Program requirements

1. The child care center operator shall have a program of daily individual or small group activities appropriate to the ages and needs of the children in the child care center. The program must include activities which foster sound social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth, and the program must be developed with consideration of parental input. A written daily routine including mealtimes, rest times, planned developmentally appropriate activities, free play, and outside time must be available to parents. The daily routine must be flexible enough to allow for spontaneous activity as appropriate. 2. The program must be flexible and subject to modification for individual child differences. 3. The program must be written and varied to promote the physical and emotional well-being of the children, to encourage the acquisition of information and knowledge, and to foster the development of language skills, concepts, self-discipline, and problem-solving activities. The program must describe how the activities planned meet the children's developmental needs, including the special needs of children. The written program must be made available to parents. 4. The program must include firsthand experiences for children to learn about the world in which they live. 5. Learning experiences must be conducted in consultation with parents to ensure harmony with the lifestyle and cultural background of the children. 6. The program must provide a balance of quiet and active indoor and outdoor group and individual activities. A time for supervised child-initiated and self-selected activity must be established. 7. If children are allowed to assist in any food preparation, the activity must be limited to use of equipment and appliances that do not present a safety hazard. Children may not be allowed in the kitchen or laundry area unsupervised. 8. A variety of games, toys, books, crafts, and other activities and materials must be provided to enhance the child's intellectual and social development and to broaden the child's life experience. Each child care center must have enough play materials and equipment so, that at any one time, each child in attendance may be involved individually or as a group. 9. The cultural diversity of the children must be reflected in the program through incorporation of their language, food, celebration, and lifestyles, if appropriate. 10. Equipment and furniture must be durable and safe and must be appropriately adapted for children's use. 11. Sufficient space accessible to children must be provided for each child's personal belongings. 12. The child care center shall supplement, augment, and reinforce the child's activities at home and, where applicable, at school. 13. At the time of enrollment, the director or supervisor shall discuss with the parents the children's habits, activities, and schedules while at home and in school and the parents' special concerns about their past and future behavior and development. The schedule and activities must be designed to complement and supplement the children's experiences at home and in school. 14. Staff members responsible for caring for or teaching children shall encourage parents to visit the facility, observe, and participate in the care of their children. 15. The director or supervisor shall contact parents to offer meaningful opportunities to participate in general program policymaking. 16. The child care center shall stress personal hygiene practices appropriate for a child's age and development. 17. The director or supervisor shall contact parents to exchange information concerning the child and any concerns about the health, development, or behavior of the child. These concerns must be communicated to the parent promptly and directly. 18. Each child's cultural and ethnic background and primary language or dialect must be respected by the staff members. 19. Each child care center shall have a designated area where a child can sit quietly or lie down to rest. There must be sufficient cots or sleeping mats to allow each child in attendance an individual napping space. The floor may be used only when the floor is carpeted or padded, warm, and free from drafts, and when individual blankets or coverings are used. The child care center shall set napping schedules for children according to the children's ages and needs. For children unable to sleep, the director or supervisor shall provide time and space for quiet play.