Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 1, Section 391-1-006 - STANDARDS OF OPERATION AND CARE | Nebraska Administrative Code

006.01 Licensee Qualifications and Requirements

The Family Child Care Home I licensee must:

1. Be at least 19 years of age;

2. Be of good moral character;

3. Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien lawfully present in the U.S.;

4. Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the child care program;

5. Read, understand, and be familiar with these regulations;

6. Make license record information and inspection reports available for public review upon request;

7. Be in compliance with all regulations whenever any children are in care;

8. Assess his/her own ability and the ability of all staff to provide care for children with special needs while meeting the needs of other children enrolled;

9. Not engage in any other employment that interferes with the care of children;

10. During the hours of operation, not be under the influence or allow any staff, volunteer, or household member to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances that have not been lawfully prescribed, or any other type of substance that would affect their ability to care for children;

11. Allow parents access to their children at all times that children are in care; Denial of immediate and unrestricted access to the licensed premises by parents may be basis for disciplinary action against the license;

12. Allow access to the premises by an agent or employee of the Department for the purpose of inspection, investigation, or other information collection activities necessary to carry out the duties of the Department;

13. Allow announced and unannounced inspections by state or local inspectors, investigators, or law enforcement officers for the purpose of investigation necessary to carry out their duties;

14. Not knowingly allow any individual to be on the premises if s/he has been convicted of, admitted to, or there is substantial evidence of, crimes involving intentional bodily harm, crimes against children, crimes involving the illegal use of controlled substances, or crimes involving moral turpitude;

15. Not knowingly allow any individual who is a registered sex offender on the premises, except that a parent who is a registered sex offender may be allowed on the premises only to pick up and drop off his/her child;

16. Not engage in or have a history of behavior injurious to or which may endanger the health or morals of children; and

17. Immediately file a report with the Child Abuse-Neglect Hotline ( 1-800-652-1999) and/or appropriate local law enforcement agency when s/he has reason to believe child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse may be occurring in the family child care home, in the child's home, or elsewhere.

006.02 Background Checks, Health Information, and Employment Limitations

1-006.02A Criminal History Record Check: The applicant/licensee must complete a pre-employment criminal history record check through a governmental law enforcement agency on him/herself, each staff member and volunteer age 19 or older, and each household member age 19 or older. Documentation must be kept and available for review by the Department.

The check must be conducted through the Nebraska State Patrol or through one or more local law enforcement agencies, as appropriate to the individual's residence(s). If an individual has lived in Nebraska less than 12 months, the applicant/licensee must obtain documentation of a criminal history record check from the previous state(s) of residence.

1-006.02A1 Permanent Child Care Disqualification: An individual is permanently disqualified from holding a child care license or working as a staff member or volunteer in a Family Child Care Home I if s/he has a criminal history that includes conviction of any unlawful act endangering the health or safety of another individual. Such convictions include crimes against a child or vulnerable adult, crimes involving intentional bodily harm, crimes involving the sale, distribution or procurement of a controlled substance, or crimes involving moral turpitude on the part of the individual. These crimes include, but are not limited to:

1. Aggravated or armed robbery;

2. Assault, first or second degree;

3. Child abandonment;

4. Child abuse;

5. Child molestation or debauching a minor;

6. Child neglect;

7. Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor;

8. Domestic violence;

9. Exploitation of a minor involving drug offenses or conviction of drug offenses that involved a minor;

10. Felony controlled substances offenses, other than possession;

11. Felony violation of custody;

12. Incest;

13. Kidnapping;

14. Murder, first or second degree;

15. Sexual abuse of a minor;

16. Sexual assault;

17. Sexual exploitation of a minor, including child pornography; or

18. Voluntary manslaughter.

1-006.02A2 Twenty-Year Disqualification: An individual is disqualified from holding a child care license or working as a staff member or a volunteer in a Family Child Care Home I if s/he has a criminal history that includes conviction in the last 20 years of:

1. Arson;

2. Criminal non-support;

3. Felony possession of controlled substance offences;

4. Felony theft; or

5. Robbery.

The 20-year disqualification begins the date the conviction became final. Any time the individual is incarcerated, either in jail or a state or federal correctional facility is not included in the calculation of the 20-year period of disqualification. If the individual has more than one conviction, the 20-year disqualification begins the date the most recent conviction became final.

1-006.02A3 Five-Year Disqualification: An individual is disqualified from holding a child care license or working as a staff member or a volunteer in a Family Child Care Home I if s/he has a criminal history that includes conviction in the last five years of:

1. Burglary;

2. Driving under the influence: two or more convictions;

3. Felony bad check writing;

4. Misdemeanor controlled substances offenses;

5. Misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a child; or

6. Misdemeanor theft.

The five-year disqualification begins the date the conviction became final. Any time the individual is incarcerated, either in jail or a state or federal correctional facility is not included in the calculation of the five-year period of disqualification. If the individual has more than one conviction, the five-year disqualification begins the date the most recent conviction became final.

1-006.02A4 An applicant, licensee, staff member, volunteer, or household member must not have had his/her rights as a parent terminated by a Court because of a finding of abuse or neglect of a child or inability to care for a child.

