School Age Child Care Program Regulations for Licensure

Regulation Authority:

42-72-5

Purpose and Reason:

This rule is amended for clarity and measurability in order to standardize Rhode Island's Child Care and School Age programs with national standards and nationally recognized best practice. Changes have been made to terms, names and position titles to align with the Rhode Island Department of Education, and national trends. Standards have been regrouped within sections of the rule or moved to new sections. In the amendment of this rule, consideration was given to the following: (1) alternative approaches and (2) overlap or duplication with other statutory and regulatory provisions. No alternative approach or duplication or overlap was identified based upon available information. The following changes were made in the final rule: The reason a program is placed on probation will print on the comment section of the probationary license. Programs that operate within a school are exempt from the fenced in playground requirement. Only prescription medications require a written order from a doctor. Programs may use reusable cups if properly sanitized. Water fountains, if proper sanitation procedures are followed, may be used if located within the licensed facility. The stipulation that staff must remain on site during breaks was removed. Requirement that staff eat the same meals and snacks was removed. Volunteers may no longer be counted as staff. An individual must be eighteen years or older to pick up a child. Compliance with the RI Department of Health’s Minimum Standards for Immunization and Communicable Disease Testing for Child Care Workers in Preschools is required. Trampolines are prohibited.