214 R.I. Code R. § 214-RICR-40-00-2.3 - LICENSING STANDARDS
2.3.1
NUMBER
OF CHILDREN IN CARE AND THEIR SUPERVISION
A. A family child care home provider, who is
caring for children without an assistant, shall care for no more than six (6)
children at any time.
B. If a
provider, who is caring for children without an assistant, cares for children
under the age of eighteen (18) months, there shall be no more than four (4)
children under the age of six (6) years, and of these four (4) children, no
more than two (2) shall be under the age of eighteen (18) months.
C. A provider who has a full-time assistant
shall care for no more than eight (8) children at any time. Of these eight (8)
children, no more than four (4) shall be under the age of eighteen (18)
months.
D. Maximum number of
children for child care when there are children living in the home
1. Children under six (6) years of age who
live in the home shall be counted in determining the maximum number for
licensure.
2. More than two (2)
children between six (6) and twelve (12) years of age who live in the home and
are present for four (4) consecutive hours or more during the period that child
care is provided shall be counted in determining the maximum number for
licensure. Exceptions may be made for snow days, sick days, holidays and one
(1) week school vacations.
3. To
determine the adult/child ratio, children of assistants shall be counted in the
appropriate age groups when in care in the home.
E. Provider Time Out of the Home
1. Without an approved assistant, a provider
shall be on the premises, directly supervising the children, at all times when
children are in care.
2. If
provider has an approved assistant, provider may be out of the home 20% of the
total work week (20% of forty (40) hours equals eight (8) hours per week), not
to exceed fifteen (15) hours, leaving the children under the direct supervision
of the assistant.
3. Provider may
be out of the home due to health related appointments or classes/training
related to child care that cannot be scheduled when child care is not being
provided. The provider shall have the appropriate number of assistants to meet
the required adult/child ratios as stated in §§2.3.1(A) through (C) of this Part above.
4. When a provider will be out of the home,
the parents/guardians of the children in care shall be notified and provided
with the names of the approved assistants who will be caring for the
children.
F. Provider
shall be responsible for the supervision of assistants and shall ensure that
assistants are directly involved with the care of the children. Written work
schedules shall be maintained for provider and assistants.
G. Provider shall have a plan for handling
emergencies and shall have at least two (2) individuals, who have been approved
as emergency assistants, readily available to be called upon for child care
assistance in the event of an emergency. At least one emergency assistant shall
be no more than ten (10) minutes away from the child care home.
1. If a provider utilizes another provider as
an emergency assistant, the adult/child ratios as stated in A through C above
shall be maintained.
2. An
emergency is defined as an unplanned absence from the home because of illness
or accident. It is meant to be of short duration, generally lasting no more
than a few hours, but shall not extend beyond three (3) consecutive working
days.
3. Provider shall notify the
Department of any change in emergency assistants.
4. Provider shall inform the
parents/guardians of the children in care of the names of the emergency
assistants.
H. Provider
shall work no more than fifteen (15) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period,
including child care and any other employment. The provider shall be awake
during the hours that child care is being provided.
I. Children shall be under the direct
supervision of the provider and/or assistant(s) at all times. The provider
and/or assistant(s) shall supervise all aspects of the program, including
toileting, resting or sleeping, eating and outdoor play.
1. Children shall not be under the care or
supervision of family members who have not been approved as assistants or
emergency assistants.
2. Children
shall not be under the care or supervision of a visitor nor shall they be left
alone with a visitor.
2.3.2
QUALIFICATIONS OF PROVIDER AND
ASSISTANTS
A. Requirements for
Providers
1. Provider shall be at least
twenty-one (21) years of age and shall show evidence of having successfully
completed the following:
a. High school or GED
(Individuals holding a Family Child Care Home License issued prior to the
effective date of these regulations shall not be subject to this
requirement.)
b. Current
certification in CPR and First Aid
c. Approved Family Child Care Training
Program
d. DCYF orientation to
Family Child Care
2.
Provider shall complete a minimum of one (1) hour per month or twenty-four (24)
hours of training (excluding CPR and First Aid) every two (2) years.
a. The provider shall be responsible for
maintaining documentation of completed training hours.
b. Training shall be in areas relevant to the
care of young children. Training should cover a variety of subject areas, such
as health, safety and nutrition (e.g., healthy eating, childhood obesity,
breastfeeding), communication with parent/guardian, child development, infant
care and development, developmentally appropriate activities, child abuse and
neglect and ethics and cultural competency.
c. Training may consist of workshops,
seminars, presentations, speaking programs, conferences, telecourses, college
courses, CDA training, related readings or television/video programs,
correspondence courses, mentoring experiences, association meetings with
training components or collaborative experiences with other agencies.
B. Requirements for
Assistants
1. Assistant shall be at least
eighteen (18) years of age and shall show evidence of having current
certification in CPR and First Aid.