1-006.02A5 Department Determination: An individual may hold a child care license or work as a staff member or a volunteer in a Family Child Care Home I with a pending complaint or indictment or conviction of other crimes if the Department determines the individual has the present character and fitness to work with children. In making this determination the Department may consider the following factors:

1. The age of the individual at the time of the conduct;

2. The recency of the conduct;

3. The seriousness of the conduct;

4. The factors underlying the conduct;

5. The cumulative effect of the conduct;

6. The evidence of rehabilitation;

7. The individual's positive social contributions since the conduct;

8. The individual's honesty in providing information; and

9. The materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations.

The Department may deny or take action against a license if an individual is found to have a criminal history that includes conviction or substantial evidence of committing or permitting, or aiding or abetting another to commit, any unlawful act endangering the health or safety of another individual or a history of convictions or behavior that shows an inability or unwillingness to comply with laws or regulations. This applies to the applicant/licensee, household members who reside at the place where the child care program will be/is provided, volunteers, and employees of the applicant/licensee.

1-006.02B Registry Checks: The applicant/licensee, staff, volunteers, and household members must not be listed as a perpetrator of abuse or neglect on Nebraska's:

1. Child abuse/neglect central register, if the individual is age 13 or older;

2. Adult protective services (APS) central registry, if the individual is age 18 or older; or

3. State Patrol sex offender registry.

The individual must provide enough information for an accurate check of the registries and must authorize the release of registry information. The Department will conduct the child and adult registry checks and provide the results to the applicant/licensee.

The applicant/licensee must conduct the State Patrol sex offender registry check. All registry checks must be completed before the individual assumes responsibility for the care and supervision of children.

Any individual who is listed as a perpetrator on any of the registries must not be on the child care premises during the hours of operation, except that a parent listed as a perpetrator may be allowed on the premises only to pick up and drop off his/her child.

1-006.02C Reports of Law Enforcement Contact: The applicant/licensee must complete a Report of Law Enforcement Contact for him/herself and must obtain a completed report for each staff member and volunteer age 19 or older and each household member age 19 or older. The report must:

1. Be updated, signed and dated annually;

2. Be updated any time one of these individuals is arrested, issued a citation other than a minor traffic violation, or charged with or convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or infraction;

3. List all previous and currently pending criminal charges and arrests, both felony and misdemeanor, regardless of prosecution;

4. List any record of felony and/or misdemeanor charges and arrests related to crimes against children;

5. List any record of felony and/or misdemeanor convictions;

6. List any current or past parole or probation status, including diversion or court supervision; and

7. List details, dates, county and state of the contact, arrest, charge, conviction, and disposition, if any.

1-006.02D Notification of Law Enforcement Contact: As soon as the licensee becomes aware of the occurrence, the licensee must notify the Department of any arrest, misdemeanor ticket other than a traffic violation, pending criminal charges, and any felony/misdemeanor convictions of him/herself, staff, volunteers, or household members. Failure to notify the Department of law enforcement contacts as described may result in disciplinary action.

1-006.02E Investigations and Repeat Registry Checks

1. Any time the licensee has reason to believe that a staff member or volunteer is being or has been investigated for abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, the licensee must submit the name of that individual to the Department for a check with the child abuse/neglect or adult protective services registry.

2. Any individual who is under investigation for abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of a child or vulnerable adult must not be left alone with children until the investigation is completed and the findings are determined.

1-006.02F Health Information Report: The applicant must submit a completed and signed Health Information Report on a form provided by the Department for him/herself as part of the initial application. All staff who are responsible for the care and supervision of children more than 20 hours per week must complete the report within 30 days of hiring. The Health Information Report must be completed annually.

The Health Information Report must include an assessment by a health professional of the individual and any health conditions that could negatively affect his/her ability to care for children. If the information indicates that the individual has, or has had, a health condition that could negatively affect his/her ability to care for children, the Department may request additional information.

006.03 Staff, Volunteer, and Household Member Qualifications and Requirements

1-006.03A Staff: Staff, including substitutes, must:

1. Be at least 16 years of age;

2. Be of good moral character; and

3. Not engage in or have a history of behavior injurious to or which may endanger the health or morals of children.

1-006.03B Volunteers: All volunteers must:

1. Be of good moral character;

2. Not engage in or have a history of behavior injurious to or which may endanger the health or morals of children; and

3. Never be left alone with children other than their own.

1-006.03C Household Members: For each household member, the licensee must:

1. Obtain a completed Report of Law Enforcement Contact on household members age 19 or older;

2. Obtain documentation of a criminal history record check on household members age 19 or older; and

3. Not allow any household member who engages in behavior injurious to or which may endanger the health or morals of children to provide care or be on the premises.

006.04 Training:

Training must be completed as follows. Documentation of the completion of all training must be available on the premises for the Department to review. Acceptable documentation includes certificates issued by trainers and documentation of independent study.

1-006.04A Pre-Service Training: Before a provisional license will be issued, the applicant must complete the following:

1. Two-hour orientation training provided by the Department;

2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training; and

3. First Aid training.

1-006.04B Safety Training: The licensee must complete training developed by the Early Childhood Training Center on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome, and child abuse/neglect and reporting. Any proposed equivalent training must be approved by the Department.

