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. Only prescription medications require a written order from a doctor. An additional item to the pacifier may be placed in the crib for children ages 18 months and older. Programs may use reusable cups. Programs that offer night care are exempt from head teacher requirement. Water fountains 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. A separate area, apart from the napping area, must be provided for children that will not nap. Volunteers may no longer be counted as staff. An individual must be eighteen years or older to pick up a child. Trampolines are prohibited. Compliance with the RI Department of Health’s Minimum Standards for Immunization and Communicable Disease Testing for Child Care Workers in Preschools is required.