South Carolina Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers

Licensing Standards for DayCare Centers

Section D
Facility

D.(1) All child day care centers shall comply with Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended 10-5-210 et seq., Chapter 10 of Title V concerning barrier free design.

D.(2) Buildings shall meet the following:

D.(2)(a) At least twenty foot candles of light shall be required on all work surfaces in food preparation, equipment washing, utensil washing, handwashing areas, and toilet rooms;

D.(2)(b) Adequate, safe lighting for individual activities, for corridors, and for bathrooms shall be provided.

D.(3) The walls of food preparation areas, walk-in refrigeration units, equipment washing and utensil washing areas, and handwashing rooms or areas shall have smooth, easily cleanable surfaces and shall be washable up to at least the highest level reached by splash or spray. Concrete blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be filled and finished to provide an easily cleanable surface.

D.(4) Walls and ceilings shall be in good condition and clean.

D.(5) To prevent lead poisoning in children, child day care centers shall meet applicable lead base paint requirements, as established by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, pursuant to South Carolina Code Annotated 44-53-1310 et seq., and Regulation Number (61 through 85).

D.(6) The ceilings of food preparation areas, walk-in refrigeration units, equipment-washing and utensil-washing areas shall be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable.

D.(7) Floors shall have smooth, washable surfaces and shall be kept clean, in good repair and free of hazards.

D.(8) If carpeting is used, it shall be cleaned regularly and shall be repaired or replaced, as needed.

D.(9) Carpeting is prohibited in food preparation, equipment-washing and utensil-washing areas, food storage areas, and toilet room areas where urinals or toilet fixtures are located.

D.(10) All possible safeguards shall be taken to prevent falls.

D.(11) To prevent insects from entering buildings, operable windows, doors, and other similar openings shall be protected by screening, or shall otherwise remain closed.

D.(12) Decals shall be applied to all clear glass doors or sliding patio doors at eye level. The height at which decals are placed shall be applicable to the average eye level of children being cared for in the facility.

D.(13) Where clear glass is used less than thirty-two inches above floor level in exterior windows or doors, only safety glass shall be used.

D.(14) Cleaning materials and supplies shall be inaccessible to children. All toxic chemicals, medicine, and other harmful agents shall be stored in a locked closet or cabinet used exclusively for this purpose.

D.(15) Containers of poisonous materials shall be prominently and distinctly marked or labeled for easy identification of contents.

D.(16) Landings shall be provided beyond each exterior door and gates beyond interior doors opening onto a stairway.

D.(17) Handrails located not less than thirty inches nor more than thirty-six inches from the floor or steps shall be provided on all steps (two steps or more in height) and ramps with an incline or elevation of more than twelve inches.

D.(18) Traffic protection with side entrances, exits, loading and unloading areas shall be provided where traffic density requires.

D.(19) Outside stairs, walkways, ramps and porches shall be maintained free from accumulation of ice, snow or water.

D.(20) Construction, remodeling or alterations of structures during child care operations shall be prohibited unless absolutely necessary and in such a manner as to prevent hazards or unsafe conditions.

D.(21) All interior and exterior areas shall be maintained in a safe and clean condition. Cleaning shall be conducted when children are not present or in such a manner as not to create a condition which might result in an accident or cause harm to the health and safety of the children.

Director@Daycare.com