Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 214 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Chapter 40 - Licensing
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 7 - Group Family Child Care Home Regulations for Licensure (214-RICR-40-00-7)
Section 214-RICR-40-00-7.3 - LICENSING STANDARDS
Universal Citation: 214 RI Code of Rules 40 00 7.3
Current through September 18, 2024
7.3.1 NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CARE AND THEIR SUPERVISION
A. A group family child care home provider
shall care for no more than twelve (12) children at any time.
B. There shall be an approved assistant in
the home, assisting the provider with the care of the children, at all times
when child care is being provided.
C. There shall be no more than eight (8)
children under the age of eighteen (18) months in child care at any time. When
there are more than four (4) children under the age of eighteen (18) months of
age in child care, the provider shall have two (2) approved assistants in the
home who are directly involved with the care of the children.
D. The following staff/child ratios shall be
maintained at all times in a group family child care home:
1. Children ages 0 - 18 months - 1 staff for
4 children
2. Children ages 18
months and older - 1 staff for 6 children
E. Maximum number of children for child care
when there are children living in the home
1.
Children under six (6) years of age who live in the home shall be counted in
determining the maximum number for licensure.
2. More than two (2) children between six (6)
and twelve (12) years of age who live in the home and are present for four (4)
consecutive hours or more during the period that child care is provided shall
be counted in determining the maximum number for licensure. Exceptions may be
made for snow days, sick days, holidays and one (1) week school
vacations.
3. To determine the
adult/child ratio, children of assistants who are in care in the home shall be
counted in the appropriate age groups.
F. Provider Time Out of the Home
1. Provider may be out of the home 20% of the
total work week, (20% of 40 hours equals 8 hours per week), not to exceed
fifteen (15) hours, leaving the children under the direct supervision of
approved assistants.
2. Provider
may be out of the home due to health related appointments or classes/training
related to child care which cannot be scheduled when child care is not being
provided. The provider shall have the appropriate number of assistants to meet
the required adult/child ratios as stated in §§7.3.1(A) through (D) of this Part above.
3. When a provider will be out of the home,
the parents/guardians of the children in care shall be notified and provided
with the names of the approved assistants who will be caring for the
children.
G. Provider
shall be responsible for the supervision of assistants and shall ensure that
assistants are directly involved with the care of the children. Written work
schedules shall be maintained for provider and assistants.
H. Provider shall have a plan for handling
emergencies and shall have at least two (2) individuals, who have been approved
as emergency assistants, readily available to be called upon for child care
assistance in the event of an emergency. At least one emergency assistant
should be no more than ten (10) minutes away from the child care home.
1. If a provider utilizes another provider as
an emergency assistant, the adult/child ratios as stated in §§7.3.1(A) through
(D) of this Part above shall be
maintained.
2. An emergency is
defined as being an unplanned absence from the home because of illness or
accident. It is meant to be of short duration, generally lasting no more than a
few hours, but shall not extend beyond three (3) consecutive working
days.
3. Provider shall notify the
Department of any change in emergency assistants.
4. Provider shall inform the
parents/guardians of the children in care of the names of the emergency
assistants.
I. Provider
shall work no more than fifteen (15) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period,
including child care and any other employment. Provider shall be awake during
the hours child care is being provided.
J. Children shall be under the direct
supervision of the provider and/or assistant(s) at all times. The provider
and/or assistant(s) shall supervise all aspects of the program, including
toileting, resting or sleeping, eating and outdoor play.
1. Children shall not be under the care or
supervision of family members who have not been approved as assistants or
emergency assistants.
2. Children
shall not be under the care or supervision of a visitor nor shall they be left
alone with a visitor.
7.3.2 QUALIFICATIONS OF PROVIDER AND ASSISTANTS
A. Requirements for
Providers
1. Provider shall be at least
twenty-one (21) years of age and shall show evidence of meeting one of the
following criteria:
a. Hold a degree at the
Associate's level or beyond from an approved/accredited post-secondary
institution in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a field directly
related to the care of young children.
b. Hold a Child Development Associate
Certificate (CDA) in Family Child Care.
c. Hold a certificate (one year) in Child
Development from an approved/accredited post-secondary institution and have, at
least, two (2) years of satisfactory experience operating a licensed home child
care program.
d. Hold a high school
diploma or its equivalent, show evidence of having successfully completed a
minimum of three (3) courses related to the care of young children at an
approved/accredited post-secondary institution and have a minimum of five (5)
years of satisfactory experience operating a licensed home child care
program.
e. National Association
for Family Child Care (NAFCC) or equivalent accreditation approved by
DCYF.
2. Provider shall
show evidence of having successfully completed the following:
a. Current certification in CPR and First
Aid
b. Approved Family Child Care
Training Program
c. DCYF
orientation to Family Child Care
3. Provider shall complete a minimum of
fifteen (15) hours of training every year.
a.
The provider shall be responsible for maintaining documentation of his/her
completed training hours.
b.
