Child Safety

If children are permitted on the premises for any reason, the Licensed or Approved Provider shall ensure that children on site are supervised at all times by an adult, and that the premises are safe for children. (A) Safety provisions shall include: (1) floors and walls free from dangerous protruding objects; (2) intact banisters and balusters; (3) tall or top-heavy furniture bolted to the floor or wall; (4) electrical cords secured to baseboard or floor; (5) toys in children's play areas sanitized daily with written cleaning procedures posted; (6) in facilities with kitchens, children younger than six years old shall not be permitted in kitchen areas, and kitchen cabinets and refrigerators shall be equipped with child-proof locking mechanisms; (7) protective covers on radiators; (8) If children younger than six years old are present, provisions shall also include: (a) covers larger than 1x4 inches installed on all electrical outlets; (b) diaper changing areas with a safety strap and adequate supplies for cleaning the surface with a disinfectant after each use; (c) safety bars on windows above the first floor, and on any other hazardous window accessible to children; and (d) gates placed across top and bottom of stairways. (B) If the Licensed or Approved Provider provides a separate area for children and restricts children's access to other parts of the premises, provisions under 105 CMR 164.059(A) shall apply to the separate children's areas only. (C) Licensees providing residential services for children, or allowing overnight visitation, shall ensure the parent is or will be educated on safe sleep procedures. The program shall ensure no children younger than two years old be allowed to co-sleep with their parent.