10A NCAC 09 .2607. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

(a)  All staff working with children who are medically fragile shall complete all requirements relevant in G.S. 110 and this Chapter pertaining to preservice training, in-service training and staff records based on job duties.  In addition, the following requirements shall be met for staff that care for children who are medically fragile:

(1)           When on site, the program director may serve as the licensed Registered Nurse as required in Subparagraph (5) of this Paragraph.  The program director may serve as the child care administrator as long as requirements set forth in G.S. 110-91(8) and Rule.0704 of this Chapter are being met.  The program director shall be on site at least 50 percent of the total daily hours of operation, based on a normal working schedule; and that 50 percent may include times when the program director may be off site due to illness or vacation.

(2)           Staff needed to meet staff/child ratios set forth in Rule .2605 of this Section shall have a minimum of two years full-time nursing experience in pediatric health care.

(3)           Each group of children shall have a lead teacher or teacher present as required by Rule .0714(c) of this Chapter.  This individual also may be one of the health care professionals or unlicensed personnel required to meet the staff/child ratios in Rule .2605 of this Section.  The lead teacher shall have Infant/Toddler certification or B-K Licensure with a minimum of two years full-time early childhood work experience prior to assuming care giving responsibilities.  The teacher shall have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or its equivalent within six months of assuming care giving responsibilities.

(4)           When children are divided into two groups within the same space as specified in Rule .2605(b) of this Section, the combined groups shall be staffed by a licensed Registered Nurse, an additional health care professional, a lead teacher, and a teacher.

(5)           A minimum of one licensed Registered Nurse shall be with each group of children at all times, except as described in Subparagraph (a)(4) of this Rule.

(6)           A physician licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board who is a pediatrician, neonatologist, or who holds another pediatric subspecialty shall serve as the medical consultant.  Responsibilities shall include:

(A)          A liaison role with the medical community;

(B)          A quarterly review of services to assure services provided are consistent with the needs of the child;

(C)          Availability to provide consultation to center staff; and

(D)          Review reports of accidents or unusual incidents quarterly. 

(b)  In addition to all other special training required in Rule .0705 of this Chapter, the following shall be completed:

(1)           Any one counted in staff/child ratios shall successfully complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course within 12 months prior to assuming care giving responsibilities.  The course shall be appropriate for the ages of children in care.  The course shall be taken annually from the completion of the previous CPR course. 

(2)           Any unlicensed personnel counted in staff/child ratios shall complete a course in basic first aid training within 12 months prior to assuming care giving responsibilities.  Basic first aid training shall be completed every three years from the completion of previous basic first aid training. 

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-88(13); 110-91;

Eff. October 1, 2005.