2. Provider shall orient a new assistant
within the first week of work in the family child care home. The orientation
shall include a review of:
a. Family Child
Care Home Regulations
b. State law
governing child abuse and neglect
c. Policy and procedures and other
information specific to the operation of the child care home
3. Assistant shall complete a
minimum of sixteen (16) hours of training (excluding CPR and First Aid) every
two (2) years.
a. Provider shall be
responsible for maintaining documentation of assistant's completed training
hours.
b. See §2.3.2(A)
of this Part above for acceptable subject areas and types of
training.
C.
General Physical and Mental Health Requirements
1. Provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall be in good physical, mental and emotional health.
2. The physical, mental and emotional health
of household members shall not interfere with the provider's child caring
responsibilities.
D.
Specific Health Requirements
1. At the time
of application and upon renewal, the provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall file statements from licensed physicians that they have had
medical examinations within the past six months, are in good health and are
able to care for children.
2.
Female providers of childbearing age shall have a rubella (German measles)
susceptibility blood test or show proof of immunity by previous testing or
produce a record of having received rubella vaccine.
E. Use of Alcohol or Drugs
1. Provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall not drink alcoholic beverages or take illegal or tranquilizing
drugs while providing child care, nor shall they be in an intoxicated or
drugged condition while providing child care.
2. Household members shall not drink
alcoholic beverages in the presence of children in care.
F. Smoking
1. No person shall smoke, or otherwise use
tobacco products within the household or outdoor play area of a family child
care home, or within twenty-five (25) feet of the home or outdoor play area,
while children are in care. Smoking shall not occur in any area on the grounds
or premises within the children's view during the time that child care is being
provided.
2. Smoking may be
permitted when child care is not being provided. If smoking occurs in the home
when children are not in care, the provider shall notify the parent/guardian of
each child that smoking routinely occurs in the home during hours when the
child care program is not in operation.
2.3.3
PHYSICAL SPACE AND HOME
SAFETY
A. Overall Condition of Family
Child Care Home
1. The home shall be
maintained in compliance with all applicable state and local codes.
2. The home shall be maintained in good
repair and in a clean, neat, hazard-free condition.
3. Trash must be covered and properly
stored.
4. The home shall be kept
free from rodent and insect infestation.
B. Radon Safety
1. Providers shall show evidence that the
home has been tested for radon and has been found to be radon safe.
2. Retesting shall be done every three (3)
years in accordance with the "Rules and Regulations for Radon Control" issued
by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
C. Lead Paint Safety
1. There shall not be any peeling or damaged
paint or plaster in any area of the Family Child Care Home, either interior or
exterior.
2. The Family Child Care
Home serving children under the age of six (6) years shall comply with Lead
Poisoning Prevention (216-RICR- 50-15-3) promulgated by the Rhode Island
Department of Health pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
23-24.6-14 (Lead Poisoning Prevention Act) and shall comply with recommendations resulting
from lead inspections conducted pursuant to the above referenced statute and
regulations.
D. Indoor
Space - There shall be sufficient indoor space to allow for thirty-five (35)
square feet of usable space per child in care.
E. Use of Basements/Cellars for Child Care
1. Children shall not be cared for in the
cellar or basement area of a home unless there are two (2) exits from the area,
one of which shall be a door leading directly to the outside. Bulkheads and
overhead garage doors are not acceptable exits.
2. Basements shall not be used for sleeping
unless the boiler/furnace room is constructed to provide a one (1) hour fire
rating. This would include fire-rated sheet rock on the walls and ceiling and a
fire rated door. Enclosures shall be provided with an air vent to the outside
sufficient for proper combustion and exhaust.
3. The term basement includes all areas that
are more than 50% below ground level.
F. Outdoor Play Areas
1. Provider shall identify an area or areas
for outdoor play which shall be safe, protected and free from hazards such as
access to the street, debris, broken glass, animal waste, peeling paint, tools
and construction materials, open drainage ditches, wells, holes and bodies of
water. A fence or barrier shall be required for outdoor play area.
2. Outdoor porches above the first floor
shall not be used as play areas unless they are fully enclosed and structurally
sound.
3. Outdoor porches and decks
at the first floor level, used as play areas, shall be enclosed with a minimum
of a four (4) foot railing and the slats shall be no more than 3 1/2
inches apart. There shall be a gate that is kept securely fastened at the entry
to any steps or stairways.
4.
Provider or assistant(s) shall directly supervise outdoor play at all
times.
G. Bathroom and
Toileting
1. The family child care home shall
have a minimum of one (1) toilet and hand washing sink located in the bathroom.
The bathroom shall be located in an area that is readily available to the
children in care. Locks on bathroom doors should not be within the reach of
children or, if they are, the provider shall have a key readily
accessible.
2. When training chairs
are used for toilet training, they shall be emptied and sanitized after each
use. Training chairs shall not be considered a substitute for the required
toilet.
