(c) Hallway space that leads to an exit; This requirement does not apply to used or "hand-made" play equipment built or installed by the licensee or homeowner, or to play equipment purchased prior to March 31, 2012; (3) Locked time-out or isolation space; Clean all infant furniture frequently, with sanitizing changing tables after each use. (d) Exclusion/removal policy of ill persons. Feel the door first. (15) If applicable, infant/toddler care including infant safe sleep practices, feeding, diapering and toilet training; As used in this section, lockdown or shelter-in-place means to remain inside the family home child care when police or an official emergency response agency notifies the licensee or primary staff person in charge that it is unsafe to leave the facility or be outdoors during an emergency situation. (b) At least one staff person in attendance must be able to swim. (a) Time period of the absence; (4) Earthquake; The health and nutrition of all children in child care. (2) Information on how children's records are kept current, including immunization records; (b) Whether the licensee chooses to give medications to children in care. (b) Obtain written permission from each child's parent or guardian to allow the child to use a wading pool; The diaper disposal container must: Cover electrical outlets with safety caps when not in use to prevent electrical shock. (i) That a qualified primary staff person will be present and in charge at all times during the licensee's absence; The DOHMH inspects and issues permits, licenses, and registrations for these sites in New York City. (1) Licensees may use an electronic system to record attendance in lieu of a paper sign-in record. The licensee: Licensee/staff qualifications and requirements table. The licensee must keep records of emergency drills performed, and post the records as required in WAC 170-296A-2175. (5) An exception is time limited and may not exceed the specific time period approved by the department. WebRules for family child care homes differ from those of child care centers and do not fit easily (i) With the licensee's initial license application or annual nonexpiring license declaration under WAC 170-296A-1450; (ii) Within seven days after an individual residing in the home reaches age thirteen; and (c) The person signing the electronic record; and (a) Modification of the license; (c) Cold or flu medications; (3) When the licensed outdoor play space is not adjacent to the home the licensee must: (f) Empty the pool daily; and "Screen time" means watching, using or playing television, computers, video games, video or DVD players, mobile communication devices, and similar devices. The licensee must provide a written plan, approved by the department, to make roadways and other dangers adjacent to the licensed outdoor play space inaccessible to children. (3) The licensee must keep sharp utensils and other utensils that may cause serious injury or a choking hazard inaccessible to children when the utensils are not in use. (3) When a modified toilet seat is used, it must be cleaned and disinfected as provided in WAC 170-296A-0010 daily or more often when soiled. Our outdoor and indoor safety checklist for your daycare or preschool will give you safety rules for every area of your center. (1) The licensee must provide an orientation to all staff on licensing standards in this chapter, including the licensee's policies and procedures, and document when the training occurred and identify staff that received the training. Any basement approved for licensed child care must have two means of emergency exit, which may be one of the following: Two emergency exit doors that exit directly to the exterior of the home without entering the first floor; or. (6) Be stored separately from bedding used by another child. All outside play areas should be enclosed with secure fencing. Tribal or military regulated or operated child careCertification for payment. (a) Child's name; (3) The department must approve the licensee's policy and procedure for licensee absence. (d) Professional development. (3) If cloth towels are used, the licensee must wash and sanitize each cloth towel after a single use. (4) Nothing about the nonexpiring license process in this section may interfere with the department's established monitoring practice. (1) Any window used as an emergency exit window must: (5) The medication must: The Clearing-house also conducts seminars and workshops on issues relating to women, including child and dependent care. Put metal equipment, such as slides, in a shaded area to avoid heating and burns on sunny days. (3) Positioning the child so the child is not able to view the screen. Creating Safe and Appropriate Diapering, Toileting, and For more safety tips, check out Care.com Safety. eCFR (c) That the individual must immediately stop providing child care; Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. (iii) Education professional; (d) Tweezers; (1) An individual who provides care for children in his or her home must be licensed by the department unless exempt under RCW 43.215.010(2). (a) The department and licensee may agree to a modification to the child care license; (1) Social, emotional and self development; (f) After being outdoors with the children; (2) By March 31, 2013, every licensee must obtain and maintain a current state food handler permit. (7) The licensee fails to report to DSHS children's administration