10A NCAC 10 .0810. HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS

Each nonlicensed child care home shall comply with the following requirements in order to maintain a safe, healthy and sanitary environment for children:

(1)           A health and emergency information form completed and signed by the child's parent or guardian shall be on file for each child who attends.  The completed form shall be on file on the first day the child attends with the exception of the child's immunization record which must be completed within 30 days after the first day the child attends.  A recommended form is available from the Division.  However, the provider may use another form, provided that form includes the following information:

(a)           the child's name, address, and date of birth;

(b)           the names of individuals to whom the child may be released;

(c)           the general status of the child's health;

(d)           any allergies or restrictions on the child's participation in activities with specific instructions from the child's parent or health professional;

(e)           the names and phone numbers of persons to be contacted in an emergency situation;

(f)            the name and phone number of the child's health provider and preferred hospital;

(g)           authorization for the provider to administer specified medication according to the parent's instructions, if the parent so desires;

(h)           authorization for the provider to seek emergency medical care in the parent's absence;

(i)            a record of the child's immunizations as required pursuant to G.S. 130A‑152.

(2)           The parent and provider shall discuss and agree upon the methods of discipline to be used with each child.  The use of corporal punishment by the nonlicensed home operator, substitute caregiver, or any other person in the home, is prohibited except as allowed in G.S. 110-101.1.  No child shall ever be placed in a locked or closed room, closet, or box.

(3)           All areas used by the children, indoors and outdoors, shall be kept clean and orderly and free of items which are hazardous to children.  Hazardous materials such as combustibles, medications, and cleaning supplies shall be kept in locked storage or stored out of the reach of children. Firearms and ammunition shall be kept separate and both shall be kept in locked storage.  Any in-ground pools on the premises shall be enclosed by a fence four feet high to prevent chance access by children.  Access to above-ground pools on the premises shall be prevented by locking and securing the ladder in a place or storing the ladder in a place inaccessible to the children.

(4)           First‑aid supplies shall be kept in a place easily accessible to the provider but out of the reach of children.

(5)           The nonlicensed home provider shall have access to a working telephone in case of emergency.  A written plan shall be developed that describes how the provider will access emergency assistance.  Emergency phone numbers shall be readily available.

(6)           To assure the safety of children whenever they are transported, the provider, or any other transportation provider, shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws concerning the transportation of passengers.  All children, regardless of age or location in the vehicle, shall be restrained by individual seat belts or child restraint devices.  Children shall never be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult.

(7)           Garbage shall be stored in waterproof containers with tight fitting covers.

(8)           The provider shall have sanitary toileting facilities, and sanitary diaper changing and handwashing facilities.

(9)           Soiled diapers shall be placed in a covered leak‑proof container which is emptied and cleaned daily.

(10)         The provider shall wash his or her hands after toileting and after diapering each child, and before and after feeding children or handling food.

(11)         The provider shall complete and keep on file the health self‑questionnaire form provided by the Division.

(12)         Each provider shall obtain written proof that she is free of active tuberculosis prior to initial approval.  The results indicating the individual is free of active tuberculosis shall be obtained within 12 months prior to applying for participation in the subsidized child care program. 

(13)         The provider shall serve nutritious meals and snacks appropriate in amount and type of foods served for the ages of children in care.

(14)         The provider shall provide daily opportunities for supervised outdoor play or fresh air, weather permitting.

(15)         The provider shall assure that the structure in which the nonlicensed home arrangement is located has clean drinking water, a sanitary disposal system, weather‑tight construction, and is otherwise safe for human habitation.  Indoor areas used by children shall be heated in cool weather and ventilated in warm weather.  The nonlicensed home arrangement shall be free of rodents.

(16)         Fuel burning heaters used when the children are in care shall be properly vented to the outside.  Fuel burning heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and portable electric heaters, when in use, shall have a securely attached guard.

(17)         A battery‑operated smoke detector shall be installed in the primary caregiving area of each nonlicensed child care home.

(18)         The nonlicensed home provider shall refrigerate all perishable food and beverages in a working refrigerator in good repair.

(19)         The provider shall successfully complete a basic first aid course within three months of beginning participation in this program.  The provider shall renew the basic first aid course every three years.

(20)         The nonlicensed home provider shall submit to the local purchasing agency criminal record check information required in 10A NCAC 09 .2704, for himself or herself and for any member of the household who is over 15 years of age and present when children are in care, within five working days of applying to participate in the subsidized child care program.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2); 143B‑153(2a);

Eff. February 1, 1993;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2001; February 1, 1996; February 1, 1994.