Training shall be in areas relevant to the care of young children. Training
should cover a variety of subject areas, such as health, safety and nutrition
(e.g., healthy eating, childhood obesity, breastfeeding), communication with
parent/guardian, child development, infant care and development,
developmentally appropriate activities, child abuse and neglect and ethics and
cultural competency.
c. Training
may consist of workshops, seminars, presentations, speaking programs,
conferences, telecourses, college courses, CDA training, related readings or
television/video programs, correspondence courses, mentoring experiences,
association meetings with training components or collaborative experiences with
other agencies.
B. Requirements for Assistants
1. Assistant shall show evidence of having
current certification in CPR and First Aid and shall be:
a. At least twenty-one (21) years of age;
or
b. At least eighteen (18) years
of age and show evidence of:
(1) Successful
completion of a secondary (high school) child care/child development curriculum
approved by the Department of Education; or
(2) College courses, totaling six (6)
credits, in human growth and development or early childhood
education.
2.
Provider shall orient a new assistant within the first week of work in the
group family child care home. The orientation shall include a review of:
a. Group Family Child Care Home
Regulations
b. State law governing
child abuse and neglect
c. Policy
and procedures and other information specific to the operation of the group
child care home.
3.
Assistant shall complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of training every year.
a. The provider shall be responsible for
maintaining documentation of the assistant's completed training
hours.
b. See §7.3.2(A)
of this Part above for acceptable subject areas and types of
training.
C.
General Physical and Mental Health Requirements
1. Provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall be in good physical, mental, and emotional health.
2. The physical, mental and emotional health
of household members shall not interfere with the provider's child caring
responsibilities.
D.
Specific Health Requirements
1. At the time
of application and upon renewal, the provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall file statements from licensed physicians that they have had
medical examinations within the past six months, are in good health and are
able to care for children.
2.
Female providers of child bearing age shall have a rubella (German measles)
susceptibility blood test or show proof of immunity by previous testing or
produce a record of having received rubella vaccine.
E. Use of Alcohol or Drugs
1. Provider, assistants and emergency
assistants shall not drink alcoholic beverages or take illegal or tranquilizing
drugs while providing child care, nor shall they be in an intoxicated or
drugged condition while providing child care.
2. Household members shall not drink
alcoholic beverages in the presence of children in care.
F. Smoking
1. No person shall smoke, or otherwise use
tobacco products within the household or outdoor play area of a group family
child care home or within twenty-five (25) feet of the home or outdoor play
area, while children are in care. Smoking shall not occur in any area on the
grounds or premises within the children's view during the time that child care
is being provided.
2. Smoking may
be permitted when child care is not being provided. If smoking occurs in the
home when children are not in care, the provider shall notify the
parent/guardian of each child that smoking routinely occurs in the home during
hours when the child care program is not in operation.
7.3.3 PHYSICAL SPACE AND HOME SAFETY
A. Overall Condition of
Group Family Child Care Home
1. The home shall
be maintained in compliance with all applicable state and local
codes.
2. The home shall be
maintained in good repair and in a clean, neat, hazard-free
condition.
3. Trash must be covered
and properly stored.
4. The home
shall be kept free from rodent and insect infestation.
B. Radon Safety
1. Provider shall show evidence that the home
has been tested for radon and has been found to be radon safe.
2. Retesting shall be done every three (3)
years in accordance with the "Rules and Regulations for Radon Control" issued
by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
C. Lead Paint Safety
1. There shall not be any peeling or damaged
paint or plaster in any area of the Group Family Child Care Home, either
interior or exterior.
2. A Group
Family Child Care Home serving children under the age of six (6) years shall
comply with Lead Poisoning Prevention (216-RICR- 50-15-3) promulgated by the
Rhode Island Department of Health pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
23-24.6-14 (Lead Poisoning Prevention Act) and shall comply with recommendations resulting
from lead inspections conducted pursuant to the above referenced statute and
regulations.
D. Indoor
Space
1. There shall be sufficient indoor
space to allow for thirty-five (35) square feet of usable space per child in
care.
2. This space shall be on the
first floor, ground level of the home. Any furniture in the area shall be
appropriate for children's use.
3.
This space shall be exclusive of bathrooms, hallways, kitchen and any rooms
that are used for activities other than child care.
4. There shall be adequate open space
available to allow for program activities and freedom of movement by the
children
5. Provisions for
sleeping/napping shall be made on the first floor of the home.
E. Use of Basements/Cellars for
Child Care
1. Children shall not be cared for
in the cellar or basement area of a home unless there are two (2) exits from
the area, one of which shall be a door leading directly to the outside.
Bulkheads and overhead garage doors are not acceptable exits.
2. Basements shall not be used for sleeping
unless the boiler/furnace room is constructed to provide a one (1) hour fire
rating. This would include fire-rated sheet rock on the walls and ceiling and a
fire rated door. Enclosures shall be provided with an air vent to the outside
sufficient for proper combustion and exhaust.
3. The term basement includes all areas that
are more than 50% below ground level.
F. Outdoor Play Areas
1. Provider shall identify an area or areas
for outdoor play which shall be safe, protected and free from hazards such as
access to the street, debris, broken glass, animal waste, peeling paint, tools
and construction materials, open drainage ditches, wells, holes and bodies of
water. A fence or barrier shall be required for outdoor play area.
