Current through August 31, 2023
Each daycare center, group daycare facility, or family
daycare home voluntarily licensed by the Department must comply with the
following: (3-28-23)
01.
Appliances and Electrical Cords. All appliances, lamp cords,
exposed light sockets, and electrical outlets will be protected to prevent
electrocution. (3-28-23)
02.
Balconies and Stairways. Balconies and stairways accessible to
children will have substantial railings as required by IDAPA 24.39.30, "Rules
of Building Safety (Building Code Rules). (3-28-23)
03.
Stairway Protection. Where
an operator cares for children less than three (3) years old, stairways will be
protected to prevent child access to stairs. (3-28-23)
04.
Hazardous Area Restrictions.
Based on the age and functioning level of children in care and the type of
hazard and the area surrounding the hazard will be restricted to prevent easy
access to the hazard. (3-28-23)
05.
Fueled Equipment. Fueled equipment including motorcycles, mopeds,
lawn-care equipment, and portable cooking equipment will not be stored or
repaired in areas where children are present. (3-28-23)
06.
Water Hazards. Above and
below ground pools, hot tubs, ponds, and other bodies of water that are on the
daycare facility premises must provide the following safeguards: (3-28-23)
a. The area surrounding the body of water
must be fenced and locked in a manner that prevents access by children and
meets the following: (3-28-23)
i. The fence
will be at least four (4) feet high with no vertical opening more than four (4)
inches wide and designed so that a young child cannot climb or squeeze under or
through the fence. The fence will surround all sides of the pool and have a
self-closing gate that has a self-latching mechanism in proper working order
that is out of the reach of young children. (3-28-23)
ii. If the house forms one (1) side of the
barrier for the pool, all doors that provide unrestricted access to the pool
will have alarms that produce an audible sound when the door is opened.
(3-28-23)
b. Furniture or
other large objects will not be left near the fence in a manner that would
enable a child to climb on the furniture or other large object and gain access
to the pool. If the area surrounding a pool, hot tub, pond, or other body of
water is not fenced and locked, there will be a secured protective covering
that prevents access by a child. (3-28-23)
c. Wading pools and buckets will be empty
when not in use. (3-28-23)
d.
Children will be under direct supervision of an adult staff member who is
certified in pediatric rescue breathing, infant-child CPR, and first aid while
using a bathtub, pool, hot tub, pond, or other body of water.
(3-28-23)
e. A minimum of a four
(4) foot high fence that prevents access from the daycare facility premises, if
the daycare premises are adjacent to a body of water.
(3-28-23)
07.
Indoor Play Areas and Toys. The indoor play areas will be clean,
have age-appropriate toys, and be free from accumulation of dirt, rubbish, or
other health hazards. (3-28-23)
08.
Outdoor Play Areas and Toys. Any outdoor play area must be
maintained free from hazards such as wells, machinery, and animal waste.
(3-28-23)
a. If any part of the play area is
adjacent to a busy roadway, drainage or irrigation ditch, stream, large holes,
or other hazardous areas, the play area will be enclosed with a fence in good
repair that is at least four (4) feet high without any holes or spaces greater
than four (4) inches in diameter. (3-28-23)
b. Outdoor equipment, such as climbing
apparatus, slides, and swings will be anchored firmly and placed in a safe
location and according to the manufacturer's instructions. (3-28-23)
c. Outdoor play areas will be designed so
that all parts always visible and are easily supervised by a staff member.
(3-28-23)
d. Toys, play equipment,
and any other equipment used by the children will be of substantial
construction and free from rough edges and sharp corners. Unguarded ladders on
slides will be kept in good repair and well-maintained. (3-28-23)
e. Toys and objects with a diameter of less
than one (1) inch (two point five (2.5) centimeters), objects with removable
parts that have a diameter of less than one (1) inch (two point five (2.5)
centimeters), plastic bags, styrofoam objects, and balloons will not be
accessible to children ages three (3) and under or children who are known to
place such objects in their mouths. (3-28-23)
