470 IAC 3-4.7-68 Playground design

Sec. 68. (a) The outdoor caregivers will interact with children in all areas of the playground and ensure that all children are visible at all times. (b) The outdoor play area shall be safely enclosed, fenced, or protected from traffic by other natural barriers. Air compressors or other dangerous equipment in the outdoor play area shall be enclosed and inaccessible to children. (c) The outdoor play area shall contain at least seventy-five (75) square feet for each child outdoors at any one (1) time. (d) The outdoor play area shall be directly accessible from the indoor child care center. If this is not possible and children cross traffic areas, such as a street, alley, or parking lot, the following steps apply to crossing the area: (1) No child shall cross a traffic area unassisted. (2) Children shall wait at the edge of the traffic area. (3) The caregiver shall move to the center of the traffic area and assure that no autos are present or that all traffic is stopped. (4) The caregiver shall remain in the center of the traffic area until the last child has safely crossed the area. (5) When crossing public streets or other areas regularly traveled, caregivers shall display a flag, "Stop" sign, or other effective sign designed to halt traffic while children cross the area. (e) The outdoor play area and equipment shall be well drained and free from standing water.