2. Outdoor porches above the first floor
shall not be used as play areas unless they are fully enclosed and structurally
sound.
3. Outdoor porches and decks
at the first floor level, used as play areas, shall be enclosed with a minimum
of a four (4) foot railing and the slats shall be no more than 3 1/2
inches apart. There shall be a gate that is kept securely fastened at the entry
to any steps or stairways.
4.
Provider or assistant(s) shall directly supervise outdoor play at all
times.
G. Bathroom and
Toileting
1. The group family child care home
shall have a minimum of one (1) toilet and hand washing sink located in the
bathroom. The bathroom shall be located in an area that is readily available to
the children in care. Locks on bathroom doors should not be within the reach of
children or, if they are, the provider shall have a key readily
accessible.
2. When training chairs
are used for toilet training, they shall be emptied and sanitized after each
use. Training chairs shall not be considered a substitute for the required
toilet.
3. Toilets and training
chairs shall be located in rooms separate from those used for cooking and/or
eating.
H. Hand Washing
1. All staff, volunteers and children shall
wash their hands with liquid soap and warm running water.
2. Hands shall be dried with disposable
towels or individual hand towels that are laundered daily.
3. Hands shall be washed upon arrival for the
day or when moving from one child care group to another.
4. Hands shall be washed before and after:
a. Eating, handling food or feeding a
child
b. Providing
medication
c. Playing in water that
is used by more than one person
5. Hands shall be washed after:
a. Diapering, using the toilet or helping a
child use a toilet
b. Handling
bodily fluid (mucus, blood, vomit) from sneezing, wiping and blowing noses,
from mouths or from sores
c.
Handling uncooked food, especially raw meat and poultry
d. Handling pets and other animals
e. Playing in sandboxes
f. Cleaning or handling garbage
I. Diaper Changing Area
1. There shall be a diaper changing area that
is separate and apart from kitchen counters and dining tables.
2. A sink with hot and cold running water for
hand washing shall be accessible to the diaper changing area. Hands shall be
washed with liquid soap and warm running water before and after each diaper
change. Non-latex vinyl gloves shall be used for personal protection during
diaper changing, but shall not take the place of hand washing.
3. The diaper changing area shall be cleaned
and sanitized after each use. A disinfectant solution of 1/4 cup of bleach
to one (1) gallon of water or an EPA approved sanitizing agent shall be kept
readily available in a spray bottle for this purpose. The bottle shall be
clearly labeled and kept out of reach of children. In order to be effective,
the disinfectant solution should be allowed to air dry or at least sit on the
surface for two (2) minutes before wiping. If a bleach solution is used, it
shall be changed daily as it only remains effective for twenty-four (24)
hours.
4. Soiled diapers shall be
placed in a closed container lined with a leak proof disposable lining. The
container must be emptied daily and kept clean.
J. Hot and Cold Running Water
1. There shall be hot and cold running water
available for the care of the children.
2. The home's domestic hot water system and
hand washing sinks shall be set no higher than 120 degrees F.
3. If the water supply is not from a public
source, it shall be tested for portability. Water testing shall be done at time
of licensing and upon renewal.
K. Heating System
1. The group family child care home shall
have a heating system capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of
sixty-five (65) degrees in all areas accessible to the children.
2. All heating equipment shall have the
proper controls for controlling the temperature, ignition and safety. Also an
auxiliary switch wired to a position that is remote from the boiler/furnace
area is required in order to shut off the boiler/furnace without entering a
danger area in the event of a fire.
3. All heating elements, including hot water
pipes, wood stoves, electric space heaters and radiators in areas used by
children shall be insulated, protected or barricaded so that they will not be a
danger to the children and will not be a fire hazard. Asbestos insulation
covering any pipes or heating elements shall be intact and properly
sealed.
4. Fireplaces shall be
securely screened or equipped with protective guards at all times.
L. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
1. The group
family child care home shall have approved smoke detectors located outside
sleeping areas in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. Bedrooms or sleeping
rooms, separated by other use areas, such as kitchen or living rooms, but not
bathrooms, shall require a separate detector. In basements or cellars, smoke
detectors shall be located at the top of the stairway.
2. The home shall be equipped with a carbon
monoxide detector.
3. There shall
be a five (5) pound, ABC fire extinguisher located in the kitchen
area.
M. Humidifiers,
Dehumidifiers and Vaporizers
1. Humidifiers,
dehumidifiers and vaporizers shall be kept out of reach of children and used
and maintained according to manufacturers' directions.
2. Parents/guardians shall be notified when
such appliances are used in the group family child care home.
N. Electrical Outlets
1. Every electrical outlet within the
children's reach shall be covered with a choke proof, child resistant device
while not in use.
2. Electrical
cords shall be taped or fastened so that they are not a hazard to
children.
3. Electrical cords shall
not be frayed or damaged.
4.
Electrical outlets shall not be overloaded.
5. The use of electrical extension cords is
prohibited.
O. Candle
Use and Flashlights in Emergency Situations
1.
The provider shall have a flashlight, in working condition, readily available
for use in the event of a power failure or other emergency situation.
