Licensing Standards for DayCare Centers

Section C
Space and Equipment

C.(1) The director shall provide at least thirty-five square feet of indoor play space per child, measured by Department staff from wall to wall. Department staff shall determine the total number of children to be cared for in each room by measuring and computing the rooms separately. Bathrooms, reception areas, isolation rooms, halls and space occupied by cupboards, shelves, furniture and equipment which are accessible to children for their use shall be allowable space. Kitchens, storage rooms and storage cabinets used solely for or by staff shall be excluded. Halls, although included in total indoor space, shall not be used for activities or storage of furniture and equipment.

C.(2) Space shall be provided to isolate a mildly-ill or injured child. A bed, cot, mat or crib, and appropriate play equipment shall be provided in the isolation space and disinfected following use by a child who is ill.

C.(3) The director shall provide at least seventy-five square feet of outdoor play space per child. Where outdoor space is insufficient at the center, the director and/or staff may take the children outdoors in shifts or utilize parks or other outdoor play areas which meet safety requirements and which are easily accessible.

C.(4) The director and/or staff shall provide safe and appropriate materials and equipment which allow for a variety of experiences and which appeal to the individual interests and developmental levels of the children in care.

C.(5) The director and/or staff shall provide a sufficient quantity of materials and equipment to avoid competition and waiting by the children.

C.(6) The director and/or staff shall arrange protected areas free of traffic by children and adults, where equipment and materials can be used with minimal interference or interruption.

C.(7) The director and/or staff shall store materials in an orderly manner, accessible to children and arranged so that children may select, remove and replace them either independently or with assistance.

C.(8) The director and/or staff shall provide furniture which is child-sized or appropriately adapted for the children's use.

C.(9) The director and/or staff and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) shall provide individual, comfortable and sanitary sleeping and resting equipment which complies with the following requirements:

C.(9)(a) A separate bed, cot, crib or mat shall be assigned to each child who takes a nap and shall be appropriately labeled for the individual child;

C.(9)(b) If the facility provides overnight care, an individual bed with mattress shall be provided with the bed appropriate to the age and size of the user;

C.(9)(c) Individual, clean linen shall be provided for each child in overnight care;

C.(9)(d) Coverings, blankets or quilts shall be available, as necessary.

C.(11) The following emergency numbers shall be posted by the telephone(s):

C.(11)(a) Ambulance service;

C.(11)(b) Police department;

C.(11)(c) Fire department;

C.(11)(d) Poison control center;

C.(11)(e) Central emergency number where applicable.

C.(12)(a) The number of each child's physician designated by the parent(s)/guardian(s);

C.(12)(b) Home and business numbers of the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) responsible for the children;

C.(12)(c) Emergency numbers to notify family and/or physician of staff members.

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