Missouri Code of State Regulations
Title 13 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Division 35 - Children's Division
Chapter 71 - Rules for Residential Care Facilities for Children
Section 13 CSR 35-71.110 - Child Care Program

Universal Citation: 13 MO Code of State Regs 35-71.110

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 18, September 16, 2024

PURPOSE: This rule sets forth requirements for discipline, infant and toddler care, training and daily program.

(1) General Requirements.

(A) Staff shall provide frequent, direct contact, and supervision so children are not left unobserved on the premises.

(B) Children under three (3) shall be supervised and assisted while in the bathroom.

(C) Supervision shall be maintained while children are napping or sleeping and staff shall be able to see and hear the children if they have difficulty during napping or when they awaken.

(2) Discipline.

(A) The agency shall establish simple, understandable rules for children's behavior and shall explain them to the children in a manner they can understand.

(B) Expectations for a child's behavior shall be appropriate for the developmental level of the child.

(C) Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.

(D) Praise and encouragement of good behavior shall be used instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior.

(E) Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers.

(3) Care of Infants and Toddlers.

(A) Infants and toddlers shall have constant care and supervision.

(B) Children shall be cared for by the same staff person on a regular basis.

(C) Staff shall be alert to various needs of the child such as thirst, hunger, diaper change, fear of or aggression by other children and the need for attention.

(4) Diapering and Toilet Training.

(A) Disposable tissues or wipes shall be used to cleanse the child at each time of diapering.

(B) The diapering table shall be cleaned thoroughly with a disinfectant or sanitizer after each use.

(C) The child shall not be left unattended at any time while on the diapering table.

(D) Diapers and wet clothing shall be changed promptly.

(E) Wet or soiled diapers shall be placed in an airtight disposal container located in the diaper change area. Diaper containers shall be plastic lined, contain only soiled diapers (no soiled clothes or linens) and kept clean and free of build-up of soil and odor.

(F) Staff changing diapers shall wash their hands with soap and running water or other Department of Health and Senior Services approved hand-sanitizing method each time after changing a child's diaper before performing any other tasks.

(G) The diapering and hand washing area shall be separate from any food service area and any food-related materials.

(H) Children shall not be punished, berated, or shamed in any way for soiling their clothes.

(5) Daily Activities for Children.

(A) A daily schedule shall be established in written form which shall include activities for all ages of children in care.

(B) Daily activities for preschool and school-age children shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Developmentally appropriate play experiences and activities planned to meet the interests, needs, and desires of the children;

2. Individual attention and conversation with adults;

3. Indoor and outdoor play periods which provide a balance of quiet and active play, and individual and small group activities. Activities shall provide some free choice experiences;

4. Toileting and hand washing times;

5. Regular snack and meal times;

6. A supervised nap or rest period for preschool children after the noon meal;

7. A quiet time for school-age children after the noon meal with a cot or bed available for those who wish to nap or rest; and

8. A study time for school-age children who choose to do homework, with a separate, quiet work space.

(C) Daily activities for infants and toddlers shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Developmental and exploratory play experiences and free choices of play appropriate to the interests, needs, and desires of infants and toddlers;

2. Regular snack and meal times according to each infant's individual feeding schedule;

3. A supervised nap period. After awakening, an infant may remain in the crib for brief periods as long as s/he is content. Toddlers shall be taken out of bed for other activities when they awaken;

4. Individual attention and play with adults, including holding, cuddling, talking, and singing;

5. A plan for sensory stimulation which includes visual stimulation through pictures, books, toys, nonverbal communication, games, and the like; auditory stimulation through verbal communication, music, toys, games, and the like; tactile stimulation through surfaces, fabrics, toys, games, and the like;

6. Encouragement in the development of motor skills by providing opportunities for reaching, grasping, pulling up, creeping, crawling, and walking; and

7. Opportunity for outdoor play when weather permits.

*Original authority: 210.481, RSMo (1982), amended 1985 and 210.486 and 210.506, RSMo (1982), amended 1993.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Missouri may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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