2. In emergency situations, candles and oil
lamps shall not be used as a lighting source.
3. Candles burned for other purposes shall be
kept out of reach of children, used in a safe manner and not be left
unattended.
P. Window
Blind Cords - Window blind cords shall be secured, out of the reach of
children, to prevent strangulation.
Q. Firearms
1. Providers and household members who have
possession of firearms shall obtain the proper licenses or permits to the
extent required by law.
2. Firearms
shall be stored, unloaded and under lock, in a place which is inaccessible to
children during the hours that child care is provided in the home.
3. Ammunition shall be stored separately
under lock during the hours that child care is provided in the home.
R. Swimming Pools
1. Swimming pools shall be securely fenced to
prevent access by the children.
a. The fence
shall be at least six (6) feet high with a locked gate.
b. Above ground pools may have a four (4)
foot fence extension along the outer rim of the pool, provided that the ladder
leading to the pool folds up and locks into place and the height from the
ground is at least six (6) feet.
2. Pools, including wading and inflatable
pools, shall only be used under the supervision of the provider or
assistant(s).
3. Pools without a
filtration system must be emptied and disinfected after each use.
4. The provider shall obtain written
permission from parent/guardian prior to taking a child into a pool.
S. Telephones and Emergency
Numbers
1. There shall be a working telephone,
other than a pay phone or cell phone, in the child care area. The phone shall
be kept in working order and shall be readily available for use in case of an
emergency.
2. Emergency phone
numbers, including 911, local fire and police departments, emergency room or
hospital, family physician and poison center shall be posted in a conspicuous
place, adjacent to each phone in the child care area.
3. The names and phone numbers of
parents/guardians and emergency contact persons for all children in care shall
be kept adjacent to each phone in the child care area.
T. First Aid and Communicable Diseases
1. The provider shall have written
instructions relating to first aid and communicable diseases readily available
in the child care area.
2. There
shall be a first aid kit in the home that shall be located out of reach of the
children, but shall be readily accessible to the provider and assistant(s) in
the event of an emergency.
3. The
first aid kit shall contain no less than:
a.
Adhesive bandages
b. Disposable
nonporous gloves
c. Sealed packages
of alcohol wipes or antiseptic
d.
Scissors, tweezers, thermometer, bandage tape and safety pins
e. Sterile gauze pads
f. Flexible roller gauze
g. Triangular bandages
h. Eye dressing
i. Cold pack
4. Syrup of Ipecac shall not be used to
induce vomiting and shall not be included in a first aid kit or available for
use by a group family child care home provider.
5. The first aid kit shall be restocked after
use.
6. The first aid kit shall be
taken on field trips and outings away from the home.
U. Emergency Evacuation Plan
1. The provider shall have an emergency plan
for evacuating the children from the home in case of fire or other disaster.
a. The emergency plan shall include clear
instructions for contacting parents and emergency contacts.
b. The emergency plan shall include two (2)
means of exiting the home.
c.
Assistants and emergency assistants shall have knowledge of and be able to
implement this plan.
d. A graphic
evacuation plan shall be posted in each room where child care is
provided.
2. Parents
must be provided with a written copy of the emergency plan.
3. Practice evacuation drills shall take
place once a month. Both obstructed and unobstructed drills shall be conducted.
A record of such drills shall be maintained.
4. When children under the age of eighteen
(18) months are in care, there shall be at least one (1) crib which is equipped
with wheels for ease of evacuation in case of an emergency. This crib shall be
able to fit through any doorway leading to the outside.
V. Storage of Drugs, Medicines and Other
Dangerous Substances
1. Drugs and medicines
shall be stored in their original containers in a clean, dry area out of reach
of children or in a locked cabinet. Storage shall be separate from any items
that attract children such as food or candy.
2. Cleaning materials, detergents, aerosol
cans, matches and other substances that could be a danger to children shall be
stored in their original containers out of reach of children or in a locked
cabinet and used in such a way that shall not contaminate play surfaces, food
or food preparation areas or generally constitute a hazard to
children.
W. Food
Storage
1. Food shall be properly stored,
covered and/or refrigerated.
2. The
refrigerator temperature shall be maintained at forty-one (41) degrees F or
less and the freezer temperature at zero (0) degrees F or less.
X. Stairways
1. Stairways that are used by children shall
have a railing at the children's height.
2. Stairways shall be well lighted and kept
clear of obstructions.
3. In homes
where children under three (3) years of age are in care, there shall be a gate
which is kept securely fastened at the entry to any stairway accessible to
children.
Y.
Ventilation, Glass Door and Windows
1. Each
room used by children shall have sufficient ventilation and lighting.
2. Clear glass doors shall be clearly marked
at children's eye level.
3. All
doors and windows which are used for ventilation shall be securely
screened.
4. If windows above the
first floor are used for ventilation, they shall be opened from the top or
secured with safety guards.
Z. Animal Safety
1. All pets, including dogs, cats and other
domestic animals, shall be kept in a safe and sanitary manner and in accordance
with state and local requirements.
2. All animals maintained on the premises
shall have up-to-date rabies and other vaccinations as required.
