10A NCAC 09 .2408. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

(a)  All staff working with the mildly ill children shall complete all requirements in this Subchapter pertaining to preservice training, inservice training and staff records.  In addition, the requirements for staff who care for children with Level One symptoms as described in Rule .2404, Paragraphs (a)(1)(A) and (B) of this Section shall be as follows:

(1)           Each group of children shall have a lead teacher present who has the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or its equivalent prior to assuming care giving responsibilities.

(2)           Each group of children shall have a staff person present who meets the requirements in 10A NCAC 09 .0705, Paragraphs (a), (b), and (d).  This may or may not be the same individual referenced in Subparagraph (a)(1) of this Rule.

(3)           In addition to staff orientation requirements in Section .0700, prior to assuming care giving duties all caregivers must complete 10 hours of training and demonstrate competency on how to perform the following:

(A)          storage and administration of medication;

(B)          infection control procedures;

(C)          aspiration of nasal secretions;

(D)          positioning for sleeping and eating;

(E)           temperature and respiratory rate taking;

(F)           documentation of signs, symptoms, physical appearance, intake and output, communication with family and physicians;

(G)          recognizing when to temporarily stop, increase, or decrease oral intake;

(H)          recognizing signs and symptoms associated with the increased severity of illness including behavioral changes, changes in bowel movements, increased sluggishness, etc.;

(I)            developing individualized plans of care;

(J)            special dietary requirements and maintaining hydration; and

(K)          emergency procedures, including notification of a parent, should a child's condition worsen.

(4)           Any caregiver caring for a child whose illness requires special knowledge, skills or equipment shall have appropriate training and equipment when applicable prior to caring for the child.

(5)           Completion of the above training may count toward meeting one year's annual on-going training requirements in Section .0700 of this Subchapter.

(6)           When a center enrolls mildly ill children as a component of a child care center, the administrator shall meet the education requirements for administrators as required by G.S. 110-91(8).

(7)           In a center exclusively enrolling mildly ill children, the administrator shall have a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential or equivalent prior to assuming administrative duties.

(b)  In addition to the staffing requirements listed in Subparagraphs (a)(1)-(5) of this Rule, if children with Level Two symptoms as described in Parts (a)(2)(A) – (a)(2)(E) of Rule .2404 of this Section are in care, the following number of medical staff shall be on site based upon the total number of children in care.

No. of Children                    Type of Medical Staff

1 to 10                                   At least an RN, or a LPN with a health care professional in the immediate vicinity

10 to 20                                 At least an RN

20 to 40                                 At least an RN and an additional LPN

Each medical staff shall have at least one year of full-time pediatric nursing experience, and may count in staff/child ratio. Medical staff may also act as lead teachers if they have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or equivalent.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-88(11); 143B-168.3;

Eff. April 1, 2003.