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Licensing Standards for DayCare Centers
Section E
Equipment
E.(1) To prevent injuries, all equipment used shall be maintained in good repair and safe condition and shall meet applicable federal requirements for construction and safety.
E.(2) Indoor recreational equipment and furnishings shall be clean and shall be of safe construction and free of sharp edges and loose or rusty points.
E.(3) Toys which are placed in the mouths of children shall be washed, rinsed and sanitized daily and more often if necessary.
E.(4) Outdoor recreational equipment shall be made of durable, non-rusting, non-poisonous materials, and be free of jagged edges, and shall be sturdy.
E.(5) Stationary outdoor equipment shall be firmly anchored and shall not be placed on a concrete or asphalt surface. Cushioning material such as mats, wood chips or sand shall be used under climbers, slides, swings, and large pieces of equipment.
E.(6) Swings shall be located to minimize accidents and shall have soft and flexible seats.
E.(7) Metal equipment, especially slides, shall be located in shaded areas or otherwise shall be protected from the sun.
E.(8) Outdoor play equipment shall be arranged so that children can be seen at all times.
E.(9) The height of any piece of playground equipment shall be appropriate to the age of the child.
E.(10) Cribs and playpens shall have slats spaced no more than two and three-eighths inches apart from the inside of each slat and shall have secure latching devices.
E.(11) Mattresses shall be fitted in cribs so that no more than two fingers can fit between the mattress and crib sides.
E.(12) If mats or cots are used by the facility, they shall be made of waterproof, washable material and shall be stored and handled in such a manner to prevent contact with the sleeping surface and the floor.
E.(13) If playpens are used, they shall have waterproof, washable, comfortable pads. The sides shall remain latched as long as a child is using the playpen.
E.(14) Broken cots and torn mats shall be repaired or replaced.
E.(15) If linen is provided, it shall be clean and provided on an individual basis.
E.(16) Placement of sleeping and napping equipment shall allow ready access to each child by staff.
E.(17) Seat heights of feeding chairs shall be appropriate to the age and development of the child. Feeding chairs shall be in good repair and children shall be constantly supervised.
E.(18) If a swimming pool is part of the equipment of the center, it shall be enclosed by fencing at least four feet in height. Swimming pools located at the center or utilized by the center shall conform to the rules and regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for the construction, maintenance and use of such equipment. The director shall ensure that the pool is not accessible to the children except under close supervision by the staff (Refer to Regulation Number 114-503A(10) and (11).
E.(19) Safety barriers shall be placed around all heating and cooling devices or other equipment accessible to children to prevent accidents or injuries upon contact by the child.
E.(20) All arts and crafts materials shall be nontoxic.
E.(21) Poisonous or potentially harmful plants on the premises shall be inaccessible to children.
E.(22) No firearms or ammunition shall be kept in the center.
E.(23) The indoor center temperature shall be maintained between sixty-eight and eighty degrees Fahrenheit, as appropriate to the season.
E.(24) First aid supplies shall be available for the treatment of minor cuts and abrasions and shall be stored in a location inaccessible to the children.
E.(25) Microwave ovens shall be inaccessible to children.
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