1. In programs licensed on or after the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete the training within three years of the date of provisional licensure and every five years thereafter.

2. In programs licensed before the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete the training within three years of that operative date and every five years thereafter.

3. This training counts toward the annual training requirement.

1-006.04C Business Management Training: The licensee must complete a business training module for family child care homes developed by the Early Childhood Training Center (ECTC). Any proposed equivalent training must be approved by the Department.

1. In programs licensed on or after the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete the training within five years of the date of provisional licensure.

2. In programs licensed before the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete the training within five years of that operative date.

3. This training counts toward the annual training requirement.

1-006.04D Nebraska's Early Learning Guidelines Training: The licensee must complete training in the seven domains of Nebraska's Early Childhood Learning Guidelines developed by the ECTC. Any proposed equivalent training must be approved by the Department. The domains are: Approaches to Learning, Creative Arts, Health and Physical Development, Language and Literacy Development, Mathematics, Science, and Social and Emotional Development.

1. In programs licensed on or after the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete training in one domain within four years of the date of provisional licensure and one domain annually thereafter.

2. In programs licensed before the operative date of these regulations, the licensee must complete training in one domain within four years of that operative date and one domain annually thereafter.

3. This training counts toward the annual training requirement.

1-006.04E Annual Training: The licensee and each staff member, not including substitutes or volunteers, must obtain 12 clock hours of training annually. Staff who work 20 hours or less each week must complete six hours of training annually.

1-006.04E1 Training must include but is not limited to the following topics:

1. Safe environments;

2. Healthy environments;

3. Learning environments;

4. Physical development;

5. Cognitive learning;

6. Communication;

7. Creative learning;

8. Self esteem;

9. Social development;

10. Guidance;

11. Family relationships;

12. Program management; and

13. Professionalism.

Audio, video, and reading material specific to one or more of these training topics will count toward the annual training requirement only if an Independent Learning Summary is completed on a form provided by the Department. The actual length of audio and video material will be counted, and 50 pages of text will be considered equal to one clock hour of training.

Two hours of CPR and one hour of first aid will be counted in the year that each is taken.

1-006.04E2 Each clock hour spent participating in any of the following types of activities counts toward the annual training requirement:

1. Workshops and conferences;

2. College courses;

3. Non-credit course work; and

4. Adult education courses.

1-006.04F Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Training

1. CPR training must be obtained from an entity that has been approved by the Nebraska Board of Emergency Medical Services. The Department will provide the program with information about approved CPR courses.

2. The licensee must maintain current CPR and First Aid training as long as s/he is licensed.

3. The CPR card and documentation of First Aid training must be available upon request.

006.05 Employee Records Requirements:

The licensee must ensure the following records are maintained, updated as needed, and made available to the Department upon request.

1-006.05A Staff: Records for all staff, except substitutes and volunteers, must include:

1. Name;

2. Address and telephone number;

3. Social Security number;

4. Date of hire/termination;

5. A completed Report of Law Enforcement Contact;

6. Documentation of a criminal history record check;

7. A completed Health Information Report;

8. Documentation of Nebraska registry checks with no adverse findings;

9. Documentation of training; and

10. Documentation that the individual has read and understands these regulations.

1-006.05B Substitutes and Volunteers: Records for each substitute and volunteer must include:

1. Name;

2. Address and telephone number;

3. Social Security Number;

4. Start date;

5. A completed Report of Law Enforcement Contact;

6. Documentation of a criminal history record check;

7. Documentation of Nebraska registry checks with no adverse findings; and

8. For volunteers only, a written schedule that includes the hours and days of the week the individual serves as a volunteer.

006.06 Child's Record:

A Child's Record must be completed before the child's enrollment. The record must be kept current and available for review upon request by the Department. A Child's Record form may be used or a form may be created and must contain the following information for each child:

1. Name of child;

2. Birthdate of child;

3. Enrollment date;

4. Date care ceased, if applicable;

5. Parent or guardian's home address and telephone number;

6. Parent or guardian's employment address and telephone number;

7. Individual(s) to whom the child may be released by the caregiver;

8. Individual(s) who will take responsibility for the child in an emergency when the parent or guardian cannot be reached;

9. Consent to contact a physician in an emergency;

10. Current health status of the child; and

11. List of child's allergies and intolerance to food, insect bites, or stings, or other factors that result in a medical reaction, and clear instructions in the event of an exposure to the factor.

006.07 Parent Information Brochure:

At the time of enrollment, the licensee must give the parent(s) of each enrolled child a Parent Information Brochure provided by the Department. The licensee must keep receipts signed and dated by the parent and make them available for review by the Department.

006.08 Licensed Capacity and Staff-to-Child Ratio

1-006.08A Licensed Capacity: The number of children in care at any one time must not exceed the licensed capacity. Licensed capacity will be determined by the Department based on available space and the capacity authorized by the State Fire Marshal or delegated authority. Whichever number is smaller will be the licensed capacity of the child care home.

The maximum licensed capacity for a Family Child Care Home I is eight children, except that a licensee may be approved to serve up to two additional school-age children during non-school hours, if no more than two of the other children in care are under 18 months of age.