3. Children shall, according to their ages
and functioning levels, be protected from pets which are potentially dangerous
to their health or safety.
4. Pets
shall not be abused or threatened in the presence of children.
5. The provider shall notify
parents/guardians of the presence of any pets in the home.
7.3.4 HEALTH AND NUTRITION
A. General Health
Examinations
1. Physical Examination Form -
Prior to enrollment and annually thereafter, the Group Family Child Care Home
Provider shall obtain from the parent/guardian a statement that the child has
had a physical examination signed by a licensed health care provider
(physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner, other
licensed practitioner acting within his/her scope of practice) that the child
has had an age appropriate history and physical examination, assessing the
health and well-being of the child and indicating any allergies, conditions, or
handicaps affecting the child's general health that might require special
care.
2. Immunizations - The
physical examination form shall include evidence that the child is age
appropriately immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis,
measles, mumps, rubella, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, varicella
(chickenpox), and pneumococcal disease, in accordance with rules and
regulations promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health relating to
immunization and testing for communicable disease.
3. Exemptions to Immunization Requirements -
A child may only be permanently exempt from the immunization requirements for
either of the two (2) reasons stated below:
a.
The child's health care provider has signed the Rhode Island Department of
Health's Medical Immunization Exemption Certificate attesting that the child is
exempt from a specific vaccine because of medical reasons.
b. The parent/guardian has signed the Rhode
Island Department of Health's Religious Immunization Exemption Certificate
attesting that immunization conflicts with the tenets of their religious
beliefs.
4. Lead
Screening - The physical examination form shall include evidence that the child
has been screened for lead poisoning in accordance with the Lead Poisoning
Prevention (216-RICR- 50-15-3) promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of
Health pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-24.6 (Lead Poisoning Prevention
Act).
5. Exemption to the Lead
Screening Requirement - The lead screening requirements shall not apply if the
child's parent/guardian signs a sworn statement indicating that lead screening
is contrary to his/her religious tenets and practices.
B. Emergency Treatment Form
1. Provider shall have an Emergency Treatment
Form for each child in care that is signed by parent/guardian and notarized.
This form shall be kept on file for use in the event of an emergency. It shall
be taken on field trips and outings away from the home.
2. Parent/guardian shall identify two persons
who can be contacted in the event of an emergency if parent/guardian is
unreachable. This information shall be reviewed with parent/guardian every
three (3) months in order to update any changes.
C. Administration of Medication
1. Provider shall not administer medication
to a child without written authorization from parent/guardian.
2. Prescription medication shall not be
administered to a child without the written order of a physician. A labeled
prescription bottle with the child's name, current date and dosage shall be
considered acceptable.
3.
Non-prescription or homeopathic medication shall not be administered to a child
under two (2) years of age unless prescribed by a physician.
4. Non-prescription or homeopathic medication
shall not be administered to a child over two (2) years of age for longer than
three (3) days without the written authorization of a physician.
5. The provider shall maintain a written
record of every medication administered, both prescription and
non-prescription. This record shall include:
a. Child's name
b. Name and dosage of medication
administered
c. Date and time
administered
d. Initials of the
provider or assistant administering the medication.
D. Child Exhibiting Symptoms of
Illness
1. A child exhibiting any of the
following symptoms or signs of illness shall be excluded from child care until
an assessment has been completed by a physician or health care provider:
a. For an infant under four (4) months of
age, an axillary temperature (armpit) above 100 degrees is considered a fever.
An infant under four (4) months of age who has a fever, even without any other
signs of illness, should be excluded from the child care and parent/guardian
should be encouraged to seek medical attention.
b. For children, a fever is defined as an
oral temperature above 101 degrees or an axillary (armpit) temperature above
100 degrees. It is the general recommendation that a child be excluded for a
fever when behavior changes, signs, or symptoms of illness that require further
evaluation accompany it.
c.
Diarrhea is defined by more watery stools, a decreased form of stools not
associated with dietary changes, and increased frequency of passing stool that
is not contained by the child's ability to use the toilet. A child with
diarrheal illness of an infectious origin may be allowed to return once the
diarrhea resolves unless the infectious agent was Salmonella, Shigella, or E.
Coli. These require negative stool cultures before return. Contact the Rhode
Island Department of Health with any questions.
d. Blood in the stools not explainable by
dietary change, medication, or hard stools
e. Vomiting (two (2) or more episodes of
vomiting in the previous twenty- four (24) hours). Exclude until vomiting
resolves or until a health care provider determines that the cause of the
vomiting is not contagious and the child is not in danger of
dehydration.
