Essential Child Care

Rule 300.301.8 At no time shall children be left unsupervised or unattended. The child care center shall provide additional staff for any temporary absence of primary child caring staff for activities such as breaks, meal preparation, transportation, etc.

Rule 1300.1301.14.*1 Any vehicles designed or used to transport more than seven (7) passengers and one (1) driver must have approved child safety alarm devices installed. These devices must be properly maintained in working order at all times. Vehicles in service at licensed facilities prior to July 1, 2005, shall have the alarm installed by a qualified technician or mechanic no later than December 31, 2005. On or after July 1, 2005, all vehicles at newly licensed facilities and newly acquired vehicles at existing facilities shall have a child safety alarm installed before placing the vehicle in service. The Child Care Licensing Unit shall maintain a list of approved alarm systems. Clarification – * The alarm system shall be installed so that the driver must walk to the very back of the vehicle to reach the switch that deactivates the alarm. Alarm switches installed in locations that do not require the driver to walk to the back of the vehicle and view all seating areas will not be acceptable. * The alarm system may be installed by any certified technician or mechanic employed by a recognized electronics or automotive business in accordance with the device manufacturer’s recommendations. * The time delay from activation of the alarm until the alarm sounds shall be no longer than one (1) minute. Any of the following three (3) options are acceptable to meet the intent of Act 1979 when children are being delivered at the facility. Other options must be approved by the Licensing Unit.

Rule 1300.1301.12 To ensure that no children are left on the vehicle, the driver or a staff member must walk through the vehicle and physically inspect each seat before leaving the vehicle. The driver or the staff member, who conducted the walk-through inspection, must sign the transportation roster to verify that all children have exited the vehicle.

Rule 900.906.1 Free standing arch climbers shall not be used for preschoolers.

Rule 900.906.1 Free standing arch climbers shall not be used for preschoolers.

Rule 300.306.4.01 All new staff, including volunteers who are counted in the ratios, shall receive the following orientation within three (3) months of employment (and every three (3) years thereafter) and shall not be left alone with children until this is completed.

Rule 700.702.5 Infants no longer held for feeding shall either sit in low chairs at low tables or in infant seats with trays, or in high chairs with wide bases. Safety straps shall be used if directed by the manufacturer.

Rule 300.301.2.a The following staff child ratios shall be maintained: Ages of Children Number of Staff Number of Children

Rule 100.110.1.a The following persons shall apply to the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police for a nationwide criminal record check, to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which shall include a fingerprint check: (The individual is responsible for the cost of a nationwide check. Each request must be accompanied by a check or money order made out to the Arkansas State Police.) Fingerprints submitted will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. Individuals with results showing a prohibited offense shall be advised to contact the Licensing Unit for procedures to obtain the results and for procedures to update or make corrections to the record of their individual history.

Rule 1300.1301.10 There shall be a seating space and an individual, appropriate restraint system provided for each child transported.

Rule 300.301.2.a The following staff child ratios shall be maintained: Ages of Children Number of Staff Number of Children

Rule 1000.1003.9 An individually labeled crib or safe playpen with a waterproof mattress shall be provided for each child less than twelve (12) months of age. A bassinet shall not be used. (Please note that the CPSC does not recommend the use of playpens in licensed child care.)

Rule 1000.1003.2 Infants and toddlers shall be placed in age appropriate cribs, cots, or mats meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, for when they fall asleep. (Note: Also, any items used in the crib must be used according to manufacturer guidelines, regardless if the child is sleeping or not, in accordance with 1001.1.)

Rule 900.902.9 Equipment shall not have protrusion hazards. (A protrusion is a projection which, when tested, is found to be a hazard having the potential to cause bodily injury to a user who impacts it.)

Rule 900.902.1 The area shall be free of hazards or potentially hazardous objects.

Rule 900.901.4 The play area or outdoor learning area shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed and provide at least seventy-five (75) square feet per child present on the playground at any time.

Rule 900.909.3.c Use zone protective surfacing depths shall be as follows: Minimum compressed loose-fill protective surfacing depths

Rule 1000.1001.1 All manufacturer guidelines shall be followed for furniture and equipment that is used by, or around, children.

Rule 800.801.13 Floors, ceilings, and walls shall be in good repair and kept clean. Paints used at the facility shall be lead free.

Rule 1200.1201.20 Electrical outlets shall be guarded.

Rule 1200.1201.6 Written procedures and evacuation diagrams for emergency drills shall be posted in each classroom.

Rule 1000.1003.2 Infants and toddlers shall be placed in age appropriate cribs, cots, or mats meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, for when they fall asleep. (Note: Also, any items used in the crib must be used according to manufacturer guidelines, regardless if the child is sleeping or not, in accordance with 1001.1.)

Rule 700.702.10 Bottles and “sippy cups” shall be labeled with the child’s name and shall be refrigerated.