In determining whether the licensed capacity has been exceeded, any adults receiving care and supervision and all children at the program are counted, except:

1. Children who leave the child care home for an activity and will not be returning that day;

2. Children enrolled in the program and in attendance at school; and

3. Own children age eight or older unless the licensee is receiving compensation directly or indirectly for his/her own children age eight or older.

1-006.08B Staff-to-Child Ratio: The appropriate staff-to-child ratio must be met at all times, as follows.

1. Infants only. If the program provides care to infants only, the following ratios apply:

Number of Infants in Care	Number of Staff Required
4	1
5-8	2

2. Mixed ages. If the program provides care to children of mixed ages, the following ratios apply:

Number of Children in Care

Number of Staff Required

1-8

1

9-10

(9th and 10th children must be school-age)

1

a. Programs serving children of mixed ages of may provide care for up to three infants if no more than two of the infants are under 12 months of age.

b. Programs may provide care for up to two additional school-age children during non-school hours if no more than two of the other children in care are under 18 months of age.

3. School-age only. If the program provides care to school-age children only, the following ratio applies:

Number of Children in Care	Number of Staff Required
1-10	1

006.09 Communicable Diseases:

The Department will provide the program with information about communicable diseases to assist the program in carrying out its responsibilities.

1-006.09A Notification to Parents: The licensee must notify parents of all enrolled children of any case of any reportable communicable disease on the same day the licensee is informed of or observes the illness, unless otherwise directed by the health authority. The health authority is the local health department for the area. Proper notification includes:

1. Notification to parents of children in attendance;

2. Notification to parents of enrolled children who are not in attendance on that day; and

3. Posting notice of the outbreak in a conspicuous place.

1-006.09B Confidentiality: Names of ill children must not be released to anyone except health authorities, unless parents have given their permission.

1-006.09C Health Authority: The licensee must follow all directives given to the licensee by the health authority in the event of a communicable disease outbreak.

006.10 Children Excluded Due to Illness:

The licensee must have a written policy that identifies the circumstances under which children would be excluded from child care due to illness. To assist in writing the policy, the Department will provide the licensee with materials that include recommendations on:

1. Exclusion based on specific conditions such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.; and

2. Exclusion based on specific contagious and infectious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, etc.

The licensee must enforce the program's exclusion policy and make it available to the Department and to the parents of enrolled children.

006.11 Immunizations:

Within 30 days of a child's enrollment, the licensee must obtain a copy of each enrolled child's immunization record. Immunization records must be available for review upon request by the Department and updated each time the child receives additional immunizations. Each child's immunization record must include:

1. Documentation of age-appropriate immunization;

2. Certification by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant that immunization is not appropriate for a stated medical reason; or

3. A written statement that the parent or guardian does not wish to have the child immunized and the reasons for that decision.

1-006.11A Immunization Report: The licensee must comply with all state statutes and regulations ( Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 71-1913.01 to 71-1913.03 and 173 NAC 4) regarding immunization status of all enrolled children. This includes annual reporting to the Department as specified in 173 NAC 4. The Department will provide materials to assist the program in carrying out its responsibilities.

006.12 Supervision of Children

Adequate and appropriate supervision must be provided to children at all times children are in attendance, including during outdoor play. Ultimate responsibility for supervision rests with the licensee.

1-006.12A Supervision in the Absence of the Licensee: Any designated substitute has the same responsibility for providing adequate and appropriate supervision as the licensee. All parents, except in emergency situations, must be notified in advance of the use of a substitute supervisor.

1-006.12B Permission for Off-Premises Supervision: The licensee must ensure that parents are informed and give written permission when children will be outside the premises of the home and supervised by staff. Written permission must be available to the Department on request.

1-006.12C Permission for Child to Leave Premises: If a child participates in activities that are not provided by the licensee and are outside the child care premises, the licensee must obtain written permission from the parent. The written permission must be available to the Department upon request and must indicate the following:

1. The parent gives permission for his/her child(ren) to leave the child care premises; and

2. The parent understands the licensee is not responsible for supervision while his/her child participates in activities outside the child care premises or outside the supervision of the licensee.

1-006.12D Supervision During Outdoor Play: All children must be supervised during outdoor play.

1-006.12D1 Fenced Play Area: Children under the age of two must be accompanied and supervised while in a fenced play area. Children two or older may play in a fenced area unaccompanied, but must be supervised at all times.

1-006.12D2 Unfenced Play Area: Children under the age of four must be accompanied and supervised while in a play area that does not require a fence. Children four or older may be unaccompanied, but must be supervised at all times when playing in an unfenced play area.

006.13 Discipline

When parents are not present, the responsibility for the discipline of children in care lies only with the licensee or the designated substitute.