3. Toilets and training
chairs shall be located in rooms separate from those used for cooking and/or
eating.
H. Hand Washing
1. All staff, volunteers and children shall
wash their hands with liquid soap and warm running water.
2. Hands shall be dried with disposable
towels or individual hand towels that are laundered daily.
3. Hands shall be washed upon arrival for the
day or when moving from one child care group to another.
4. Hands shall be washed before and after:
a. Eating, handling food or feeding a
child
b. Providing
medication
c. Playing in water that
is used by more than one person
5. Hands shall be washed after:
a. Diapering, using the toilet or helping a
child use a toilet
b. Handling
bodily fluid (mucus, blood, vomit) from sneezing, wiping and blowing noses,
from mouths or from sores
c.
Handling uncooked food, especially raw meat and poultry
d. Handling pets and other animals
e. Playing in sandboxes
f. Cleaning or handling garbage
I. Diaper Changing Area
1. There shall be a diaper changing area that
is separate and apart from kitchen counters and dining tables.
2. A sink with hot and cold running water for
hand washing shall be accessible to the diaper changing area. Hands shall be
washed with liquid soap and warm running water before and after each diaper
change. Non-latex vinyl gloves shall be used for personal protection during
diaper changing, but shall not take the place of hand washing.
3. The diaper changing area shall be cleaned
and sanitized after each use. A disinfectant solution of 1/4 cup of bleach
to one (1) gallon of water or an EPA approved sanitizing agent shall be kept
readily available in a spray bottle for this purpose. The bottle shall be
clearly labeled and kept out of reach of children. In order to be effective,
the disinfectant solution should be allowed to air dry or at least sit on the
surface for two (2) minutes before wiping. If a bleach solution is used, it
shall be changed daily as it only remains effective for twenty-four (24)
hours.
4. Soiled diapers shall be
placed in a closed container lined with a leak proof disposable lining. The
container must be emptied daily and kept clean.
J. Hot and Cold Running Water
1. There shall be hot and cold running water
available for the care of the children.
2. The home's domestic hot water system and
hand washing sinks shall be set no higher than 120 degrees F.
3. If the water supply is not from a public
source, it shall be tested for portability. Water testing shall be done at time
of licensing and upon renewal.
K. Heating System
1. The family child care home shall have a
heating system capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of sixty-five (65)
degrees in all areas accessible to the children.
2. All heating equipment shall have the
proper controls for controlling the temperature, ignition and safety. Also an
auxiliary switch wired to a position that is remote from the boiler/furnace
area is required in order to shut off the boiler/furnace without entering a
danger area in the event of a fire.
3. All heating elements, including hot water
pipes, wood stoves, electric space heaters and radiators in areas used by
children shall be insulated, protected or barricaded so that they will not be a
danger to the children and will not be a fire hazard. Asbestos insulation
covering any pipes or heating elements shall be intact and properly
sealed.
4. Fireplaces shall be
securely screened or equipped with protective guards at all times.
L. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
1. The family
child care home shall have approved smoke detectors located outside sleeping
areas in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. Bedrooms or sleeping rooms,
separated by other use areas, such as kitchen or living rooms, but not
bathrooms, shall require a separate detector. In basements or cellars, smoke
detectors shall be located at the top of the stairway.
2. The home shall be equipped with a carbon
monoxide detector.
3. There shall
be a five (5) pound, ABC fire extinguisher located in the kitchen
area.
M. Humidifiers,
Dehumidifiers and Vaporizers
1. Humidifiers,
dehumidifiers and vaporizers shall be kept out of reach of children and used
and maintained according to manufacturers' directions.
2. Parents/guardians shall be notified when
such appliances are used in the family child care home.
N. Electrical Outlets
1. Every electrical outlet within the
children's reach shall be covered with a choke proof, child resistant device
while not in use.
2. Electrical
cords shall be taped or fastened so that they are not a hazard to
children.
3. Electrical cords shall
not be frayed or damaged.
4.
Electrical outlets shall not be overloaded.
5. The use of electrical extension cords is
prohibited.
O. Candle
Use and Flashlights in Emergency Situations
1.
Provider shall have a flashlight, in working condition, readily available for
use in the event of a power failure or other emergency situation.
2. In emergency situations, candles and oil
lamps shall not be used as a lighting source.
3. Candles burned for other purposes shall be
kept out of reach of children, used in a safe manner and not be left
unattended.
P. Window
Blind Cords - Window blind cords shall be secured, out of the reach of
children, to prevent strangulation.
Q. Firearms
1. Providers and household members who have
possession of firearms shall obtain the proper licenses or permits to the
extent required by law.
2. Firearms
shall be stored, unloaded and under lock, in a place which is inaccessible to
children during the hours that child care is provided in the home.
3. Ammunition shall be stored separately
under lock during the hours that child care is provided in the home.