f. Persistent
abdominal pain (continues more than two (2) hours) or intermittent pain
associated with fever or other signs and symptoms
g. Mouth sores with drooling, unless the
health care provider determines that the child is non-infectious
h. Rash with fever or behavior change, until
a physician determines that these symptoms do not indicate an infectious
disease
i. Purulent conjunctivitis
(pinkeye: accompanied by white or yellow eye discharge) until after treatment
has been initiated
j. Head lice,
until after treatment
k. Scabies,
until treatment has been initiated
l. Tuberculosis, until a health care provider
or health official states that the child is on appropriate therapy and can
attend child care
m. Impetigo,
until twenty-four (24) hours after treatment has been initiated
n. Strep throat or other streptococcal
infection, until twenty-four (24) hours after initial antibiotic treatment and
cessation of fever
o. Chickenpox,
until all sores have crusted over (usually six (6) days)
p. Pertussis, until five (5) days of
appropriate antibiotic treatment has been completed
q. Mumps, until nine (9) days after onset of
parotid gland swelling
r. Hepatitis
A virus, until one (1) week after onset of illness, jaundice or as directed by
the health department
s. Measles,
until four (4) days after onset of rash
t. Rubella, until six (6) days after onset of
rash
u. Unspecified respiratory
tract illness
v. Shingles
w. Herpes simplex
x. The illness prevents the child from
participating comfortably in activities as determined by the child care
provider.
y. The illness results in
a greater need for care than the child care staff can provide without
compromising the health and safety of the other children as determined by the
child care provider.
2.
Documentation of the health assessment shall be maintained on file in the
child's record. A note signed by the child's parent/guardian that includes the
date, time and results of the assessment and name of the health care provider
consulted shall be considered acceptable documentation.
3. The provider shall not re-admit a child
who has been placed on an antibiotic or other prescription medication until the
child has been on the medication for at least twenty-four (24) hours. The
decision to care for a child who is ill or to re- admit an ill child shall be
made by the provider after evaluating the child's history, symptoms and general
condition.
E. Child with
Parasite Infection
1. A child exhibiting signs
of a parasite infection, such as scabies or head lice, shall be excluded from
the home until treated.
2. The
provider shall notify parents/guardians of all the children in care of possible
parasite infestation.
3. The
provider shall disinfect the home by cleaning all articles that may contain
lice or nits such as clothes, towels, and bed linens. These should be washed in
hot water and detergent, or dry cleaned. Rugs, carpeting and upholstery shall
be vacuumed.
F.
Reporting Communicable Diseases
1. Group
Family Child Care Home Provider shall report communicable diseases in
accordance with the Department of Health Reporting and Testing of Infectious,
Environmental, and Occupational Diseases (216-RICR- 30-05-1).
2. It is particularly important to report
clusters or outbreaks of infectious diseases as outlined in the reporting
regulations.
3. Provider shall
notify all parents/guardians whenever a reportable communicable disease has
been introduced into the home.
G. When a Child Becomes Ill in Care
1. Provider shall notify the parent/guardian
immediately when a child becomes ill while in care.
2. Provider shall furnish special care for an
ill child, including a comfortable resting space in a quiet area away from
other children, within sight of the provider or assistant.
H. Caring for Child with Handicapping
Condition or Special Needs
1. When a child
with a handicapping condition or special needs is accepted for care, the
provider shall obtain from the parent/guardian written recommendations for any
specialized care that the child may require. These recommendations shall come
from or be endorsed by the child's physician or other authorized professional
who has evaluated or treated the child.
2. Care provided to children with special
needs shall be in accordance with the child's Individualized Educational Plan
(IEP) or the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
I. Snacks and Meals
1. Provider shall serve nutritious
mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks and nutritious meals to the children in
care in accordance with the child care component of the USDA Child and Adult
Care Food Programs (CACFP).
2. When
parents/guardians provide snacks or other meals, the provider shall monitor the
food to ensure nutritious value. Provider shall provide parents/guardians with
written guidelines for meals and snacks and suggest how they can assist the
provider in meeting these guidelines.
3. Whenever possible, the provider shall sit
and eat with the children.
J. Beverages - The provider shall offer
age-appropriate beverages as defined below:
1.
Infants (birth through twelve (12) months)
a.
Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula or portions of both, must
be served for the entire first year.
b. Juice shall not be offered to infants
until they are six months of age and ready to drink from a cup. The provider
should offer not more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day. Juice should
be offered at either a meal or a snack instead of continuously throughout the
day. Fruit drinks or punch, soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are not
allowed.
2. Toddlers
twelve (12) months through twenty-four (24) months
a. Only whole pasteurized milk should be
served to children between the ages of twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) months.
The provider shall not serve skim or nonfat, low-fat (one percent or two
percent) to any child between twelve (12) and twenty-four (24)
months.
b. Juice - The provider
should offer not more than four (4) ounces of 100% fruit juice per day. Juice
should be served from a cup and should be offered at either a meal or a snack
instead of continuously throughout the day. Fruit drinks or punch, soda, and
other sugar-sweetened beverages are not allowed.
c. The provider shall have drinking water
readily available to the children during the time that they are in
care.
3. Children two
(2) years and older
a. Children two (2) years
and older should be served skim or nonfat milk or low-fat milk (one (1) percent
or two (2) percent fat milk) in accordance with guidelines established by the
American Academy of Pediatrics.
b.
Juice - The provider should offer not more than six (6) ounces of 100% fruit
juice per day. Juice should be served from a cup and should be offered at
either a meal or a snack instead of continuously throughout the day. Fruit
drinks or punch, soda, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are not
allowed.
c. The provider shall have
drinking water readily available to the children during the time that they are
in care.
