14 Del. Admin. Code § 934-III-20.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 934-III-20.0 - Parent or Guardian Communication

20.1 A licensee shall discuss the following information with a parent or guardian during the enrollment process and as needed:

20.1.1 Explain that parent or guardian visits are welcomed;

20.1.2 Ask about each child's culture and community, show respect for each family and culture, and discuss how to support these child care practices, especially concerning infants and toddlers;

20.1.3 State that parents or guardians are most important in children's development;

20.1.4 Identify the ongoing needs of the child and learn parent or guardian preferences, goals, concerns, or special circumstances that may influence the child's development, behavior, and learning;

20.1.4.1 Identify if the child has an IEP or IFSP; and

20.1.4.2 Discuss with a parent or guardian and service providers, as applicable, any reasonable accommodations or modifications needed by a child with a disability to access the program or services.

20.1.5 Explain how infant activities, such as feeding or sleeping, will be shared at the end of each day;

20.1.6 Explain safety procedures for indoors and outdoors, fires, pets, first aid, and emergencies;

20.1.7 Explain cleaning procedures, such as disinfecting, Standard Precautions as stated in Section 39.0, diapering, and toileting; and

20.1.8 Explain the program, including routine activities, equipment, and sleeping accommodations.

20.2 A licensee shall have and follow written policies in a handbook. The handbook must be given to a parent or guardian at enrollment. The handbook must include the following information:

20.2.1 A typical daily schedule;

20.2.2 Positive behavior supports policy;

20.2.3 Health policy, including the following:

20.2.3.1 Emergency health care that states how the parent or guardian will be notified, how the child will be transported, and what will happen if a parent or guardian cannot be reached;

20.2.3.2 Health exclusions listing when children are not allowed to be admitted or remain in care and what will happen when a child becomes ill and a parent or guardian cannot be reached; and

20.2.3.3 Notification and prevention of an outbreak of a communicable disease, including a list of reportable communicable diseases, and how parents or guardians will be informed if their children were exposed to a communicable disease or condition;

20.2.4 Food and nutrition policy, including a statement that children are encouraged but not forced to eat; approximate times of snacks and meals; how food allergies and other dietary requirements are handled; and whether a licensee or parent or guardian will provide food;

20.2.5 Release of children policy, including the following:

20.2.5.1 Procedures to release children only to people approved by a parent or guardian including a process for the emergency release of a child;

20.2.5.2 Monitoring the entrance of the home, or phone, email, or other communication methods used by the home to ensure the child is released from care when requested by the parent, guardian, or authorized release person;

20.2.5.3 Allowing school-age children to walk to their home or from the school bus stop to the family or large family home each with written parent or guardian permission;

20.2.5.4 Checking the identity of an unknown approved person before releasing the child and keeping documentation of this verification;

20.2.5.5 Procedures for handling situations in which a non-custodial parent attempts to claim the child without custodial parent or guardian permission; and

20.2.5.6 Procedures to be followed when an unapproved person wants to pick up a child, or a person who seems to be intoxicated or unable to bring the child home safely requests the release of a child;

20.2.6 Reporting procedures for accidents, injuries, or serious incidents;

20.2.7 Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect policy;

20.2.8 Administration of medication policy including reasonable accommodations for a child with disabilities;

20.2.9 Safe sleep practices for infants, if applicable;

20.2.10 Description of animals or pets regardless of the location within the home;

20.2.11 Suspension and expulsion policies such as the "Best Practice Statement for the Prevention of Expulsion and Suspension in Delaware Early Childhood Programs," found on the "My Child DE" website;

20.2.12 Non-discrimination policy assuring the child or family will not be discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, or any other category protected by state and federal laws; and

20.2.13 Transportation policy, if applicable.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 934-III-20.0

24 DE Reg. 272 (9/1/2020)
25 DE Reg. 1071 (5/1/2022)
26 DE Reg. 103 (8/1/2022) (Final)