Licensing Standards for DayCare Centers

Section 10:122-7.7
Environmental Sanitation Requirements

GEN (a) Disinfectants shall be used as follows:

1. The center shall disinfect those items specified in (a)3 below with a solution that shall be either:

   i. A commercially prepared disinfectantx "disinfectant, use of" that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions; or

   ii. A self-made solution consisting of one-quarter cup of household bleach to each gallon of water (one tablespoon per quart), which shall be prepared daily and placed in a labeled, sealed container.

2. All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

3. The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows:

   i. The following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use:

   (1) Washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children;

   (2) Thermometers;

   (3) Items used by a child who becomes ill while at the center; and

   (4) Sleeping mats that are not stored separately.

   ii. The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least daily:

   (1) Toiletsx "toilets:disinfecting" and toilet seats;

   (2) Sinksx "sinks:bathroom:disinfecting" and sink faucets;

   (3) Drinking fountains;

   (4) Waterx "water table:disinfecting" table and water play equipment;

   (5) Play tables; and

   (6) Smooth surfaced non-porous floorsx "floors" in areas used by children.

   iii. The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly:

   (1) Cribs, cots, mats, playpens or other Bureau-approved sleeping equipmentx "sleeping equipment:washing"; and

   (2) Sheets, blanketsx "bed linens:washing" or other coverings.

   iv. Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

1. Only asbestosx "asbestos"-free sand is used; and

2. The sand is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

1. Pets kept by or located in the center, regardless of ownership, shall be:

   i. Domesticated and non-aggressive;

   ii. Free from disease;

   iii. Vaccinated, if applicable, as prescribed by law or local ordinance. The record of the vaccinations shall be maintained on file, along with the name and address of the licensed veterinarian providing care for the pet(s);

   iv. If sick, removed from the area(s) occupied by children, until the pet has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and has been diagnosed as presenting no risk to the children;

   v. Effectively controlled by leash, command or cage; and

   vi. Prohibited from the following areas:

   (1) Areas/surfaces used for food preparation, storage and/or service;

   (2) Areas used for cleaning or storing of food utensils and dishes; and

   (3) Toilet facilities.

2. Animal waste shall be disposed of in sealed plastic bags in the outdoor garbage receptaclex "garbage receptacle".

1. The center shall comply with P.L. 1998, c.35, which contains the provisions specified in (d)2 to 5 below.

2. Smoking is prohibited in an indoor area of a child care center when children are present, and in all vehicles when used for center-sponsored transportation.

3. In addition, smoking is prohibited in an indoor area of a child care center even when children are not present, unless that area is separately ventilated to the outside.

4. These prohibitions shall be so indicated by the sponsor or other person who has control of the child care center with a sign containing lettering not less than one inch in height stating "Smoking Prohibited" or "Smoking Prohibited When Children Are Present," as appropriate, or designated by the "Smoking Prohibited" international symbol. The letters or symbol shall contrast in color with the sign. Every sign required by this subsection shall be located so as to be clearly visible to employees of the child care center and the public.

5. For the purposes of this subsection, "smoking" means the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other matter or substance which contains tobacco.

1. In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use:

   i. Toilet training chairs that have first been emptied into a toilet;

   ii. Sinksx "sinks:bathroom, disinfecting" and faucets used for rinsing a toilet training chair;

   iii. Diaperingx "diapering equipment and procedures" surfaces;

   iv. Toysx "toys:disinfecting" mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child; and

   v. Bottlex "bottles:washing"s, nipples and other feeding equipment.

2. All diaper pailsx "diapering equipment and procedures" and lids shall be disinfected daily.

3. Centers that toilet train children shall:

   i. Utilize non-porous toilets, child-size toilets, toilet trainingx "toilet training:chairs (potties)" chairs (potties) or children's toilet seats for children being toilet trained;

   ii. Ensure that toilet training chairs are not used in kitchens or in the immediate area where meals are being served; and

   iii. Advise parents of the center's toilet trainingx "toilet training:policy" policy.

4. Poisonous plantsx "plants, poisonous" shall not be kept in the center or in the outside play area used by the children.

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