R. Swimming Pools
1. Swimming pools shall be securely fenced to
prevent access by the children.
a. The fence
shall be at least six (6) feet high with a locked gate.
b. Above ground pools may have a four (4)
foot fence extension along the outer rim of the pool, provided that the ladder
leading to the pool folds up and locks into place and the height from the
ground is at least six (6) feet.
2. Pools, including wading and inflatable
pools, shall only be used under the supervision of the provider or
assistant(s).
3. Pools without a
filtration system must be emptied and disinfected after each use.
4. Provider shall obtain written permission
from parent/guardian prior to taking a child into a pool.
S. Telephones and Emergency Numbers
1. There shall be a working telephone, other
than a pay phone or cell phone, in the child care area. The phone shall be kept
in working order and shall be readily available for use in case of an
emergency.
2. Emergency phone
numbers, including 911, local fire and police departments, emergency room or
hospital, family physician and poison center shall be posted in a conspicuous
place, adjacent to each phone in the child care area.
3. The names and phone numbers of
parents/guardians and emergency contact persons for each child in care shall be
kept adjacent to each phone in the child care area.
T. First Aid and Communicable Diseases
1. Provider shall have written instructions
relating to first aid and communicable diseases readily available in the child
care area.
2. There shall be a
first aid kit in the home that shall be located out of reach of the children,
but shall be readily accessible to the provider and assistant(s) in the event
of an emergency.
3. The first aid
kit shall contain no less than:
a. Adhesive
bandages
b. Disposable nonporous
gloves
c. Sealed packages of
alcohol wipes or antiseptic
d.
Scissors, tweezers, thermometer, bandage tape and safety pins
e. Sterile gauze pads
f. Flexible roller gauze
g. Triangular bandages
h. Eye dressing
i. Cold pack
4. Syrup of Ipecac shall not be used to
induce vomiting and shall not be included in a first aid kit or available for
use by a family child care home provider.
5. The first aid kit shall be restocked after
use.
6. The first aid kit shall be
taken on field trips and outings away from the home.
U. Emergency Evacuation Plan
1. Provider shall have an emergency plan for
evacuating the children from the home in case of fire or other disaster.
a. The emergency plan shall include clear
instructions for contacting parents and emergency contacts.
b. The emergency plan shall include two (2)
means of exiting the home.
c.
Assistants and emergency assistants shall have knowledge of and be able to
implement this plan.
d. A graphic
evacuation plan shall be posted in each room where child care is
provided.
2. Parents
must be provided with a written copy of the emergency plan.
3. Practice evacuation drills shall take
place once a month. Both obstructed and unobstructed drills shall be conducted.
A record of such drills shall be maintained.
V. Storage of Drugs, Medicines and Other
Dangerous Substances
1. Drugs and medicines
shall be stored in their original containers in a clean, dry area out of reach
of children or in a locked cabinet. Storage shall be separate from any items
that attract children such as food or candy.
2. Cleaning materials, detergents, aerosol
cans, matches and other substances that could be a danger to children shall be
stored in their original containers out of reach of children or in a locked
cabinet and used in such a way that shall not contaminate play surfaces, food
or food preparation areas or generally constitute a hazard to
children.
W. Food
Storage
1. Food shall be properly stored,
covered and/or refrigerated.
2. The
refrigerator temperature shall be maintained at 41 degrees F or less and the
freezer temperature at 0 degrees or less.
X. Stairways
1. Stairways that are used by children shall
have a railing at the children's height.
2. Stairways shall be well lighted and kept
clear of obstructions.
3. In homes
where children under three (3) years of age are in care, there shall be a gate
which is kept securely fastened at the entry to any stairway accessible to
children.
Y.
Ventilation, Glass Doors and Windows
1. Each
room used by children shall have sufficient ventilation and lighting.
2. Clear glass doors shall be clearly marked
at children's eye level.
3. All
doors and windows which are used for ventilation shall be securely
screened.
4. If windows above the
first floor are used for ventilation, they shall be opened from the top or
secured with safety guards.
Z. Animal Safety
1. All pets, including dogs, cats and other
domestic animals, shall be kept in a safe and sanitary manner and in accordance
with state and local requirements.
2. All animals maintained on the premises
shall have up-to-date rabies and other vaccinations as required.
3. Children shall, according to their ages
and functioning levels, be protected from pets which are potentially dangerous
to their health or safety.
4. Pets
shall not be abused or threatened in the presence of children.
5. Provider shall notify parents/guardians of
the presence of any pets in the home.
2.3.4
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
A. General Health Examinations
1. Physical Examination Form - Prior to
enrollment and annually thereafter, the Family Child Care Home Provider shall
obtain from the parent/guardian a statement that the child has had a physical
examination signed by a licensed health care provider (physician, physician
assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner, other licensed practitioner
acting within his/her scope of practice) that the child has had an age
appropriate history and physical examination, assessing the health and
well-being of the child and indicating any allergies, conditions, or handicaps
affecting the child's general health that might require special care.
