Tiny Thinkers

Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

Rule .32(4) - Center Cap. 19+/ Separate ages: (4) For Centers with a licensed capacity of 19 or more, children under three (3) years of age shall be housed in separate physical areas from older children and cannot be mixed with older children except at the following times and circumstances:

Rule .32(4)(a) - Center cap. 19+/ first/last hour combined ages (Recite-Not Met): (a) During early morning times of arrival and late afternoon times of departure, infants and children younger than three (3) years may be grouped with older children so long as Staff:child ratios and group size are met based upon the age of the youngest child in the group.

Rule .36(7)(d)2. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 2nd Check (Recite-Not Met): 2. The second designated Staff person shall conduct a check of the vehicle immediately upon the completion of the first check of the vehicle. The responsible person shall physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle's interior; and sign the passenger transportation checklist(s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle. There shall be continuous watchful oversight of the vehicle between the first check and second check.

Rule .36(7)(d)1. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 1st Check (Recite-Not Met): 1. The first check shall be conducted immediately upon unloading the last child at any location including, but not limited to, a field trip destination, arrival at the Center, and the last stop during transportation to home or school. The responsible person on the vehicle shall: physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle’s interior; sign the passenger transportation checklist (s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle; and give the passenger transportation checklist(s) to the second designated Staff person.

Rule .36(7)(c)3. - Departure/arrival dates/times (Recite-Not Met): 3. The driver or other designated Staff person shall also document in writing the dates and the departure/arrival times for all types of transportation on the passenger transportation checklist as follows: School Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, is loaded or unloaded at each school and when the vehicle returns to the Center; Home Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, arrives at the location where any child is picked up or dropped off and when the vehicle returns to the Center; and Field Trip Transportation- each time the vehicle leaves the Center, arrives at a field trip destination, leaves a field trip destination, and returns to the Center.

Rule .36(7)(c)2. - Load/Unload Accounted For: The driver or other designated person shall immediately document in writing, with a check or other mark/symbol to account for each child listed on the passenger transportation checklist each time a child enters and exits the vehicle. The driver or other designated staff person shall document in writing with a different mark/symbol to account for each child listed on the passenger transportation checklist who was not present on the vehicle for any reason. An explanation shall be documented in writing whenever a child is transported to a field trip site but is not present on the return trip to the Center.

Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight (Recite-Not Met): (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

Rule .32(4)(a) - Center cap. 19+/ first/last hour combined ages (Recite-Not Met): (a) During early morning times of arrival and late afternoon times of departure, infants and children younger than three (3) years may be grouped with older children so long as Staff:child ratios and group size are met based upon the age of the youngest child in the group.

Rule .26(9) - Playground-Safe/Clean (Recite-Not Met): (9) Safety and Upkeep of Playground. Playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.

Rule .15(7) - Food restrictions/Not accessible: (7) Restrictions. Food shall be served according to manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Foods that are associated with young children’s choking incidents, such as, but not limited to, peanuts, hot dogs, raw carrots, popcorn, fish with bones, cheese cubes, grapes and any other food that is of similar shape and size of the trachea/windpipe shall not be served to the children less than four (4) years of age. Children older than four (4) years of age may be served these foods provided that the foods are cut in such a way as to minimize choking. Food shall not be accessible or served to children until it has been chopped, diced, cut or mashed and is appropriate for each child’s age and individual eating, chewing and swallowing ability.

Rule .07(5) - Pacifiers and other attachments around neck (Recite-Not Met): (5) Hazardous Items. Children shall not be permitted to wear around their necks or attach to their clothing pacifiers or other hazardous items.

Rule .03(2) - Lesson Plans/ Equipment/Materials: (2) Current lesson plans shall be kept on site and reflect appropriate instruction practices and activities to support children’s development. The center shall have sufficient and varied play and learning equipment and materials to support the above program of activities in all developmental areas.

Rule .36(8) - Travel Restriction: (8) Travel Restriction. Unless accompanied by his or her Parent, no child shall be required to travel more than forty-five (45) minutes on each trip between the Center and destination point, excluding field trips.

Rule .36(7)(d)2. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 2nd Check: 2. The second designated Staff person shall conduct a check of the vehicle immediately upon the completion of the first check of the vehicle. The responsible person shall physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle's interior; and sign the passenger transportation checklist(s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle. There shall be continuous watchful oversight of the vehicle between the first check and second check.

Rule .36(7)(d)1. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 1st Check: 1. The first check shall be conducted immediately upon unloading the last child at any location including, but not limited to, a field trip destination, arrival at the Center, and the last stop during transportation to home or school. The responsible person on the vehicle shall: physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle’s interior; sign the passenger transportation checklist (s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle; and give the passenger transportation checklist(s) to the second designated Staff person.

Rule .36(7)(c)3. - Departure/arrival dates/times: 3. The driver or other designated Staff person shall also document in writing the dates and the departure/arrival times for all types of transportation on the passenger transportation checklist as follows: School Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, is loaded or unloaded at each school and when the vehicle returns to the Center; Home Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, arrives at the location where any child is picked up or dropped off and when the vehicle returns to the Center; and Field Trip Transportation- each time the vehicle leaves the Center, arrives at a field trip destination, leaves a field trip destination, and returns to the Center.

Rule .36(7)(b) - Emergency Medical Information: (b) Emergency Medical Information. An emergency medical information record must be maintained in the vehicle for each child being transported. The emergency medical information record for each child shall include a listing of the child's full name, date of birth, allergies, special medical needs and conditions, current prescribed medications that the child is required to take on a daily basis for a chronic condition, the name and telephone number of the child's doctor, the local medical facility that the Center uses in the area where the Center is located and the telephone numbers where the Parents can be reached.