1-006.13A Prohibited Forms of Discipline: The following actions are prohibited as a form of discipline:

1. Spanking;

2. Slapping;

3. Punching;

4. Pinching;

5. Shaking;

6. Striking with any object;

7. Use of soap, hot sauce or other unpleasant food or non-food items;

8. Isolating a child in a locked or closed room or closet;

9. Handling roughly;

10. Biting;

11. Denial of food;

12. Forced napping;

13. Subjecting a child to derogatory remarks about the child or the child's family;

14. Abusive or profane language directed at children;

15. Yelling or screaming at children;

16. Threats of physical punishment; or

17. Mechanical restraints.

1-006.13B Child Behavior That Cannot Be Disciplined: Children must not be disciplined for the following:

1. Toileting accidents;

2. Refusal to take medication; or

3. Refusal to eat.

1-006.13C Use of Time Out: Separation from the group, if used, must be brief and appropriate for the child's age. The time out period must:

1. Take place in a safe, lighted, and well-ventilated area;

2. Occur within hearing distance of staff; and

3. Not exceed more than one minute for each year of the child's age. If the time a child spends in time out is extended, it must be carried out as indicated by a behavioral management plan developed and monitored by a licensed or certified professional qualified to identify the special needs of a child, as having a physical, emotional, or social developmental delay or impairment.

1-006.13D Use of Physical Hold: The licensee and staff may restrict a child's movement by the use of a physical hold. A physical hold may be used only:

1. When the child is hurting him/herself, others, or property;

2. When the hold does not prevent the child from breathing or speaking; and

3. Until the child is calm and able to show reasonable control of his/her behavior.

1-006.13D1 Notification and Documentation: The licensee must notify the child's parents within 24 hours of the physical hold when a physical hold is used on their child. Written documentation of each use of a physical hold must be available for review by the parents of the child involved in the physical hold and the Department. The documentation must include:

1. Child's name;

2. Date of the incident;

3. Description of the incident; and

4. Names of the staff involved.

1-006.13E Use of Restraints: The use of restraints is prohibited except under the following conditions:

1. All staff who participate in restraining a child must have received prior training in de-escalation and the use of restraints.

2. The training curriculum must be accepted by the Department.

3. The training must be taught by a certified trainer.

4. Written documentation of each use of restraint must be available for review by the parents of the child involved in the restraint and the Department. The documentation must include:

a. Child's name;

b. Date of the incident;

c. Description of the incident; and

d. Names of the staff involved.

006.14 Prohibited Language, Materials, and Actions

Children of any age must not be exposed to:

1. Profanity;

2. Sexually explicit material;

3. Acts of violence towards a person or animal; or

4. Acts of racism.

006.15 Child Development Program:

The licensee must provide an age-appropriate program designed to promote the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children in care. Information about the program must be given to parents and the Department upon request. The program must include:

1. Indoor play;

2. Outdoor play;

3. Napping and rest periods;

4. Opportunities for individual and group play times;

5. Opportunities for children to read and explore books;

6. Daily reading with children of age-appropriate literature; and

7. Fostering language and social development by talking and interacting with children and modeling appropriate language and behavior.

1-006.15A Toys, Equipment and Materials: The licensee must provide a sufficient number of age-appropriate toys, equipment, and materials for all children in care. Children below the age of three must not have access to toys and objects that could create a choking hazard unless directly supervised by the licensee or staff.

1-006.15B Beds, Cribs, and Sleeping Surfaces: Appropriate sleeping surfaces must be available for each child in care.

1. Acceptable sleeping surfaces for children over 12 months of age are:

a. Beds;

b. Cots;

c. Cribs;

d. Playpens;

e. Sofas;

f. Washable sleeping bags; and

g. Waterproof mats.

2. The only acceptable sleeping surfaces for children age 12 months and under are cribs and playpens. When used, cribs and playpens must meet the following standards:

a. Cribs and playpens must be federally approved;

b. Cribs must be equipped with a tight-fitting waterproof mattress covered by a fitted sheet. The mattress pad for a playpen must be specifically designed for playpen use and covered by a fitted sheet;

c. Cribs and playpens must contain no soft objects, bumper pads, toys, or loose bedding. If a blanket is used, it must be secured or tucked under the crib mattress or the pad of the playpen and reach no higher than the infant's chest; and

d. Cribs and playpens must be clean, in good repair, and not have any surface covered by lead-based paint.

3. The following must not be used as sleeping surfaces:

a. The top level of a bunk bed for children age 5 and under;

b. Stackable cribs;

c. Waterbeds for children age 3 and under; and

d. Cots, cushions, futons, mats, or pillows for infants 12 months and under.

006.16 Infant/Toddler Care

If care is provided to infants and/or toddlers, the licensee and staff must:

1. Investigate the cries of infants immediately;

2. Hold, talk to, and engage in play activities with each child every day;

3. Hold infants under six months of age or those not yet able to hold their own bottles. Bottles must not be propped and must be removed from sleeping infants;

4. Only use high chairs that are equipped with three-point safety straps;

5. Obtain and keep on file a signed and dated statement by the parent(s) that describes the formula and feeding schedule for each infant in care; and

6. Place infants on their backs to sleep unless there is a medical reason for a child to sleep in a different position. A written note from the infant's physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant indicating that the infant must sleep in a different position must be obtained, kept on file, and available for review by the Department.

1-006.16A Diapering and Toileting

1. The licensee must ensure that diapering procedures are established and followed by staff. The procedures must require that:

a. Wet and/or soiled diapers are changed immediately;

b. Diapers are checked on a frequent and regular basis;

c. Individual washcloths or disposable towelettes are used;

d. Wet and soiled diapers are properly stored and disposed;

e. Diaper-changing surfaces are cleaned after each use by sanitizing the surface or changing the diaper pad or disposable sheeting; and

f. Proper hand washing is done after each diaper change.