7.3.5 ACTIVITIES, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
A. Activities
1. Provider shall spend time directly
involved in activities that center on the developmental needs, interests and
strengths of the children in care.
2. The focus shall be toward developmentally
appropriate and culturally competent practices, incorporating child-centered,
child-initiated and provider-guided play activities.
B. Learning Environment - The learning
environment in the home shall be designed to provide the children with
opportunities to learn through active exploring, interacting with other
children and adults and with the materials provided.
C. Daily Routine and Scheduling
1. The provider shall have a written plan of
activities and routines that meets the developmental, cultural, and individual
needs of the children in care.
2.
The daily routine shall include all of the following:
a. Physical activity and quiet play
b. Indoor and outdoor play as weather
permits
c. Age appropriate health
routines such as toileting, hand washing, tooth brushing, resting or sleeping
and eating
D.
Indoor and Outdoor Play Material and Equipment
1. The provider shall have available an
adequate variety of materials for indoor and outdoor play, such as art supplies
(paints, crayons, paste, scissors), blocks and block accessories, books, large
muscle equipment (wheel toys, climbers, balls), manipulative toys (busy-boxes,
puzzles, small building sets), musical equipment (rattles, instruments,
audiotapes) and dramatic play materials (dress-up clothes and puppets). Play
materials must be culturally inclusive and appropriate to the age, number,
growth and developmental needs of the children in care.
2. A variety of materials shall be accessible
to the children to promote exploration. Materials that require supervision
shall be stored out of reach of children.
3. Television/video viewing shall be limited,
and, when utilized, shall be appropriate for the age and developmental level of
the children in care.
4. All
equipment and materials shall be free from hazards such as lead paint, insects,
protruding nails or rust which may be dangerous to children and shall be kept
clean and in good repair.
5.
Infants and toddlers shall be protected from objects that could be
swallowed.
6. The use of walkers
with wheels is prohibited.
7. Toys
that explode or shoot, such as caps, guns and darts, shall not be
allowed.
8. Balloons shall only be
allowed for special occasions, such as birthdays, and their use shall be under
close adult supervision.
9. All
outdoor sandboxes shall be kept covered when not in use.
10. Outdoor climbing equipment five (5) feet
high or over shall have adequate cushioning underneath.
11. The use of trampolines is
prohibited.
12. All equipment used
for child care that is covered by federal regulations shall meet such
regulations.
13. If children are
taken to a public playground, the provider shall be alert and aware of safety
dangers such as peeling paint, uncovered sandboxes, debris and animal
waste.
E.
Sleeping/Resting Arrangements
1. There shall
be regular periods of quiet activity or resting/sleeping appropriate to the
needs of the children. There shall be an opportunity for children to rest for
at least thirty (30) minutes, but no child shall be forced to sleep. For
children who do not require sleep, time and space shall be provided for quiet
play.
2. While resting or sleeping,
children shall be directly supervised by the provider or an assistant who is on
the same floor where the children are sleeping. Monitors shall not take the
place of in-person supervision.
3.
Lighting to permit appropriate supervision shall be provided in sleeping areas
when children are sleeping, napping or resting.
4. Children under the age of one (1) year
napping in cribs shall be monitored by in- person checks at least every ten
(10) minutes. The provider shall maintain a written record of crib checks for
each child under the age of one (1) year.
5. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, infants shall be placed on their backs to sleep unless there are
medical orders or a written statement from the parent/guardian requiring
alternative positioning.
6. Cribs
shall have firm, well-fitting mattresses and crib sheets. Sheepskins, beanbags,
waterbeds, comforters and pillows shall not be used.
7. Children shall have their own bedding and
it shall be stored separately to prevent contamination.
8. Spaces between the upright slats in cribs
shall not exceed 2 3/8 inches. There shall be no cutouts in crib
headboards.
9. Children shall not
be in cribs with bottles.
10.
Children shall sleep or rest on cots, mats that are at least two (2) inches
thick, couches or beds. Children shall not sleep or rest directly on the
floor.
11. When mats are used for
sleeping, they shall be cleaned weekly if not shared by children. If children
share mats, they shall be cleaned between each use.
F. Toilet Training
1. Toilet training shall be an individual
plan, based on the child's readiness and carried out in conjunction with
parent/guardian.
2. There shall be
no routine attempt to toilet train children under the age of twenty- four (24)
months without consent of parent/guardian.
7.3.6 BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
A. Positive Behavior Management Techniques
1. Provider and assistant shall be positive
role models for the children in care.
2. Provider and assistants shall use positive
consistent methods in guiding children back on task, shall encourage
appropriate behavior and set clear limits and rules that children can
understand.
3. Provider and
assistants shall match their expectations with the developing abilities and
capabilities of the children.
4.
Provider and assistants shall praise the accomplishments of the children and
encourage their attempts at tasks.
5. Provider and assistants shall use
positive, firm limit setting in situations where a child's safety is at
stake.
6. Provider and assistants
shall assist children by redirecting them from inappropriate actions to
activities that are more favorable.