Rule .36(7)(a) - Center/Passenger Information: (a) Center and Passenger Information. Each vehicle used to transport children shall contain current information including the full names of all children to be transported, and each child's pick-up location, pick-up time, delivery location, alternate delivery location if a Parent is not at home and name of person authorized to receive each child. In addition, the vehicle shall contain current information identifying the Center's name and telephone number and the name of the driver of the vehicle.

Rule .36(4)(c) - Fire Extinguisher: (c) Fire Extinguisher. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher maintained in working order and kept inaccessible to children.

Rule .33(1) - Orientation-Employee: (1) Center Orientation. Prior to assignment to children or task, all Employees (i.e., volunteers, students-in-training, independent contractors, etc.) and Provisional Employees must receive initial Center orientation.

Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

Rule .32(4)(a) - Center cap. 19+/ first/last hour combined ages: (a) During early morning times of arrival and late afternoon times of departure, infants and children younger than three (3) years may be grouped with older children so long as Staff:child ratios and group size are met based upon the age of the youngest child in the group.

Rule .30(1)(a)3 - Crib Sheet: 3. Crib Sheet. Each crib shall have only an individual, tight-fitting sheet which is changed daily or more often as needed and prior to a change of occupant.

Rule .30(1)(a)2 - Crib mattress: 2. Crib Mattress. A mattress shall be provided for each crib and shall be firm, tight-fitting without gaps, at least two inches (2") thick and covered with waterproof, washable material. Before a change of occupant, each mattress shall be cleaned with a disinfectant.

Rule .26(9) - Playground-Safe/Clean: (9) Safety and Upkeep of Playground. Playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.

Rule .21(2)(r) - New - Policies & Procedures - Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma: (r) A description of the practices followed by the Center to prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma in children up to five years of age that includes the following information: how to recognize, respond to, and report the signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; strategies to assist staff members in understanding how to care for infants and how to cope with a crying, fussing, or distraught child; strategies to ensure staff members understand the brain development of children up to five years of age; and a list of prohibited behaviors when dealing with children.

Rule .21(1)(q) - Policies and Procedures-Safe Sleep: (q) A description of the safe sleep practices followed by the Center that includes the following information: the initial placement of Infants on their backs to sleep; no cover or other soft items in crib; appropriate sleep clothing for Infants to be provided by Parent; individual crib, cot or mat and bedding provided and changing and cleaning practices for these items; Infants who fall asleep in other equipment, on the floor or elsewhere will be moved to a crib to sleep; and no swaddling or positioning devices used.

Rule .19(1) - License capacity-35 square feet: (1) Usable Space Per Child. A Center's License capacity is based upon its size. A Center must have thirty-five (35) square feet of usable space per child. Kitchens, bathrooms, closets, halls, storage areas or rooms, offices, rooms designated for Staff use, other single use areas and space occupied by adult size furniture shall be excluded in determining usable space.

Rule .17(7) - Handwashing-Children: (7) Handwashing, Children. Children's hands shall be washed with soap and warm running water: immediately upon arrival for care; when moving from one child care group to another, and upon re-entering the child care area after outside play; before and after eating meals and snacks, handling or touching food, or playing in water; after toileting and diapering, playing in sand, touching animals or pets, and contact with bodily fluids such as, but not limited to, mucus, saliva, vomit or blood; and after contamination by any other means.

Rule .16(f) - Amendment Requests: (f) Amended License. If there is a change in the name of the program or Center, changes in the ages of the children to be served, an increase in the regular hours of operation such that the Center would be providing evening or night-time care in addition to day-time care, changes in the services provided, additions to or changes in the use of the building by the licensed Center, an application for an amended License shall be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the change, except in the case of an emergency. If an emergency situation arises which makes it impossible to give thirty (30) days' notice, the management of the Center shall notify the Department by telephone and shall submit an application for an amended License as soon as management becomes aware of the change that will be necessitated by the emergency situation. In no case, however, shall a new owner operate the Center without first securing a new License or Permit from the Department.

Rule .15(2)(f) - Food size to prevent choking: (f) Food for infants or children less than one (1) year of age shall be cut into pieces one-quarter inch or smaller and food for toddlers shall be cut into pieces one-half inch or smaller to prevent choking.

Rule .15(2) - Infant Feeding Plan: (2) Feeding of Infants and Children. A signed written feeding plan for children less than one (1) year of age shall be obtained from Parent(s). Instructions from the Parent(s) shall be updated regularly as new foods are added or other dietary changes are made. The feeding plan shall be posted in the child's assigned room and must include the child's feeding schedule, the amount of formula or breast milk to be given, instructions for the introduction of solid foods, the amount of food to be given and notation of any type(s) of commercially premixed formula which may not be used in an emergency because of food allergies.

Rule .09(1)(c) - Employee - satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination: (1)(c) A Center must ensure that every Employee has a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file prior to being present at the Center while any child is present for care or before an individual age 17 or older resides in the Center. The Comprehensive Records Check Determination must have a Records Check Clearance Date that is no older than the preceding 12 months of the hire date; provided, however, if the Employee has had a lapse of employment from the child care industry that lasted for 180 days (6 months) or longer, a new satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination is required.

Rule .07(5) - Pacifiers and other attachments around neck: (5) Hazardous Items. Children shall not be permitted to wear around their necks or attach to their clothing pacifiers or other hazardous items.