2. Immunizations - The physical examination
form shall include evidence that the child is age appropriately immunized
against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella,
Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and
pneumococcal disease, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by
the Rhode Island Department of Health relating to immunization and testing for
communicable disease.
3. Exemptions
to Immunization Requirements - A child may only be permanently exempt from the
immunization requirements for either of the two (2) reasons stated below:
a. The child's health care provider has
signed the Rhode Island Department of Health's Medical Immunization Exemption
Certificate attesting that the child is exempt from a specific vaccine because
of medical reasons.
b. The
parent/guardian has signed the Rhode Island Department of Health's Religious
Immunization Exemption Certificate attesting that immunization conflicts with
the tenets of their religious beliefs.
4. Lead Screening - The physical examination
form shall include evidence that the child has been screened for lead poisoning
in accordance with the Lead Poisoning Prevention (216-RICR- 50-15-3)
promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws
§ 23-24.6 (Lead Poisoning Prevention Act).
5. Exemption to the Lead Screening
Requirement - The lead screening requirements shall not apply if the child's
parent/guardian signs a sworn statement indicating that lead screening is
contrary to his/her religious tenets and practices.
B. Emergency Treatment Form
1. Provider shall have an Emergency Treatment
Form for each child in care that is signed by the parent/guardian and
notarized. This form shall be kept on file for use in the event of an
emergency. It shall be taken on field trips and outings away from the
home.
2. Parent/guardian shall
identify two persons who can be contacted in the event of an emergency if
parent/guardian is unreachable. This information shall be reviewed with
parent/guardian every three (3) months in order to update any
changes.
C.
Administration of Medication
1. Provider shall
not administer medication to a child without written authorization from
parent/guardian.
2. Prescription
medication shall not be administered to a child without the written order of a
physician. A labeled prescription bottle with the child's name, current date
and dosage shall be considered acceptable.
3. Non-prescription or homeopathic medication
shall not be administered to a child under two (2) years of age unless
prescribed by a physician.
4.
Non-prescription or homeopathic medication shall not be administered to a child
over two (2) years of age for longer than three (3) days without the written
authorization of a physician.
5.
Provider shall maintain a written record of every medication administered, both
prescription and non-prescription. This record shall include:
a. Child's name
b. Name and dosage of medication
administered
c. Date and time
administered
d. Initials of the
provider or assistant administering the medication
D. Child Exhibiting Symptoms of
Illness
1. A child exhibiting any of the
following symptoms or signs of illness shall be excluded from child care until
an assessment has been completed by a physician or health care provider:
a. For an infant under four (4) months of
age, an axillary temperature (armpit) above 100 degrees is considered a fever.
An infant under four (4) months of age who has a fever, even without any other
signs of illness, should be excluded from the child care and the
parent/guardian should be encouraged to seek medical attention.
b. For children, a fever is defined as an
oral temperature above 101 degrees or an axillary (armpit) temperature above
100 degrees. It is the general recommendation that a child be excluded for a
fever when behavior changes, signs, or symptoms of illness that require further
evaluation accompany it.
c.
Diarrhea is defined by more watery stools, a decreased form of stools not
associated with dietary changes, and increased frequency of passing stool that
is not contained by the child's ability to use the toilet. A child with
diarrheal illness of an infectious origin may be allowed to return once the
diarrhea resolves unless the infectious agent was Salmonella, Shigella, or E.
Coli. These require negative stool cultures before return. Contact the Rhode
Island Department of Health with any questions.
d. Blood in the stools not explainable by
dietary change, medication or hard stools
e. Vomiting (two (2) or more episodes of
vomiting in the previous twenty- four (24) hours). Exclude until vomiting
resolves or until a health care provider determines that the cause of the
vomiting is not contagious and the child is not in danger of
dehydration.
f. Persistent
abdominal pain (continues more than two (2) hours) or intermittent pain
associated with fever or other signs and symptoms
g. Mouth sores with drooling, unless the
health care provider determines that the child is non-infectious
h. Rash with fever or behavior change, until
a physician determines that these symptoms do not indicate an infectious
disease
i. Purulent conjunctivitis
(pinkeye: accompanied by white or yellow eye discharge), until after treatment
has been initiated
j. Head lice,
until after treatment
k. Scabies,
until treatment has been initiated
l. Tuberculosis, until a health care provider
or health official states that the child is on appropriate therapy and can
attend child care
m. Impetigo,
until twenty-four (24) hours after treatment has been initiated
n. Strep throat or other streptococcal
infection, until twenty-four (24) hours after initial antibiotic treatment and
cessation of fever
o. Chickenpox,
until all sores have crusted over (usually six (6) days)
p. Pertussis, until five (5) days of
appropriate antibiotic treatment has been completed
q. Mumps, until nine (9) days after onset of
parotid gland swelling
r. Hepatitis
A virus, until one (1) week after onset of illness, jaundice, or as directed by
the health department
s. Measles,
until four (4) days after onset of rash
t. Rubella, until six (6) days after onset of
rash
u. Unspecified respiratory
tract illness
v. Shingles
w. Herpes simplex
x. The illness prevents the child from
participating comfortably in activities as determined by the child care
provider.
y. The illness results in
a greater need for care than the child care staff can provide without
compromising the health and safety of the other children as determined by the
child care provider.
