Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
1. A center shall provide toilet and hand washing sinks as follows:
Young children use the toilet frequently and cannot wait long when they have to use the toilet.
Urinals may count for not more than half of the required number of toilets. Only one child can use the urinal at a time; more than one can contaminate the area.
Sinks with more than one faucet or fountain-type sinks may count as more than one sink, depending upon how many children can comfortably use them at one time.
A fully functioning portable sink with warm running water can be counted as a hand washing sink. Portable sinks must be cleaned and sanitized according to the manufacturer specifications. Portable sinks must be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet per R 400.8550(6).
This rule is based on the licensed capacity of the program. Other children that may share bathrooms with the licensed program are not counted. For example, if a licensed preschool is located in a school, the school children are not counted when determining the number of sinks and toilets needed.
2. Any center that is new, adds an infant and toddler component, or increases the infant and toddler capacity shall have a diapering area with a readily accessible, designated hand washing sink.
Helps prevent the spread of contaminants and disease.
A fully functioning portable sink with warm running water can be counted as a handwashing sink for the purposes of this rule. Portable sinks must be cleaned and sanitized according to the manufacturer specifications. Portable sinks must be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet per R 400.8550(6).
Hand washing sinks must not be used for bathing or cleaning smeared fecal matter from a child. Hand washing sinks must not be used for rinsing dirty clothes or for cleaning toileting equipment.
Before buying a portable sink, consult with the local Environmental Health Sanitarian and Qualified Fire Inspector for proper installation, maintenance, and compliance with all applicable rules.
3. A separate hand washing sink is required in the kitchen for all of the following:
Prevents cross-contamintion and the spread of disease.
Hand washing sinks must not be used for rinsing dirty clothes or for cleaning toileting equipment.
4. Hand washing sinks for children must be accessible to children by platform or installed at children’s level.
Facilitates proper hand washing by children.
Ensures the availability of hot water to facilitate cleaning and sanitation.
5. Hand washing sinks must have warm running water not to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anti-scalding devices can be bought online or at a local home improvement or hardware store.
Centers should regularly test the water temperature at sinks children use. Use a meat thermometer to test the water temperature. Run the water at its hottest setting for three to five minutes. Then, hold the thermometer under the hot water until the temperature gauge stops moving. If the water is too hot, adjust the water heater and wait one full day to test again.
Tap water burns are the leading cause of nonfatal burns. Children under 5 are the most frequent victims.
133-degree Fahrenheit water takes approximately 15 seconds to cause third degree burns to the skin.
Water that is 120 degrees Fahrenheit takes approximately 5 minutes to cause third degree burns. This may be enough time to remove the child from the hot water and avoid a burn.
6. Soap and single service towels or other approved hand drying devices must be provided near hand washing sinks.
Facilitates proper hand washing.
7. Toilet rooms for school-age children must provide for privacy.
Children should be allowed the opportunity to practice modesty.
Privacy means children cannot be seen by others while using the toilet.
