Buildings and Grounds

Buildings and Grounds 1. A certificate of inspection and approval by the fire department of the municipality or other political subdivision in which the child care facility is located shall be submitted to the licensing agency with the application and license fee. Except that if no fire department exists where the facility is located, the State Fire Marshall shall certify as to the inspection for safety from fire hazards. . The inspection form to be used for fire inspections shall be MSDH Form #333 and shall be signed by a signatory authority of the fire inspection authority making the inspection. 2. In non-land-based facilities, only ground level space with exits directly to the outside will be approved. 3. A written emergency evacuation route shall be posted in a conspicuous location within each room used by children. The plan will be subject to review, evaluation, and approval by the licensing agency. 4. Space requirements shall comply with the standards set forth in these regulations. However, in the absence of adequate outdoor playground area, not less than 25 percent nor more than 50 percent of the space allocated for children three to 13 years of age shall be set aside and dedicated to large muscle development activities. Such areas shall contain appropriate play equipment for large muscle development. Such equipment may include but is not limited to indoor gyms specifically designed and approved for children in the three- to 13-year-old age group. Final approval of the appropriateness of the equipment to be located in the designated area shall be made by the licensing agency. 5. If outdoor playground space is provided, but inadequate for the maximum capacity of the building, a schedule shall be provided to show how outdoor playtime will be made available to all the children. At no time will there be more children on the playground than the maximum number allowed computed at 75 square feet per child. Maximum outdoor playground area capacity shall be posted and adhered to at all times the area is in use. 6. When kitchens are not on-site, the hourly child care facility is required to maintain adequate storage and refrigeration for snacks. In addition, food shall be served in disposable containers unless an acceptable method of dishwashing is available such as described in ( Appendix B). All food served shall come from a permitted kitchen or catering facility. Food service shall comply with the standard . set in the current 10.0 Regulation Food Code as published by the Mississippi State Department of Health. 7. The ratio of one hand washing lavatory and one toilet for every 30 children shall be maintained. Separate facilities are required for boys and girls. 8. Facilities must meet the requirements of Rule 1.2.2 (1)(k) and Rule 1.11.1 (8) of these regulations. Referenced