2.
Documentation of the health assessment shall be maintained on file in the
child's record. A note signed by the child's parent/guardian that includes the
date, time and results of the assessment and name of the health care provider
consulted shall be considered acceptable documentation.
3. Provider shall not re-admit a child who
has been placed on an antibiotic or other prescription medication until the
child has been on the medication for at least twenty-four (24) hours. The
decision to care for a child who is ill or to re-admit an ill child shall be
made by the provider after evaluating the child's history, symptoms and general
condition.
E. Child with
Parasite Infection
1. A child exhibiting signs
of a parasite infection, such as scabies or head lice, shall be excluded from
the home until treated.
2. Provider
shall notify parents/guardians of all the children in care of possible parasite
infestation.
3. Provider shall
disinfect the home by cleaning all articles that may contain lice or nits such
as clothes, towels and bed linens. These should be washed in hot water and
detergent, or dry cleaned. Rugs, carpeting and upholstery shall be
vacuumed.
F. Reporting
Communicable Diseases
1. Family Child Care
Home Provider shall report communicable diseases in accordance with the
Department of Health's Reporting and Testing of Infectious, Environmental, and
Occupational Diseases (216-RICR- 30-05-1).
2. It is particularly important to report
clusters or outbreaks of infectious diseases as outlined in the reporting
regulations.
3. Provider shall
notify all parents/guardians whenever a reportable communicable disease has
been introduced into the home.
G. When a Child Becomes Ill in Care
1. Provider shall notify the parent/guardian
immediately when a child becomes ill while in care.
2. Provider shall furnish special care for an
ill child, including a comfortable resting space in a quiet area away from
other children, within sight of the provider or assistant.
H. Caring for Child with Handicapping
Condition or Special Needs
1. When a child
with a handicapping condition or special needs is accepted for care, the
provider shall obtain from the parent/guardian written recommendations for any
specialized care that the child may require. These recommendations shall come
from or be endorsed by the child's physician or other authorized professional
who has evaluated or treated the child.
2. Care provided to children with special
needs shall be in accordance with the child's Individualized Educational Plan
(IEP) or the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
I. Snacks and Meals
1. Provider shall serve nutritious
mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks and nutritious meals to the children in
care in accordance with the child care component of the USDA Child and Adult
Care Food Programs (CACFP).
2. When
parents/guardians provide snacks or other meals, the provider shall monitor the
food to ensure nutritious value. Provider shall provide parents/guardians with
written guidelines for meals and snacks and suggest how they can assist the
provider in meeting these guidelines.
3. Whenever possible, the provider shall sit
and eat with the children.
J. Beverages - Provider shall offer
age-appropriate beverages as defined below:
1.
Infants (birth through 12 months)
a. Either
breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula or portions of both, must be served
for the entire first year.
b. Juice
shall not be offered to infants until they are six months of age and ready to
drink from a cup. The provider should offer not more than 4 ounces of 100%
fruit juice per day. Juice should be offered at either a meal or a snack
instead of continuously throughout the day all meals. Fruit drinks or punch,
soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are not allowed.
2. Toddlers 12 months through 24 months
a. Only whole pasteurized milk should be
served to children between the ages of 12 and 24 months. The provider shall not
serve skim or nonfat, low-fat (one (1) percent or two (2) percent) to any child
between 12 and 24 months.
b. Juice
- The provider should offer not more than four (4) ounces of 100% fruit juice
per day. Juice should be served from a cup and should be offered at either a
meal or a snack instead of continuously throughout the day all meals. Fruit
drinks or punch, soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are not
allowed.
c. The provider shall have
drinking water readily available to the children during the time that they are
in care.
3. Children 2
years and older
a. Children 2 years and older
should be served skim or nonfat milk or low-fat milk (one percent or two
percent fat milk) in accordance with guidelines established by the American
Academy of Pediatrics.
b. Juice -
The provider should offer not more than 6 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day.
Juice should be served from a cup and should be offered at either a meal or a
snack instead of continuously throughout the day all meals. Fruit drinks or
punch, soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are not allowed.
c. The provider shall have drinking water
readily available to the children during the time that they are in
care.
2.3.5
ACTIVITIES, MATERIALS AND
EQUIPMENT
A. Activities
1. Provider shall spend time directly
involved in activities that center on the developmental needs, interests and
strengths of the children in care.
2. The focus shall be toward developmentally
appropriate and culturally competent practices, incorporating child-centered,
child-initiated and provider-guided play activities.