B. Inappropriate Discipline
1. Provider and assistants shall not hit the
children or engage in any form of corporal punishment.
2. Children shall not be subjected to cruel
or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse.
3. Children shall not be deprived of meals or
snacks as a form of discipline.
4.
Children shall not be punished for toileting accidents or for soiling, wetting
or not using the toilet during toilet training.
5. Children shall not be subjected to
excessive time out. Time out may not exceed one (1) minute for each year of the
child's age and shall take place within the view of provider or
assistant.
C. Written
Discipline Policy
1. Provider shall develop a
written discipline policy that is consistent with the regulations.
2. This policy shall be shared with the
parent/guardian when the child is enrolled.
D. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect -
Provider and assistants shall report any known or suspected child abuse or
neglect to DCYF at 1-800 -RI-CHILD in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §
40-11-3 and Department Operating Procedure 500.0000, Reporting Child Abuse and/or
Neglect to the Call Floor, which require that any person, who has reasonable
cause to know or suspect that any child has been abused and/or neglected or has
been a victim of sexual abuse by another child, must report this information to
DCYF within twenty-four (24) hours.
7.3.7 ADMINISTRATION
A. The group child care home shall be open to
parents/guardians for visits whenever the program is in operation.
B. A pre-admission interview shall be held
with the parent/guardian to secure health and family history, to obtain
background information on the child and his/her home, and to develop the
child's program.
C. Prior to
admission, the provider shall obtain in writing from the parent/guardian the
following information:
1. Child's full name,
address and verified date of birth
2. Name, address and phone number of the
parents/guardians
3. Address and
phone number where the parents/guardians can be reached during the hours that
the child is in care
4. Names,
addresses and phone numbers of two relatives or friends who can be contacted in
any emergency if parent/guardian cannot be reached.
5. Permission for the provider to act in an
emergency (refer to §7.3.4(B)
of this Part)
6. Names and
addresses of all persons who are authorized to take the child from the group
child care home
7. Copies of any
pertinent custody information or restraining orders
8. Child's eating and sleeping habits, food
preferences, allergies and any special medical or emotional problems
9. Name of any health insurance plan and
policy number under which the child is covered
D. There shall be opportunities for the child
and parent/guardian to visit the group family child care home one or more times
before enrollment.
E. Communication
with Parents/Guardians
1. Provider shall have
a plan for communicating with parents/guardians. The plan may include means of
communication such as conferences, handbooks, newsletters, bulletin boards and
notes.
2. When children under the
age of eighteen (18) months are in care, there shall be written daily
communication that shall include references to the child's mood, health,
feeding, sleeping, toileting and activities. Daily communication for children
over eighteen (18) months may be verbal and should cover the same
areas.
F. Provider shall
maintain a directory of professional community services and shall make relevant
information available to parents/guardians as needed.
G. Provider shall obtain written permission
from the parent/guardian to take the child off the premises of the group child
care home. Such permission shall be obtained prior to the activity.
H. Transportation of Children
1. Transportation of the children by the
provider and/or the assistants, including requirements for child restraint
systems, shall follow the state laws and regulations of the Rhode Island
Department of Transportation, Registry of Motor Vehicles and shall be covered
by liability insurance.
2. Children
shall not be left unattended in a vehicle.
3. Station wagon tailgates and rear windows
shall be kept closed at all times when children are being
transported.
I. Provider
shall have liability insurance covering the group child care program.
J. Provider shall not release a child to any
parent/guardian or other person who appears to be under the influence of
alcohol or drugs when that person is going to be transporting the
child.
K. Provider shall maintain a
file for each child in care.
1. The file shall
contain all information gathered on the child, including medical forms,
emergency treatment forms, child care agreement with parent/guardian and
permission forms.
2. All
information about a child in care shall be kept confidential and shall not be
released to any person without the written permission of the
parent/guardian.
3. Files for all
children in care shall be kept together in a place where they are readily
accessible.
L. Accident
or Illness of Child in Care
1. Provider shall
keep a written record of any accident or illness that occurs while the child is
in care and shall include the record in the child's file.
2. Provider shall notify the parent/guardian
immediately in the event of an accident or other emergency requiring the child
to have medical attention.
3.
Provider shall notify the parent/guardian of any accident occurring while the
child is in care. Notification shall be given on the same day that the accident
occurs.
M. Group Family
Child Care License and Regulations
1. Provider
shall post the Group Family Child Care Home License in a prominent place in the
home where it is visible to parents/guardians.
2. Provider shall make the Group Family Child
Care Home Regulations for Licensure available to prospective parents/guardians
and the parents/guardians of the children in care.
N. Provider shall allow representatives from
the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Rhode
Island Office of the Child Advocate entrance into the group family child care
home at any time that child care is being provided. Department representatives
and the Child Advocate or his/her designee shall be allowed to inspect the home
to determine compliance with the Regulations and shall be allowed access to all
records kept by the provider related to the compliance with the Regulations for
Licensure.
O. Provider shall not
discriminate in providing childcare on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious
belief, political belief or handicap.
P. Provider shall not advertise as a child
care center, nursery school or pre-school.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island 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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