Current through September 2, 2024
Each daycare facility licensed by the Department must comply with the following:
01.
Appliances and Electrical Cords. All appliances, lamp cords, exposed light sockets, and electrical outlets will be protected to prevent electrocution.
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).
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.
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, the area will be restricted to prevent easy access to the hazard.
05.
Fueled Equipment. Fueled equipment including motorcycles, mopeds, lawncare equipment, and portable cooking equipment. This equipment will not be stored or repaired in areas where children are present.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
c. Wading pools and buckets will be empty when not in use.
d. Children will be under direct supervision of adult staff who are certified in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid while using a bathtub, pool, hot tub, pond, or other body of water.
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.
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.
08.
Outdoor Play Areas and Toys. Any outdoor play area must be maintained free from hazards such as wells, machinery, and animal waste.
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.
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.
c. Outdoor play areas will be designed so that all parts are always visible and easily supervised by staff.
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.
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.
Effective July 1, 2024
