R381-100-9. Facility

  (1) There shall be at least 35 square feet of indoor space for each child in care, including the provider's and employees' children.

  (2) Indoor space per child may include floor space used for furniture, fixtures, or equipment if the furniture, fixture, or equipment is used:

  (a) by children,

  (b) for the care of children, or

  (c) to store classroom materials.

  (3) The following areas are not included when measuring indoor space for children's use:

  (a) bathrooms,

  (b) closets and staff lockers,

  (c) hallways,

  (d) lobbies and entryways,

  (e) kitchens, and

  (f) staff offices.

  (4) The maximum allowed capacity for a child care facility may be limited by local ordinances.

  (5) The number of children in care at any given time shall not exceed the capacity identified on the license.

  (6) The provider shall ensure that any building or play structure on the premises constructed before 1978 that has peeling, flaking, chalking, or failing paint is tested for lead. If lead-based paint is found, the provider shall contact their local health department within 5 working days and follow required procedures for remediation of the lead hazard.

  (7) Each room and indoor area that is used by children shall be ventilated by mechanical ventilation, or by windows that open and have screens.

  (8) Windows and glass doors within 36 inches from the floor or ground shall be made of safety or tempered glass, or have a protective guard.

  (9) All rooms and areas shall have adequate light intensity for the safety of the children and the type of activity being conducted.

  (10) The provider shall maintain the indoor temperature between 65 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

  (11) There shall be a working telephone at the facility, in each vehicle while transporting children, and during offsite activities.

  (12) There shall be a working handwashing sink in each classroom or next to each classroom in buildings constructed after 1 July 1997.

  (13) Each area where infants or toddlers are cared for shall meet one of the following criteria:

  (a) There shall be 2 working sinks in the room. One sink shall be used exclusively for the preparation of food and bottles and handwashing before food preparation, and the other sink shall be used only for handwashing after diapering and nonfood activities.

  (b) There shall be 1 working sink that is used only for handwashing in the room, and all bottle and food preparation shall be done in the kitchen and brought to the infant and toddler area by a non-diapering staff member.

  (14) For preschoolers and toddlers who are toilet trained, there shall be 1 working toilet and 1 working sink for every fifteen children in the center. For school-age children, there shall be 1 working toilet and 1 working sink for every 25 children in the center.

  (15) A bathroom that provides privacy shall be available for use by school-age children.

  (16) There shall be an outdoor area that is safely accessible to children.

  (17) The outdoor area shall have at least 40 square feet of space for each child using the area at one time.

  (18) The total square footage of the outdoor area shall accommodate at least one-third of the approved capacity at one time or shall be at least 1600 square feet.

  (19) The outdoor area shall be enclosed within a fence, wall, or solid natural barrier that is at least 4 feet high.

  (20) When children are outdoors, they shall be in the enclosed area except during offsite activities.

  (21) There shall be no gap 5 by 5 inches or greater in or under the fence or barrier.

  (22) Whenever there are children in the outdoor area, there shall be shade available to protect them from excessive sun and heat.

  (23) If there is a swimming pool on the premises that is not emptied after each use:

  (a) the provider shall meet applicable state and local laws and ordinances related to the operation of a swimming pool and maintain the pool in a safe manner; and

  (b) when not in use, the pool shall be enclosed within at least a 4-foot-high fence or solid barrier that is kept locked and that separates the pool from any other areas on the premises, or covered with an approved enclosure that meets the ASTM F1346 standard.

  (24) The provider shall maintain buildings and outdoor areas in good repair and safe condition including:

  (a) ceilings, walls, and floor coverings;

  (b) lighting, bathroom, and other fixtures;

  (c) draperies, blinds, and other window coverings;

  (d) indoor and outdoor play equipment;

  (e) furniture, toys, and materials accessible to the children; and

  (f) entrances, exits, steps, and walkways including keeping them free of ice, snow, and other hazards.

  (25) Accessible raised decks or balconies that are 5 feet or higher, and open basement stairwells that are 5 feet or deeper shall have protective barriers that are at least 3 feet high.

  (26) If the facility is subdivided, any part of the building is rented out, or any area of the facility is shared including the outdoor area, the entire facility shall be inspected and covered individuals in the facility shall comply with all rules, except when all of the following conditions are met:

  (a) there is a separate entrance for the child care program;

  (b) there are no connecting interior doorways that can be used by unauthorized individuals; and

  (c) there is no shared access to the outdoor area used for child care, or a qualified caregiver is present when children are using a shared outdoor area of the facility.