Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
Licensees have to either:
A “conspicuous place” means a place where parents, program staff and others can easily see it.
Additional information regarding equipment safety can be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
3. Materials that have a warning label indicating they are toxic for children, or to keep out of reach of children, must not be used by children.
Children cannot use shaving cream for play purposes. Shaving cream is labeled as toxic and is not safe for use by children. Children cannot use any other materials labeled "keep out of reach of children” for play purposes.
Note: Items including, but not limited to:
Soap-based foaming products that are non-toxic can be used instead of shaving cream.
4. Play equipment, materials, and furniture must be all of the following:
The center is responsible and accountable for making sure that:
5. A center shall provide a minimum of 3 playspaces per child multiplied by the number of children the center is licensed to serve.
6. A minimum of 2 playspaces must be accessible per child in attendance on any given day during child-initiated activity time.
A well-equipped center provides child-initiated choices, a stimulating environment and developmental opportunities.
“Playspace” means a piece or pieces of age-appropriate toys, play equipment, and materials that 1 child can use independently for 15 minutes.
Playspaces (ex: housekeeping, dramatic play, blocks, art, etc.) can vary based on:
For example:
| Type of Equipment | # of Play Spaces |
|---|---|
| 3 puzzles | 1 |
| 2-4 small cars/trucks | 1 |
| 3 books | 1 |
| Sensory table | 2-4 |
| Set of Legos | 1-2 |
| Board game | 2-4 |
| Computer & keyboard | 1 |
| Set of building blocks | 1-4, depending on the type of blocks and space available |
| Dramatic play area | 2-4 depending on the equipment and space |
The center is responsible and accountable for making sure that:
In infant and toddler rooms, it is recommended that:
7. Children shall have access to equipment and materials in the following areas on a daily basis:
| Type of Activity | Equipment/Material Examples |
|---|---|
| Large and small muscle | Climber, balance beam, manipulatives (such as beads, lacing boards) |
| Sensory exploration | Sand, water, playdough |
| Social interaction and dramatic play | Home living area, puppets |
| Discovery and exploration | Puzzles, table toys |
| Creative experiences through art, music & literature | Art supplies, musical instruments, reading materials |
| Math and science | Blocks, counters, nature items |
8. A current and accurate equipment inventory must be provided to the department before issuance of the original license and updated and made available at each renewal.
Assists the department in determining if the center has an adequate amount of age appropriate equipment, furnishings and materials for the capacity and age ranges on the license.
When putting together an equipment inventory, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Centers should organize the equipment inventory by group or room. It is also recommended that centers store the equipment inventory electronically so it can be easily updated.
9. A first aid kit must be readily accessible to staff and securely stored in the center.
Ensures that emergency supplies are available should an emergency occurs in which first aid supplies are needed.
“First aid kit” means a kit containing, at a minimum, all of the following: sterile gauze pads of assorted sizes, a roll of gauze, adhesive bandages of assorted sizes, adhesive cloth tape, an elastic bandage, tweezers, and scissors. A first aid kit is prohibited from containing any non-prescription or prescription medications as described under R 400.8152.
A First aid kit must be kept out of the reach of children because it contains sharp objects.
All program staff must know the location of and have access to the first aid kit.
Centers may wish to include additional items in the first aid kit such as:
It is recommended that parents be told if hand sanitizer is used by children in care.
10. A rocking chair or other comfortable, adult-sized seating must be provided for 50% of the program staff on duty who are providing infant and toddler care.
Comfortable, adult sized seating is conducive to interacting with and holding infants and toddlers by child care staff members.
The seating shall be of appropriate size and function in a way that ensures an adult can comfortably soothe an infant or toddler.
11. Trampolines and bounce houses must not be used by children in care at the child care center.
Trampolines present a safety hazard and have the potential for serious injury according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Trampolines of all sizes are not allowed, even with parental permission.
Bounce houses and other similar types of equipment are also prohibited, as they present the same hazards as trampolines.
Note: Child care centers can take children on field trips where trampolines, bounce houses and similar types of equipment are used with written parental permission.
12. Teething necklaces, bracelets, or beads must not be used by children in care at the child care center.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “strongly advises against using teething beads, necklaces, or any jewelry on infants due to the risk of choking and strangulation. These items, often made of amber, silicone, wood, or marble, are marketed to relieve teething pain, but pose significant safety hazards.”
This rule refers to necklaces, bracelets and beads meant for teething. Beaded pacifier clips are also prohibited as they are used for teething purposes.
13. Specialized equipment prohibited by these rules may be used by a child if specified in their individualized family service plan or individualized education program and in the manner described in their individualized family service plan or individualized education program.