B. Learning Environment - The learning
environment in the home shall be designed to provide the children with
opportunities to learn through active exploring, interacting with other
children and adults and with the materials provided.
C. Daily Routine and Scheduling
1. Provider shall have a written plan of
activities and routines that meet the developmental, cultural, and individual
needs of the children in care.
2.
The daily routine shall include all of the following:
a. Physical activity and quiet play
b. Indoor and outdoor play as weather
permits
c. Age appropriate health
routines such as toileting, hand washing, tooth brushing, resting or sleeping
and eating.
D. Indoor and Outdoor Play Materials and
Equipment
1. The provider shall have available
an adequate variety of materials for indoor and outdoor play, such as art
supplies (paints, crayons, paste, scissors), blocks and block accessories,
books, large muscle equipment (wheel toys, climbers, balls), manipulative toys
(busy-boxes, puzzles, small building sets), musical equipment (rattles,
instruments, audiotapes) and dramatic play materials (dress-up clothes and
puppets). Play materials must be culturally inclusive and appropriate to the
age, number, growth and developmental needs of the children in care.
2. A variety of materials shall be accessible
to the children to promote exploration. Materials that require supervision
shall be stored out of reach of children.
3. Television/video viewing shall be limited,
and when utilized shall be appropriate for the age and developmental level of
the children in care.
4. All
equipment and materials shall be free from hazards such as lead paint, insects,
protruding nails or rust that may be dangerous to children and shall be kept
clean and in good repair.
5.
Infants and toddlers shall be protected from objects that could be
swallowed.
6. The use of walkers
with wheels is prohibited.
7. Toys
that explode or shoot, such as caps, guns and darts shall not be
allowed.
8. Balloons shall only be
allowed for special occasions such as birthdays, and their use shall be under
close adult supervision.
9. Outdoor
sandboxes shall be kept covered when not in use.
10. Outdoor climbing equipment five (5) feet
high or over shall have adequate cushioning underneath.
11. The use of trampolines is
prohibited.
12. All equipment used
for child care which is covered by federal regulations shall meet such
regulations.
13. If children are
taken to a public playground the provider shall be alert and aware of safety
dangers such as peeling paint, uncovered sandboxes, debris and animal
waste.
E.
Sleeping/Resting Arrangements
1. There shall
be regular periods of quiet activity or resting/sleeping appropriate to the
needs of the children. There shall be an opportunity for children to rest for
at least thirty (30) minutes, but no child shall be forced to sleep. For
children who do not require sleep, time and space shall be provided for quiet
play.
2. While resting or sleeping,
children shall be directly supervised by the provider or an assistant who is on
the same floor where the children are sleeping. Monitors shall not take the
place of in-person supervision.
3.
Lighting to permit appropriate supervision shall be provided in sleeping areas
when children are sleeping, napping or resting.
4. Children under the age of one-year napping
in cribs shall be monitored by in- person checks at least every ten (10)
minutes. The provider shall maintain a written record of crib checks for each
child under the age of one (1) year.
5. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, infants shall be placed on their backs to sleep unless there are
medical orders or a written statement from the parent/guardian requiring
alternative positioning.
6. Cribs
shall have firm, well-fitting mattresses and crib sheets. Sheepskins, beanbags,
waterbeds, comforters and pillows shall not be used.
7. Children shall have their own bedding and
it shall be stored separately to prevent contamination.
8. Spaces between the upright slats in cribs
shall not exceed 2 3/8 inches. There shall be no cutouts in crib
headboards.
9. Children shall not
be in cribs with bottles.
10.
Children shall sleep or rest on cots, mats that are at least two (2) inches
thick, couches or beds. Children shall not sleep or rest directly on the
floor.
11. When mats are used for
sleeping, they shall be cleaned weekly if not shared by children. If children
share mats, they shall be cleaned between each use.
F. Toilet Training
1. Toilet training shall be an individual
plan, based on the child's readiness and carried out in conjunction with the
parent/guardian.
2. There shall be
no routine attempt to toilet train any child under the age of twenty- four (24)
months without consent of parent/guardian.
2.3.6
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
A. Positive Behavior Management Techniques
1. Provider and assistants shall be positive
role models for the children in care.
2. Provider and assistants shall use
positive, consistent methods in guiding children back on task, shall encourage
appropriate behavior and set clear limits and rules that children can
understand.
3. Provider and
assistants shall match their expectations with the developing abilities and
capabilities of the children.
4.
Provider and assistants shall praise the accomplishments of the children and
encourage their attempts at tasks.
5. Provider and assistants shall use
positive, firm limit setting in situations where a child's safety is at
stake.
6. Provider and assistants
shall assist children by redirecting them from inappropriate actions to
activities that are more favorable.
B. Inappropriate Discipline
1. Provider and assistants shall not hit the
children or engage in any form of corporal punishment.
2. Children shall not be subjected to cruel
or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse.
