D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A163

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 5-A163 - CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER: INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PROGRAM SPACE

163.1

For the purposes of this section, "Program Space" is defined as space within the Child Development Center, that does not include the following:

(a) Food preparation areas;

(b) Kitchens;

(c) Bathrooms;

(d) Toilets;

(e) Offices;

(f) Staff rooms;

(g) Corridors;

(h) Hallways;

(i) Stairways;

(j) Closets;

(k) Lockers;

(l) Laundry rooms;

(m) Furnace rooms;

(n) File cabinets;

(o) Storage spaces; and

(p) Non-movable furniture that is not designed for the use of enrolled children.

163.2

Child Development Centers shall provide adequate indoor program space for the daily program of the Center. OSSE shall determine the licensed capacity of each Center serving infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers in accordance with Subsection 122.2.

163.3

Children under the age of two (2) years, or non-ambulatory children, may only occupy Center space that:

(a) Is on street level;

(b) Has two (2) means of egress; and

(c) If the means of egress involve steps, has ramps in place to enable staff to put children in evacuation cribs or flat strollers to roll them out in the event of an emergency, unless the lack of a ramp at any means of egress has been approved by FEMS.

163.4

Child Development Centers shall ensure that adequate room is provided for all program activities, and shall:

(a) Arrange the space to permit the easy accommodation of the entire range of activities offered by the program;

(b) Arrange the space so that various activities may occur simultaneously without disruption of one by another; and

(c) Ensure that there is adequate and convenient storage space for equipment, materials, and the personal possessions of enrolled children and Facility staff.

163.5

If a Child Development Center is located in a building that also houses other entities or persons, the portion of the building to which the children from the Center have access shall be for the exclusive use of children and staff of the Center during the Center's normal hours of operation, with the exception of entryways, hallways, and other common areas in the building normally available for use by the public. If unrelated business is conducted in child care areas when the Child Development Center is not in operation, activities associated with such business should not leave any residue in the air or on the surfaces or leave behind materials or equipment that can be harmful to children.

163.6

Child Development Centers serving infants, toddlers, or preschoolers shall provide suitable age-appropriate outdoor play space. This play space shall be at:

(a) An enclosed area, including a yard or playground, on the Facility's premises;

(b) A nearby park or playground; or

(c) A rooftop play space that meets the requirements of this chapter.

163.7

Child Development Centers shall provide, or have access to, a minimum of sixty square feet (60 ft²) of outdoor play space per child, based on the maximum number of children scheduled to play outdoors at any one time.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A163

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 14640 (12/2/2016)