Alabama Administrative Code
Title 660 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Chapter 660-5-37 - LICENSING: MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL CHILD-CARE FACILITIES
Section 660-5-37-.05 - Physical Facilities
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 02, November 27, 2024
(1) Construction and Design. Buildings shall be built, remodeled, or acquired with consideration of the service and program to be offered and children to be accepted. Specifically designated areas shall be provided for sleeping, bathing, dining, informal living and office. The building shall be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) or Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
(2) Zoning Approval. Prior to being issued a license, six-month permit, or approval, the applicant for the facility shall submit to the Department a written statement of compliance with applicable zoning requirements.
(3) Fire Inspection. Prior to being issued an initial or renewal license, six-month permit, or approval, the applicant for the facility shall submit to the Department a written fire inspection report with no violations cited. Subsequent inspections may be requested by the licensee, member of the Board of Directors or by the Department of Human Resources. Copies of such inspection reports shall be submitted to the Department.
(4) Health Inspection. Prior to being issued a license, six-month permit, or approval, the applicant for the facility shall submit to the Department a written Health Department inspection report. If food is prepared at the facility, a copy of a current Health Department food permit shall be submitted to the Department. If food is not prepared at the facility, but is served by the facility, the applicant shall obtain written approval from the Health Department of the food service plan, when available, and submit a copy of this approval to the Department. Subsequent inspections may be requested by the licensee, member of the Board of Directors or by the Department of Human Resources. Copies of such inspection reports shall be submitted to the Department.
(5) Grounds and Furnishings. Attractive, well kept grounds with sufficient outside play space shall be provided. Play space and equipment shall be safe, functional, and available for the recreational program involving all children in the child care facility. All buildings shall be equipped with furnishings that are sufficient to sustain the basic function of the building, adequate in condition, attractiveness and durability, and appropriate to the age and size of the children who will be using the building.
Direct supervision by a person certified in Basic Water Safety shall be required at all times when children are using swimming pools and in the fenced-in area.
(6) Living Unit Accommodations.
(7) Ventilation, Heating, Cooling, Lighting and Telephones. Adequate ventilation shall be provided in all areas of the facility. Screens shall be provided for all windows unless the building is totally air-conditioned. Adequate heating and cooling shall be provided in the living and sleeping areas of all buildings. A telephone shall be provided in every living unit, cottage and administrative building.
(8) Isolation and First Aid Supplies.
(9) Medicines, Drugs, Firearms.
(10) Child Care Staff Quarters. Living quarters for a live-in staff member shall be located in close proximity to the sleeping area of the children. In a two story building, or in a split-level building, staff sleeping quarters shall be located no more than one level removed from the sleeping quarters of the children. Staff shall have bathroom facilities separate from the ones used by the children. The bathroom facilities must meet all accessibility requirements in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) or Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). One common, accessible bathroom may be used by staff and children with physical disabilities.
(11) Safety Plan. The facility shall develop a fire evacuation plan and a plan that will be implemented in the threat of a natural disaster (such as a tornado warning). Routine drills to practice the plans will be conducted. Each child shall be advised of the plan upon entering care.
Author: Linda S. Stephens
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 38-7-1 through -17, §§ 1-22-1 through -27.