2. The licensee must ensure that toilet training is conducted in a manner agreed upon by the primary provider and the parent. The licensee must also ensure that:

a. Potty chairs are not used or stored in eating or play areas; and

b. Proper hand washing by the provider and the child is done each time a child is helped with toileting.

006.17 Overnight Care:

If overnight care is provided, the licensee must ensure that:

1. If requested by the parent, the child is given a shower, tub, or sponge bath in a manner agreed upon between the parent and the licensee; and

2. The following fire safety standards for overnight care are met:

a. The licensee/staff remain awake until all children are asleep;

b. The licensee/staff sleep on the same level of the home as the children;

c. Smoke detection is provided in the sleeping rooms of the licensee/staff and children;

d. A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum safety rating of 2A10BC is located in the licensee/staff sleeping room;

e. The licensee/staff is/are familiar with the operation of the extinguisher; and

f. The extinguisher is properly maintained according to State Fire Code Regulations, 153 NAC 1.

006.18 Wading and Swimming Activities:

Children must be accompanied, kept safe, and adequately supervised during wading and swimming activities while in care.

1-006.18A Prohibited Water Sources: Children must not be allowed to use the following water sources for wading or swimming activities:

1. Natural bodies of water;

2. Hot tubs, spas, or saunas;

3. Livestock tanks; and

4. Decorative ponds.

1-006.18B Wading: If the licensee allows children to participate in wading or other water play activities:

1. Children must be accompanied and directly supervised; and

2. The licensee must ensure that the wading pool is drained and sanitized daily and is inaccessible to children when not in use.

1-006.18C Permission for Non-Licensee-Supervised Activities Off the Premises: If the licensee does not allow children to participate in swimming activities while in care, but a parent requests that their child leave the premises to go to a pool, the licensee must obtain a written and signed statement from the parent that is kept on file on the premises and available to the Department upon request. The statement must indicate that the child is allowed to leave care and must acknowledge that the licensee is not responsible for providing supervision.

1-006.18D Permission for Licensee-Supervised Activities Off the Premises: If the licensee allows children in care to participate in swimming activities under the supervision of the licensee but off the premises, the licensee must obtain a written, signed, and dated statement from the parent that is updated annually. The written permission must be available to the Department upon request, and must indicate the following:

1. The parent gives permission for their child(ren) to leave the child care premises for swimming/wading;

2. The location of the pool where the child is allowed to swim; and

3. Whether the child is allowed to swim in water over his/her head.

1-006.18E Licensure of Swimming Pools: The licensee must ensure that swimming pools off the center's premises where children are taken are licensed by the Department.

1-006.18F Water Safety: If the depth of the water is over four feet, the pool must have an individual who has satisfactorily completed a swimming water safety course on duty at all times children are at the pool.

1-006.18G Pool on the Premises Not Used by Children in Care: If an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool is on the premises and children in care are not allowed to use it, the licensee must meet the following requirements:

1. The pool must be enclosed with a fence that is at least four feet high and flush with the ground;

2. Above-ground pools must have non-climbable side walls;

3. When a pool is covered, the cover used must be the manufacturer's recommended cover;

4. Equipment needed to rescue a child or adult must be readily accessible; and

5. Children must be accompanied and directly supervised if the pool is located in the outdoor play area.

1-006.18H Pool on the Premises Used by Children in Care: If the children in care are allowed to use a pool on the premises, the licensee must meet the requirements in 1-006.18G and:

1. Have a permit issued by the Department;

2. If the depth of the water is over four feet, an individual who has satisfactorily completed a swimming water safety course must be on duty at all times children are at the pool; and

3. Maintain the following staff-to-child ratios:

Number of Children	Number of Staff Required
Infants	1	1
Toddlers	2	1
Preschoolers	4	1
School-age	6	1

006.19 Transportation:

When transportation is provided for children in care, the licensee must ensure the following conditions are met:

1. No child must ever be left alone in the vehicle;

2. Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle when children are being transported;

3. All doors on the vehicle must be locked when the vehicle is in motion;

4. Any individual who transports children must possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle used to transport children, as verified by the Department of Motor Vehicles;

5. The vehicle used to transport children must be properly registered and must contain a first aid kit and parent contact information for each child being transported;

6. The number of children transported must not exceed the seating capacity of the vehicle as indicated by the manufacturer;

7. All children transported must be properly secured in an appropriate restraint system as required by Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-6,267 and 60-6,268;

8. All car seats must be federally approved and must be the correct type for the child's age and developmental level;

9. Written permission from parents for the program to transport children must be obtained, kept on file, and made available to the Department;

10. Children must not be transported to any location without the prior knowledge of the parent(s), except in a medical or other emergency; and

11. Children must not be transported to avoid violations of capacity or staff-to-child ratio.

006.20 Medications

1-006.20A Giving or Applying Medication: If the licensee or staff gives or applies medication, s/he must comply with the "Five Rights" as set out in the Medication Aide Act. The Five Rights are:

1. The right drug;

2. The right recipient;

3. In the right dose;

4. By the right route; and

5. At the right time.

1-006.20B Competence to Give or Apply Medication: Parents or any licensed health care professional are responsible for determining if the licensee or staff are competent to give or apply medication. Any licensed health care professional, as directed by the prescribing health professional, is competent to give or apply medication under any circumstances as long as it is within the scope of practice of that health care professional.