intake or law enforcement any instances of alleged child abuse or child neglect; Day cares are notoriously adorable petri dishes for germs, but parents should make sure intervention measures are in place to keep all children in the classroom safe and healthy, according to Sanchez. (a) The license applicant; The licensee must minimize exposure to screen time for any child under the age of two by: There are several different options for toilet areas in a child care setting. (1) The licensee must provide a container specifically for diaper and diapering supply disposal that is not used for other household trash. "WAC" means the Washington Administrative Code. (1) The department cannot waive a requirement in state or federal law. (24) Napping/sleeping; Effective March 31, 2017, every family home child care licensee, including licensees licensed prior to March 31, 2012, must meet the minimum education requirements of WAC 170-296A-1725. (b) Completed as soon as medically possible. If a center isnt accredited, make sure, at a minimum, theyre licensed by the state (paperwork should be prominently displayed at the facility). (17) Food service practices. (a) At least once a week or as needed if used by one child; or A child must not be physically restrained longer than necessary to control the situation. (12) The licensee fails to provide the required level of supervision for the children in care; (6) If the exception request is approved, the licensee must post notice of the approved exception with other notices that must be posted for parent and public view, unless the exception is for a specific child. (j) Ensure that the electronic system performs in an accurate, reliable, and consistent manner in the normal course of business; and (3) One extra battery for each smoke detector and each carbon monoxide detector must be kept on the premises. (b) Boiler; For more information and tips, see Tips to Prevent Spreading Germs during Diapering and 10 Steps to Change a Diaper in a Child Care Setting. (1) If the department determines that an individual is providing unlicensed child care in his or her home, the department will send the individual written notice within ten calendar days to explain: Child care providers can support toilet learning by watching for signs of readiness, planning the toilet learning process with parents, and helping children practice this important skill. This information includes: (3) Include a waterproof moisture barrier under the sheet or blanket; "MERIT" means the managed education registry information tool used to track professional development for early learning professionals. the licensee must inspect the home once each calendar month to identify possible fire hazards and take action to eliminate any hazards found. (e) After playing with animals or handling animal toys; or There must be a sign on the closet door to indicate that a fire extinguisher is mounted inside, and no obstructions blocking access to the closet. (f) Turning off the water with paper towel or single use cloth towel. (j) Consent to seek medical care and treatment of minor child in the event of injury or illness, signed by the child's parent or guardian. The licensee must have working fire extinguishers, minimum 2 A: 10BC, readily available. When compliance with a requirement in this section is being met in unlicensed space in the licensee's home, the licensee must provide a signed and dated declaration, on a department approved form, for the purpose of verifying that the licensee is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter regarding: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Early Learning and Development Guidelines, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/faq/child-care-and-development-fund-final-rule-frequently-asked-questions. "Child" means an individual who is younger than age thirteen, including any infant, toddler, preschool-age child, or school-age child as defined in this chapter. (5) The licensee must keep in the licensed space a log documenting that each crib in use meets the requirements of this section. Electronic attendance recordsRecords retention. (e) How to ask for a hearing. (5) Spatial concepts (including, but not limited to, size or position); and Preservice or orientation training must be completed within 3 months of caring for children. (4) Medication storage under WAC 170-296A-3325. (2) Prior to engaging in outside employment or ongoing activities outside the child care during operating hours, the licensee must inform the department in writing. (3) A fine may be imposed in addition to other action taken against the license including probation, suspension, revocation or denial of a license renewal. Records on file for the licensee and each staff person must include documentation of: (a) May hold the infant or place the infant in a semi-reclining or upright position during bottle feeding; and Want to learn more about how you can make safety at your center simpler than ever? (g) Health, safety and sanitization procedures; (2) The hearing process is governed by chapter 34.05 RCW Administrative Procedure Act, applicable sections of chapter 43.215 RCW department of early learning, and chapter 170-03 WAC, DEL hearing rules. (c) Take steps required by the local health jurisdiction to repair the well or water system; and The child must remain under the direct supervision of the licensee or primary staff person. Fire extinguisher, smoke/carbon