14 Del. Admin. Code § 934-III-35.0

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

Section 934-III-35.0 - Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments

35.1 A licensee shall ensure the program includes times for rest or sleep appropriate to each child's individual physical needs.

35.1.1 A quiet activity must be provided for children who have rested for 30 minutes and do not seem to need or want more rest.

35.1.2 Preschool children not needing to rest or sleep must have at least 30 minutes of quiet play daily.

35.2 Rest or sleep equipment must meet the safety standards required by CPSC or other recognized authority approved by OCCL and kept in a safe condition.

35.3 A licensee shall ensure each child, except children who do not sleep at the home, has clean, safe, age-appropriate sleep equipment. This may be a crib, playpen, pack-and-play (without ripped mesh), cot, bed, or mat.

35.3.1 Each child under 18 months old who does not walk must sleep in a crib, playpen, or pack-and-play.

35.3.2 A child between 12 and 18 months old who walks may sleep on a cot, mat, or bed with written parent or guardian permission.

35.3.3 Preschool-age and school-age children who do not nap at the home do not need sleep equipment.

35.4 A licensee shall ensure a child's rest equipment is labeled with the child's name or assigned chart number unless cleaned and disinfected after each use.

35.4.1 A licensee shall document chart numbers and assignments and keep them current.

35.4.2 Children must use only their assigned equipment while enrolled in the home.

35.5 Mattresses and sleep equipment must be non-absorbent and cleanable.

35.5.1 Cots, mats, and crib mattresses must be cleaned with soap and water and then sanitized weekly and when soiled or wet.

35.5.2 Mats must be stored so there is no contact with the sleep surface of another mat or cleaned and disinfected after each use.

35.5.3 Sleep equipment and bedding must be cleaned and sanitized before being assigned to another child.

35.6 Children over age one (1) must be provided with top and bottom covers.

35.6.1 Sheets and blankets or other bedding must be cleaned at least weekly and when soiled or wet.

35.6.2 Bedding must be stored so there is no contact with another child's bedding.

35.7 A licensee shall ensure sleep equipment is placed at least 11/2 feet apart while in use.

35.8 The rest area must provide enough light to allow the children to be seen.

35.9 A licensee shall follow Safe Sleep Practices for Infants:

35.9.1 A licensee shall ensure cribs meet the current standards of CPSC or other safety authority recognized by OCCL.

35.9.2 Infants must sleep only in cribs, pack-and-plays, and playpens.

35.9.2.1 The use of soft surfaces, such as soft mattresses, pillows, sofas, and waterbeds, are prohibited as infant sleep surfaces.

35.9.2.2 A licensee shall ensure infants who fall asleep in car seats, swings, seats, or other equipment are immediately moved to cribs, pack-and-plays, or playpens.

35.9.3 Cribs must not be stacked while in use.

35.9.4 Cribs must not have gaps larger than 2 3/8 inches between the slats.

35.9.5 Cribs, pack-and-plays, and playpens must have top rails at least 20 inches above the mattresses.

35.9.5.1 The mattress must be set at its lowest position.

35.9.5.2 Latches on cribs, pack-and-plays, or playpens must be safe, secured, and hazard-free.

35.9.6 Crib mattresses must be firm and tight fitting to the frame and covered with a tight-fitting bottom sheet only.

35.9.7 Pillows, bibs, blankets, bumper pads, cloth diapers other than those worn by an infant, comforters, top sheets, quilts, sheepskin, sleep positioning devices (except as described in subsection 35.9.9.1), stuffed toys, and other items are prohibited in a crib, pack-and-play, and playpen.

35.9.7.1 Infants may use pacifiers in a crib.

35.9.7.2 Toys or objects attached to cribs, pack-and-plays, or playpens are prohibited.

35.9.8 Swaddling of infants requires written parent or guardian permission. Blankets are prohibited for swaddling when laying an infant down to sleep. However, swaddle-blanket sleepers may be used.

35.9.9 Infants must be placed on their backs when laid down to sleep as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

35.9.9.1 OCCL allows an exception if the infant's health care provider documents that a physical or medical condition requires a different sleeping position or use of a sleep-positioning device.

35.9.9.2 The health care provider must document the new sleep position or the device and how to use it.

35.10 The licensee may allow a maximum of two (2) children in care under age two (2) to sleep in other areas with written parent permission and documented sleep checks every 15 minutes.

35.10.1 The other area must be on the same level of the home where care is provided.

35.10.2 If the area or room has a door, it must remain open when a child is using the area.

35.11 The licensee may allow children over age two (2) to sleep alone in other areas as long as the area is on the same level of the home where care is provided. If the area or room has a door, it must remain open when a child is using the area.

35.12 Household children may sleep in their own bedroom as long as it is on the same level of the home where care is provided.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 934-III-35.0

24 DE Reg. 272 (9/1/2020)
25 DE Reg. 1017 (5/1/2022) (Final)