3. Children shall not be deprived of meals or
snacks as a form of discipline.
4.
Children shall not be punished for toileting accidents or for soiling, wetting
or not using the toilet during toilet training.
5. Children shall not be subjected to
excessive time out. Time out may not exceed one (1) minute for each year of the
child's age and shall take place within the provider or assistant's
view.
C. Written
Discipline Policy
1. Provider shall develop a
written discipline policy that is consistent with the regulations.
2. This policy shall be shared with the
parent/guardian when the child is enrolled.
D. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect -
Provider and assistants shall report any known or suspected child abuse or
neglect to DCYF at 1-800 -RI-CHILD in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §
40-11-3 and Department Operating Procedure 500.0000, Reporting Child Abuse and/or
Neglect to the Call Floor, which require that any person, who has reasonable
cause to know or suspect that any child has been abused and/or neglected or has
been a victim of sexual abuse by another child, must report this information to
DCYF within twenty-four (24) hours.
2.3.7
ADMINISTRATION
A. The family child care home shall be open
to parents/guardians for visits whenever the program is in operation.
B. A pre-admission interview shall be held
with the parent/guardian to secure health and family history, to obtain
background information on the child and his/her home, and to develop the
child's program.
C. Prior to the
admission of a child, the provider shall obtain in writing from the
parent/guardian the following information:
1.
Child's full name, address and verified date of birth
2. Name, address and phone number of the
parents/guardians
3. Address and
phone number where the parents/guardians can be reached during the hours that
the child is in care
4. Names,
addresses and phone numbers of two (2) relatives or friends who can be
contacted in any emergency if parent/guardian cannot be reached
5. Permission for the provider to act in an
emergency (refer to §2.3.4(B)
of this Part)
6. Names and
addresses of all persons who are authorized to take the child from the child
care home
7. Copies of any
pertinent custody information or restraining orders
8. Child's eating and sleeping habits, food
preferences, allergies and any special medical or emotional problems
9. Name of any health insurance plan and
policy number under which the child is covered
D. There shall be opportunities for the child
and parent/guardian to visit the family child care home one or more times
before enrollment.
E. Communication
with Parents/Guardians
1. Provider shall have
a plan for communicating with parents/guardians. The plan may include means of
communication such as conferences, handbooks, newsletters, bulletin boards and
notes.
2. When children under the
age of eighteen (18) months are in care, there shall be written daily
communication that shall include references to the child's mood, health,
feeding, sleeping, toileting and activities. Daily communication for children
over eighteen (18) months may be verbal and should cover the same
areas.
F. Provider shall
maintain a directory of professional community services and shall make relevant
information available to parents/guardians as needed.
G. Provider shall obtain written permission
from the parent/guardian to take the child off the premises of the day family
child care home. Such permission shall be obtained prior to the
activity.
H. Transportation of
Children
1. Transportation of the children by
the provider or assistants, including requirements for child restraint systems,
shall follow the state laws and regulations of the Rhode Island Department of
Transportation, Registry of Motor Vehicles and shall be covered by liability
insurance.
2. Children shall not be
left unattended in a vehicle.
3.
Station wagon tailgates and rear windows shall be kept closed at all times when
children are being transported.
I. Provider shall have liability insurance
covering the child care program.
J.
Provider shall not release a child to any parent/guardian or other person who
appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when that person is going
to be transporting the child.
K.
Provider shall maintain a file for each child in care.
1. The file shall contain all information
gathered on the child, including medical forms, emergency treatment forms,
child care agreement with parent/guardian and permission forms.
2. All information about a child in care
shall be kept confidential and shall not be released to any person without the
written permission of the parent/guardian.
3. Files for all children in care shall be
kept together in a place where they are readily accessible.
L. Accident or Illness of Child in
Care
1. Provider shall keep a written record
of any accident or illness that occurs while the child is in care and shall
include the record in the child's file.
2. Provider shall notify the parent/guardian
immediately in the event of an accident or other emergency requiring the child
to have medical attention.
3.
Provider shall notify the parent/guardian of any accident occurring while the
child is in care. Notification shall be given on the same day that the accident
occurs.
M. Family Child
Care License and Regulations
1. Provider shall
post the Family Child Care Home License in a prominent place in the home where
it is visible to parents/guardians.
2. Provider shall make the Family Child Care
Home Regulations for Licensure available to prospective parents/guardians and
the parents/guardians of the children in care.
N. Provider shall allow representatives from
the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Rhode
Island Office of the Child Advocate entrance into the family child care home at
any time that child care is being provided. Department representatives and the
Child Advocate or his/her designee shall be allowed to inspect the home to
determine compliance with the Regulations and shall be allowed access to all
records kept by the provider related to compliance with the Regulations for
Licensure.
O. Provider shall not
discriminate in providing childcare on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious
belief, political belief or handicap.
P. Provider shall not advertise as a child
care center, nursery school, pre-school or group child care home.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.