monoxide detector use and testing. (i) Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect; (6) Speak to the children at their eye level when possible and appropriate; Window coverings may be allowed that have been manufactured or altered to eliminate the formation of a loop. (d) Permission to administer medications, if applicable; and (3) Any appliance or heating device that has a hot surface capable of burning a child must be made inaccessible to the children in care during operating hours when the appliance or device is in use or is still hot after use. (3) Not use a microwave oven to warm the contents of a bottle; (2) The licensed outdoor play space must be securely enclosed with a fence of a minimum height of four feet. In summary, regulations play a crucial role in establishing a baseline for safety A probationary license may be issued to a licensee operating under a nonexpiring full license as part of a corrective action plan. (e) Feed infants on demand or based on the parent or guardian's recommended feeding schedule; (4) A baby monitor or video monitor must not be used in place of direct supervision of the children. (10) Provide each child opportunities for vocal expression; and (1) The licensee or staff may separate a child three years or older from other children as a form of discipline only long enough to allow the child to regain control of himself or herself. When a fence has slats or open grids, openings must not be wider than three and one-half inches; Sanitize toys daily to prevent the growth of viruses and bacteria that can cause illnesses and odors. The health plan must include: See WAC 170-296A-3250; and Frequently inspect the outdoor area for trash, yard debris, animal waste and other refuse that could harm or be misused by children. (5) The licensee or primary staff person must be within sight or hearing range when children are indoors and be available and able to respond if the need arises for the safety of the children. (2) A licensee providing a care program described as Preschool (30 Months to School Age) must not provide care for more than 4 hours each day to each child. (2) Removable rugs may be used in the bathroom. (d) Routine transportation times; This means that the child care must occur in the home where you and your family livenot in any other location. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. (i) In each licensed sleeping area; and The licensee or primary staff person must not give or allow giving of an expired medication. The licensee must keep paper, rubbish, or combustible materials at least three feet away from any furnace, fireplace, or other heating devices. The department notice will include information on hearing rights and how to request a hearing. (2) Refusing a facility license compliance agreement or probationary license may result in one of the following enforcement actions: Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunization), Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices, Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent, Prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic, Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment. That said, with restrictions loosening, parents should be wary of facilities that dont encourage visitation or observation of their childs classroom, according to Sanchez. "Child abuse or neglect" has the same meaning as "abuse or neglect" under RCW 26.44.020 and chapter 388-15 WAC. (5) Plan for transporting children; f there are stairs in the licensed space, the licensee must: Have a handrail not higher than thirty-eight inches high or sturdy slats on one side of the stairs. (3) "Sanitize" means to reduce the number of microorganisms on a surface by the process of: (h)(i) Mercury free thermometer that is: (1) The licensee and staff must: (a) Injury/incident reports (see WAC 170-296A-3575 and 170-296A-3600); This includes clear, written guidelines on when a child must stay home due to illness and a well-developed plan in place for a range of illnesses, particularly COVID, she continues. (f) The signature of licensee. The department may deny, suspend, revoke, or not continue a license when: A licensee who has a pet or other animals on the premises must: (iv) Rash; or 1219, or nonfull size cribs as defined in 16 C.F.R. (c) A checklist. An applicant who demonstrates compliance with health and safety requirements of this chapter, but may not be in full compliance with all requirements, may be issued an initial license. (2) Mechanical restraints including, but not limited to, handcuffs and belt restraints; (c) Washington poison center toll-free phone number; and (b) Place an infant in sleeping equipment consistent with WAC 170-296A-7075 and 170-296A-7085; (a) The child's medical needs; The plan must be reviewed annually and updated as needed. hot water must be kept at a temperature not less than eighty degrees and not more than one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit. A focus on safety must be maintained from the initial assessment through case closure using required tools to assess, control and manage safety threats. We work with experienced educators and child care providers to help them start their own child care or preschool out of their homes, whether they live in apartments, condos, or homes that they rent or own. (b) Guidance/discipline techniques; Use carbon monoxide detectors, test them monthly and change the