F.S.

(b) All large family child care homes must maintain current insurance coverage on all vehicles used to transport children in care, and documentation thereof.

(c) The maximum number of individuals transported in a vehicle may not exceed the manufacturer's designated seating capacity or the number of factory installed seat belts.

(d) Each child, when transported, must be in an individual factory installed seat belt or federally approved child safety restraint, unless the vehicle is excluded from this requirement by Florida Statute.

(e) An adult must remain within sight and sound of children being transported in a vehicle so as to be able to respond to the needs of the children at all times.

(f) Prior to transporting children and upon the vehicle(s) arrival at its destination the following shall be conducted by the driver(s) of the vehicle(s) used to transport the children:

1. A log shall be maintained for all children being transported in the vehicle. The log shall be retained for a minimum of six months. The log shall include each child's name, date, time of departure and time of arrival, signature of driver and signature of second staff member to verify driver's log and the fact that all children have left the vehicle.

2. Upon arrival at the destination the driver of the vehicle shall:

a. Mark each child off the log as the child departs the vehicle,

b. Conduct a physical inspection and visual sweep of the vehicle to ensure that no child is left in the vehicle, and

c. Sign the log verifying that all children were all accounted for and that the visual sweep was conducted.

3. Upon arrival at the destination a second staff member shall:

a. Conduct a physical inspection and visual sweep of the vehicle to ensure that no child is left in the vehicle, and

b. Sign the log verifying that all children were accounted for and drivers log is complete.

(g) Smoking is prohibited in all vehicles being used to transport children.

(8) Planned and Unplanned Activities.

(a) Each age group or class must have a written and followed plan of scheduled activities posted in a place accessible to the parents. The written plan must meet the needs of the children being served and include scheduled activities which:

1. Promote emotional, social, intellectual and physical growth.

2. Include quiet and active play, both indoors and outdoors.

3. Include meals, snacks, and nap times, if appropriate for the age and the times the children are in care.

(b) A permission and transportation release form signed by the parent or legal guardian of the children in care must be on file for planned and unplanned activities.

1. A telephone or other means of instant communication shall be available to the operator, employee or other adult responsible for children during all field trips.

2. Emergency medical forms signed by the parent or legal guardian and emergency contact numbers must accompany the children on all field trips.

(9) Child Discipline.

(a) Large family child care homes shall adopt a discipline policy consistent with Section 402.305(12), F.S.

(b) All child care personnel of the large family child care home shall comply with the facility's written disciplinary policy. Such policies shall include standards that prohibit children from being subjected to discipline which is severe, humiliating, frightening, or associated with food, rest, or toileting. Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited by all child care personnel.

(c) Copy of the discipline policy must be available for review by the licensing authority.

(10) LFCCH General Requirements.

(a) Fire Safety. Large family child care homes shall conform to state standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, Chapter 4A-36, F.A.C., Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Child Care Facilities and shall be inspected annually.

(b) Indoor Floor Space and Indoor Equipment.

1. A large family child care home must have 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space per child which does not include bedrooms unless it can be demonstrated that these bedrooms are used as multipurpose activity rooms.

2. Usable indoor floor space refers to that space available for indoor play and activities. Usable indoor floor space is calculated by measuring at floor level from interior walls and by deleting space for stairways, toilets and bath facilities, permanent fixtures and non-movable furniture. Kitchens, offices, laundry rooms, storage areas, and other areas not used in normal day-to-day operations are not included when calculating usable indoor floor space.

3. Shelves or storage for toys and other materials shall be considered as usable indoor floor space if accessible to children.

4. Where infants are in care, they shall have open indoor floor space outside of cribs and playpens.

5. Large family child care homes shall make available toys, equipment and furnishings suitable to each child's age and development and of a quantity for each child to be involved in activities.

6. Toys, equipment and furnishings must be safe and maintained in a sanitary condition.

(c) Outdoor Play Space and Outdoor Equipment.

1. At all large family child care homes the outdoor play space shall be fenced, a minimum of 4 feet in height. Fencing, including gates, must be continuous and shall not have gaps that would allow children to exit the outdoor play area. The base of the fence must remain at ground level, free from erosion or buildup, to prevent inside or outside access by children or animals.

2. All large family child care homes must have a minimum of 270 square feet of usable outdoor play space located on their property and which is exclusively used for the children attending or residing at the large family child care home. Large family child care homes caring only for infants under 12 months of age, shall not be required to have an outdoor play space; however, infants in care shall be provided opportunities for outdoor time each day that weather permits.

3. All large family child care homes shall provide equipment and play activities suitable to each child's age and development.

4. All play equipment shall be securely anchored, unless portable by design, in good repair, maintained in safe condition, and placed to ensure safe usage by the children. Maintenance shall include checks at least every other month of all supports, above and below the ground, all connectors, and moving parts.

5. Permanent playground equipment must have a ground cover or other protective surface under the equipment which provides resilience and is maintained to reduce the incidence of injuries to children in the event of falls.

6. All equipment, fences, and objects on the large family child care home's premises shall be free of sharp, broken and jagged edges and properly placed to prevent overcrowding or safety hazards in any one area.

7. All equipment used in the outdoor play area shall be constructed to allow for water drainage and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.

(d) Emergency Procedures and Notification.

1. The operator shall prepare an emergency evacuation plan including a diagram of safe routes by which the operator, employee and children may exit each area of the home in the event of fire or other emergency requiring evacuation. This plan shall be posted or shared with the employees and parents.

2. In addition to conducting fire drills as specified in subparagraph 65C-20.010(3)(b)4., F.A.C., the large family child care home shall maintain the fire drill record on the premises for twelve months.

(11) LFCCH Enforcement. Pursuant to Section 402.3131, F.S., the department or local licensing agency shall deny, suspend, revoke a license, or impose an administrative fine for the violation of any provision of Sections 402.301-.319, F.S., or rules adopted there under.

Specific Authority 402.3131 FS. Law Implemented 402.302, 402.305, 402.3131 FS. History-New 5-21-00, Amended 1-4-01, 7-13-03.