New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 52 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
Subchapter 6 - PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Section 3A:52-6.1 - Activities

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:52-6.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The center shall develop and provide a variety of children's planned activities, geared to the ages and developmental levels of the children served, that:

1. Promote the development of language, thinking and problem-solving skills, curiosity, exploration, large and small muscles, coordination and movement skills, social competence, self-esteem, and positive self-identity; and

2. Are relevant to the cultural background of the children and foster intercultural awareness.

(b) The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that:

1. Time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries;

2. Children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time;

3. Children are presented with and encouraged to participate in a mixture of active and quiet experiences;

4. Both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided;

5. Children are:
i. Encouraged, but not required, to participate in every group activity; and

ii. Provided with the time and space within the area to be apart from the group and to participate in an alternate activity if they choose to do so;

6. Children are provided with daily structured and unstructured developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor energetic physical activity as follows:
i. At least 30 total minutes daily for children receiving child care less than four hours;

ii. At least 60 total minutes daily for children receiving child care more than four hours; and

iii. Whenever feasible, and unless the child is eating, sleeping, needs to complete a seated activity, or is ill, children shall not be inactive for more than 30 minutes; and

7. The use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.
i. Centers shall prohibit the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

ii. Centers shall develop a written policy regarding the use of television, computers, and other equipment for children over the age of two and maintain on file written plans for such use and the length of time for their use. In addition, centers shall develop a written policy for the use of such equipment as it pertains to children in care less than four hours and children in care more than four hours.

iii. Centers shall develop written plans for children with special needs who may benefit from the educational or instruction use of a television, computer, or other video equipment.

(c) The center shall ensure that each child riding a bicycle wears a helmet, as specified in the Bicycle Helmet Law, 39:4-10.1.

(d) Centers serving sick children shall comply with the variation on developing and providing children's activities, as specified in 3A:52-8.5(a).

(e) The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking.

(f) The staff member(s) specified in (b) above shall prepare and maintain on file a written outline of the center's daily activities, as specified in (a) through (d) above and (f) and (g) below.

(g) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:

1. The center shall provide daily outdoor activities at an outdoor play area, park or playground, or on a walk, weather permitting.

2. Centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center.
i. Staff members shall provide periodic activity or learning opportunities to stimulate the five senses of non-ambulatory children.

ii. Staff members shall ensure infants have age-appropriate, supervised tummy time at least twice per day.

iii. Staff members shall provide all children who are developmentally able with opportunities to leave their cribs, playpens, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment to crawl, toddle, walk, and play.

iv. The use of infant equipment including swings, exersaucers, and bouncers shall be limited to periods of 30 minutes at a time.

3. Centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

4. Centers that operate during evening hours shall ensure that the activity level for children is reduced in preparation for sleep and shall provide a selection of toys or other materials for quiet activities.

(h) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply:

1. Centers shall plan and implement programs that include:
i. Activities that reflect the interests and skills of the children served;

ii. Opportunities for child involvement in activity planning;

iii. Opportunities for self-selected activities;

iv. Recreational opportunities, including a mixture of indoor, outdoor, and large muscle activities; and

v. Daily schedules that include individual quiet times, structured and unstructured activities, and small-group and large-group activities.

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