batteries every six months. (iii) Waterproof; and The 2023 Child Care Management Software Industry Trends Report is Now Available, Tips for Keeping Kids Safe On the Fourth of July. Licensee absenceRetraining for staff if standards are violated. (1) Each level of the home (floor) used for licensed child care space must have at least two emergency exits that open directly to the exterior of the home. (a) A chlorine bleach and water solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of cool water, allowed to stand wet for at least two minutes; or (b) A five-foot high fence that blocks access to the swimming pool. (b) The licensee has supporting documentation of the child's special needs provided by a licensed or certified: (3) If the licensee fails to meet the requirements in subsection (1) of this section for continuation of a nonexpiring full license, the license expires and the licensee must submit a new application for licensure. (a) Passing the general educational development (GED) tests; (e) Completion of the department approved early childhood education initial certificate. (3) The electronic system selected must ensure the authenticity, confidentiality, integrity, security, accessibility, and protection against repudiation of the electronic records, and must be able to: (4) A routine developed in agreement with the parent or guardian. (a) Caring for not more than six children; or (1) Hours of operation including closures and vacations; (2) Describe or demonstrate to the licensor, or have a written plan for how: (3) The prescribed medication is given in the amount and frequency prescribed by the child's health care professional with prescription authority; (b) Offered to any child who shows a need for rest. (3) Be nonaggressive. A primary staff person must complete the basic STARS training prior to working unsupervised with the children. (e) Vitamins; The licensed space must have a fire resistant wall separating the child care space from any space used as a commercial: Storage where flammable or combustible materials are stored; Emergency exits pathways must not exit to or go through the commercial space. (2) When a wading pool on the premises is intended for use by the children, the licensee must: The regulations that establish the floor for safety in childcare are enforced by A safety inspection should be a regular part of the routine at your child care center. (a) WAC 170-296A-5150 for additional supervision requirements when children are engaged in an off-site waterplay or swimming activity; (9) Fees and payment plans; (a) Be in the original container; (7) Documents from any department visits, inspections or monitoring checklists; and (iv) Unlicensed space; All other areas in the licensed space must have lighting so children are safe. (14) The licensee refuses to allow department authorized staff access during child care operating hours to: (c) How the licensee will support parents regarding parenting; Other exit doors may be sliding glass doors. (g) Date of signature. If the interior sill height is more than forty-four inches above the interior floor, a sturdy platform (which may be a table or other device) may be used to make the distance forty-four inches or less to the interior window sill. (5) If an individual child with special needs requires individualized supervision, a staff member providing individualized supervision for that child does not count in the staff-to-child ratio for the other children in care. (3) The licensee must consider the following when deciding how closely to supervise the children: (b) Written plan including who will be left in charge of the child care. (f) How the licensee and staff will account for all of the children in attendance; (a) With the license applicant's initial license application packet; and (c) Plugged directly into an outlet or a surge protector. Diapering is a regular, everyday occurrence in infant and toddler classrooms. (a) The licensee submits to the department a written plan, signed by the parent or guardian, that describes how the child's needs will be met in the licensed child care; and The licensee must not place climbing play equipment on concrete, asphalt, packed soil, lumber, or similar hard surfaces when being used by children. (e) The action taken by staff; and (i) A letter describing the safe sleep violation; and A toilet of an appropriate height and size for children, or have a platform for the children to use that is safe, easily cleanable and resistant to moisture. (b) Be lined with a disposable plastic trash bag; and Medications and cleaning supplies are in locked cupboards. (1) In the licensed space, lighting must be bright in the children's activity areas, eating areas and the bathroom. Any window used as an emergency exit window must: Remain unlocked during operating hours, except a manufacturer-installed latch may be latched; Be designed to open from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge; and. (f) As needed. (2) When children are in care the licensee must: (2) Redirecting; (4) Mats, cots, or other sleeping equipment must be cleaned, sanitized, and air dried: (C) If applicable, individual children's medication; When it comes to classroom safety, parents should look around and evaluate the space as if it were their home, Hudson says. (b) Any incident reported under WAC 170-296A-2225, after calling 911 and Washington poison center; Here are the key safety measures to look for in