1-006.20C Confidentiality: Any licensee or staff who gives or applies medication must not disclose information about a child's medication or physical or mental health condition unless such information is needed to protect the health of other children or staff. The use of a posted medication sign-in sheet does not violate confidentiality if the parent has been advised in writing that the parent has the option of using a private method of informing center staff of the child's medication needs.

1-006.20D Written Permission and Instructions: The licensee or staff must give or apply prescription and non-prescription medication only with prior written permission and written instructions from a parent. The licensee must comply with the instructions provided by the parent or inform the parent that medications will not be given or applied.

1. Any error in the giving or applying of medication must be reported to the parent.

2. The dosage must not exceed that which is printed on the label.

3. Expired medication must not be given or applied to a child and must be returned to the parent or destroyed.

1-006.20E Unusual Circumstances: The licensee must obtain a written statement from the licensed health care professional who prescribed the medication allowing the licensee or staff to give the medication when:

1. Any prescription medication is given or applied as needed (PRN); or

2. By a route other than oral, topical, inhalant, or instillation.

The written statement must describe the route and what symptoms need to exist in order for the medication to be given or applied.

1-006.20F Hand Washing: All caregivers must properly wash their hands before giving or applying any medication. If handling any bodily fluids is involved, caregivers must properly wash their hands after giving or applying medication.

1-006.20G Storage: All medications must be kept in proper storage. This includes:

1. All prescription and nonprescription medications must be kept in locked storage at all times children are in care;

2. Separate locked storage must be provided for medications requiring refrigeration;

3. All medications must be kept in the original container, stored according to instructions, clearly labeled for the named child, and returned to the parent when no longer needed; and

4. Over-the-counter, non-toxic topical ointment such as lip balm, petroleum jelly, sun block and diaper ointment must be kept out of the reach of children.

1-006.20H Record-Keeping: The licensee must keep a record of the time and amount of medication given or applied.

006.21 Food Service

Meals and snacks that are appropriate to the needs of the children in care must be served to all children in attendance. Weekly menus must be given to parents upon request. Meals and snacks must:

1. Be appropriate to the age and development of the child;

2. Address children's allergies and food intolerance; and

3. Meet established USDA requirements regarding food groups and serving sizes. Meals and snacks provided by the parents must be supplemented if USDA guidelines are not met. If the child's meals are not to be supplemented due to dietary concerns, a statement from a physician must be obtained and available indicating it is acceptable for the child to be served a meal that does not meet USDA guidelines.

1-006.21A The licensee must offer at least the following number of meals and snacks, based on how long children are present:

21/2 to 4 hours	One snack
4 to 8 hours	One snack and one meal
8 to 10 hours	Two snacks and one meal
10 or more hours	Two snacks and two meals

006.22 Food Safety

The licensee must store, prepare, protect, serve, and dispose of food in a safe and sanitary manner, as follows:

1. All perishable foods must be stored in a covered container in an operating refrigerator at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees;

2. Individuals handling food must properly wash their hands before and after handling food;

3. All prepared formula or breast milk must be refrigerated and clearly labeled with the child's name, date received, date expressed, and date frozen, if applicable.

a. Unused prepared formula must be discarded as indicated by the label.

b. Unfrozen breast milk must be discarded after 48 hours.

c. Frozen breast milk must be kept in a freezer for no more than three months;

4. Formula provided by the licensee must be made from commercially prepared products;

5. Children must only be served pasteurized grade A milk and milk products. Dry milk and milk products must be made from pasteurized milk and milk products;

6. All fresh or raw fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed with water before use;

7. Home-canned foods must not be served to children in care;

8. All food preparation areas must be easily cleanable and in good repair;

9. Any deep freezer that cannot be opened from the inside must be locked or stored in a locked room;

10. All utensils, equipment, and food storage areas must be kept clean and in good repair; and

11. All dishes and utensils must be properly washed, rinsed, sanitized, and air dried.

006.23 Emergency Preparedness

1-006.23A Telephone: A working telephone must be available on the premises at all times. Emergency telephone numbers, including fire, rescue, police (or 911), and Poison Control, must be prominently posted.

1-006.23B Fire and Tornado Drills: Fire and tornado drills must be practiced with the children and staff. Written documentation of drills, including dates conducted, must be kept and available for review by the Department.

1. Fire drills must be completed a minimum of once per month.

2. Tornado drills must be completed a minimum of four times per year during the months of March through September.

1-006.23C Fire and Tornado Safety Diagrams: Fire and tornado safety diagrams must:

1. Show the layout of the licensed child care area(s);

2. Be prominently posted and visible;

3. Include how the evacuation of children with special needs will be conducted;

4. Include fire evacuation routes; and

5. Include tornado safety locations.

1-006.23D Disaster Preparedness: The licensee must have a written plan that addresses:

1. Evacuating and moving children to a safe location in the event of a fire, tornado, flood, or other natural or man-made disaster;

2. Notifying parents of children in care of an emergency;

3. Reunification of parents with their children in the event of an emergency that requires evacuation; and

4. How children with special needs will be safe in the event of a disaster including evacuation and reunification with the parent.

