R400.8137 Telephone service

R400.8137 Telephone service

Rule 137 (1)—(3)

1. An operable phone must be available and accessible onsite during the hours the center is in operation.
2. During the hours the center is in operation, a phone number known to the public and available to parents to provide immediate access to the center must be provided.
3. Emergency phone numbers, including 911, fire, police, Michigan Mental Health Hotline (866-903-3783), and the poison control center, and the facility’s physical address and 2 main cross streets, must be conspicuously posted in a place visible to staff. For outdoor nature-based centers, emergency phone numbers, including 911, fire, police, and the poison control center, and the emergency location for emergency medical services to arrive must be available to all staff at all times while in operation and caring for children.

RATIONALE

A telephone must be available to all child care staff members in an emergency. This ensures that parents are able to reach the center and communicate with staff when needed. This also facilitates staff being able to quickly call for medical or other emergency assistance in the event of an emergency.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

A telephone must be available to all personnel in an emergency.

“Available” and “accessible” refers to all calls, incoming and outgoing.

If the center has a single land-line that is used for internet service during the hours of child care operation, software must be installed that alerts the user of incoming calls.

If voice mail or an answering system is used, the center must check the system for messages frequently throughout the day and return child care-related calls promptly.

The center must immediately notify the department of any telephone number changes.

BEST PRACTICE

Emergency phone numbers should be posted in each classroom on or near the emergency plans.