any day care center environment. (5) When a fine is assessed the licensee has the right to a hearing under chapter 170-03 WAC. (6) Maintaining a complete first-aid kit; and The licensee is responsible to serve: A person providing unlicensed child care may be: (c) Washing hands; (i) Before and after giving medication or applying topical ointment; or Local officials are responsible for enforcing city or county ordinances and codes, such as zoning, building or environmental health regulations. Lead, asbestos, arsenic and other hazards. be subject to monitoring and enforcement procedures. (b) Staff training; (f) Parent or guardian signature; and (e) Plant fertilizer; (a) The ground; or The licensee must not allow children less than six years of age to use: The licensee must not use or allow the use of bouncing equipment including, but not limited to, trampolines, rebounders, and inflatable equipment. (2) Earthquake drill: Once every three calendar months; and (10) Record of training provided by the licensee to staff and volunteers that includes infant safe sleep if applicable; and (3) Interfere with a child's ability to take care of his or her own hygiene and toileting needs; or The licensee must clean installed carpet in the licensed space at least once each calendar year or more often when soiled, using a carpet shampoo machine, steam cleaner, or dry carpet cleaner. These include, but are not limited to: (5) Notes about how the drill went and improvements, if any, that need to be made. (2) Test and operate the smoke detectors; For more on licensing in Washington, see the following posts, Washington State Family Child Care Licensing: An Overview. WebSafety gates and window guards (except fire escapes) are used. (a) A description of the violation and the rule or law that was violated; License certain public and private child care centers that are maintained for the (3) Or any staff person fails to provide the required supervision; (d) Emergency contact information for the licensee; and Conditions that may pose a health and safety risk include, but are not limited to: Heat in excess of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit; Cold less than twenty degrees Fahrenheit; Lightning storm, tornado, hurricane, or flooding, if there is immediate or likely danger to the children; Air quality emergency ordered by a local or state air quality authority or public health authority; Lockdown order by a public safety authority; or. (b) If the local health jurisdiction and the department determine that child care operations may continue with an alternate source of safe water, provide the alternate safe water as directed. "Enforcement action" means a department issued: (8) The licensee tries to obtain or keep a license by deceitful means, such as making false statements or leaving out important information on the application; (b) Authenticate (prove the identity of) the sender of the record and ensure that the electronic record has not been altered; (A) Used with a disposable sleeve; or (e) Transporting children; the indoor temperature must be no less than: 60 Fahrenheit when children are sleeping or napping; and. Lead Agencies also must specify how they enforce these requirements. If the licensee hires staff or uses volunteers, the licensee must have written staff policies and provide training on the policies to all staff and volunteers. WebThe CCDBG Act requires states to establish and certify health and safety standards for (5) Explaining consistent, clear rules; (1) For any initial family home child care license issued on or after March 31, 2012, the applicant must have a high school diploma. See WAC 170-296A-1475. (2) Show no signs of disease, worms or parasites; and The Importance of Child Care Safety Protections (2) The licensee or primary staff person must be aware of what the children are doing at all times and be available and able to promptly assist or redirect activities when necessary. (c) Stir and test for safe temperature after heating food and before serving; An unlocking device must be readily available for staff to unlock any interior door when a child is locked in. Once youre done assessing your daycare center with our safety tips, you might be wondering how you can make it easier to implement safety measures at your center. "Premises" means the licensed or unlicensed space at the licensed address including, but not limited to, buildings, land and residences. If child care is provided in a basement or level of the home accessed by an interior stairway, the stairway must have a self-closing door at the top or bottom. (27) If applicable, guns and weapons storage. (2) The department may approve an exception to a rule in this chapter. The department may provide information as available regarding reduced cost or no-cost options for retrofitting or replacing unsafe window blinds and window coverings. (6) A notice stating that additional information about the child care license is available upon request to the licensee. (a) The name of child; "Sign" includes signing by physical signature, if available, or electronic signature. Tips to Prevent Spreading Germs during Diapering, 10 Steps to Change a Diaper in a Child Care Setting, Helping Children with Toilet Learning in Child Care, Signs of Toilet Learning Readiness in Child Care, Simple Steps for Thorough Hand Washing in Child Care, Using Hand Washing Songs to Encourage Children in Child Care to Wash Hands Thoroughly.