1-006.23E Notification to the Department of Emergencies: The licensee must notify the Department within 24 hours or the next business day of the following occurrences at the child care program:

1. The death of a child;

2. Any accident or injury to a child which requires hospitalization or treatment at a medical facility;

3. When a child has been missing, lost, or left unsupervised on or off the premises; and/or

4. An emergency or disaster that results in damage to the Family Child Care Home I or inability of the licensee to comply with regulations.

1-006.23F First Aid Kit: A first aid kit must be available on the premises. It must be inaccessible to children. If any poisons or medications are stored in the kit, it must be kept in locked storage. The kit must include the following supplies:

1. Fever thermometer;

2. Soap;

4. Bandages;

4. Gauze;

5. First aid tape;

6. Scissors; and

7. Disposable gloves.

006.24 Environmental Services

The licensee must provide child care in a safe, clean, comfortable environment. Every area and building on the same premises used for child care must comply with these regulations.

1-006.24A Housekeeping and Maintenance: The licensee must provide the necessary housekeeping and maintenance to protect the health and safety of children in care. The child care home and grounds must be kept clean, safe, and in good repair.

1. The child care home and any building on the premises in or around areas where children are present must be kept free of exposed lead-based paint surfaces that are flaking, peeling or chipped.

2. Rooms, walls, floors, and ceilings must be kept clean, in good repair, and free of odor resulting from sewage, mold, mildew, or other environmental or biological hazards or unsanitary conditions.

3. Heating, ventilation, and lighting in all rooms used for child care must be adequate to protect the health of children.

4. The licensee must equip and maintain the premises to prevent the entrance, harborage, or breeding of rodents, flies, and all other insects and vermin. All doors opening to the outside must be self-closing (except sliding doors) and all windows used for ventilation must be screened.

5. All garbage and rubbish must be disposed of in a manner that prevents the attraction of rodents, flies, and all other insects and vermin. The licensee must dispose of garbage so as to minimize odor and the transmission of infectious diseases.

1-006.24B Maintenance of Equipment, Fixtures, Furnishings, and Toys:

1. The licensee must keep equipment, fixtures, furnishings, and toys used in the child care program clean, safe, and in good repair.

2. The licensee must arrange furniture and equipment so as not to interfere with exits.

006.25 Environmental Safety

The licensee is responsible for maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment.

1-006.25A Smoking: Smoking anywhere indoors in a child care home is prohibited during the hours of operation when one or more children who are not occupants of the residence are present. If the licensee or any household member smokes, parents must be informed before enrollment of their child(ren).

1-006.25B Alcohol and Controlled Substances

1. Alcohol as defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-103 must not be consumed in any area used for child care whenever any child in care is present.

2. The unlawful use or possession of controlled substances, as defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-401 to 28-403 and 28-439, is prohibited. Controlled substances that have not been legally prescribed must not be on the premises.

1-006.25C Animals/Pets: Any animal present at the child care home must not negatively affect the children. The licensee must:

1. Have all pets examined annually by a licensed veterinarian and have documentation available;

2. Complete all vaccinations recommended by the licensed veterinarian that include, at a minimum, current rabies vaccinations for dogs, household cats, and ferrets, and have documentation available;

3. Have provisions for pet care necessary to prevent the acquisition and spread of fleas, ticks, and other parasites; and

4. Ensure that no animals are allowed in the food preparation, food storage, or serving areas during food preparation and serving times; and

5. Comply with any state or local law or ordinance relating to the care and ownership responsibilities of pets or specific breeds identified by those laws or ordinances .

1-006.25D Prohibited Animals: Exotic or unusual animals, or any animal that has bitten or attacked anyone without provocation or has been determined by the local health authority to be dangerous, must not be allowed on the premises during the hours of operation.

1-006.25E Other Environmental Safety Requirements

1. Surfaces must be smooth and free of sharp edges, mold, or dirt, and the environment must be kept free of other conditions which may pose a potential risk.

2. All cleaning agents, medications (both prescription and nonprescription), and poisonous materials must be kept in locked storage at all times children are in care. Separate locked storage must be provided for medications requiring refrigeration.

3. All firearms, other potentially hazardous weapons, weapon accessories, and ammunition must be kept in locked storage. Firearms must be unloaded and ammunition must be stored separately from firearms.

4. Electrical outlets within reach of children must be covered with safety caps, ground fault interrupters, or have safety outlets installed.

5. Shared use of the following items is prohibited:

a. Disposable towelettes;

b. Drinking containers, cups, or glasses;

c. Personal care items such as toothbrushes and hair brushes; and

d. Towels and washcloths.

6. Waterproof storage must be provided for soiled or wet clothing and must not be accessible to children.

Nebraska Administrative CodeTopic - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEMTitle 391 - CHILDREN'S SERVICES LICENSINGChapter 1 - FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ISection 391-1-006 - STANDARDS OF OPERATION AND CARE

Nebraska Administrative Code
Topic - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM
Title 391 - CHILDREN'S SERVICES LICENSING
Chapter 1 - FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME I
Section 391-1-006 - STANDARDS OF OPERATION AND CARE