10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 33, § 19

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 144-33-19 - NIGHTTIME CARE

A.Additional rules for nighttime care. A licensee receiving children for night care must comply with the requirements in this section, in addition to other sections of this rule.

B.Limitation for over night care. On a given day, if working alone, a licensee must be limited to operating either a daytime child care or a nighttime child care, unless additional providers are employed.

C.Rooms above the first floor. A room above the first floor may be used for sleeping or napping if the room has two exits, with one exit leading directly to the outside, with means to safely reach the ground level.

D.Emergency planning. The provider must ensure that:

1. There is a night light or other mechanism to illuminate hallways leading to stairs and restrooms;

2. There is a plan for evacuating children to safety in case of fire or emergency;

3. Smoke detection equipment is operating, properly mounted and installed on all floors where children sleep; and

4. Nighttime fire evacuation drills are conducted at least once eachmonth, while children are sleeping, using at least two means of exit.

E.Beds and bedding. A licensee who offers nighttime care must have a safe and sturdy crib for each infant, and a safe and sturdy bed or cot with mattress and a pillow for each older child.

1. The top level of bunk beds must have a safety rail.

2. Waterbeds shall not be used for children under 36 months of age.

3. Sheets must be changed weekly between use by different children, or more frequently if needed. No child may be allowed to sleep in a wet bed.

4. Beds arranged side by side must be at least two feet apart.

5. Cribs for infants must comply with Section 18. E. of this rule.

F.Privacy. The provider must have written approval from the parent of each child in care to share a sleeping room with another person. Separate sleeping and dressing areas must be provided for school-age boys and girls.

G.Bathing. Bathing facilities must be available.

1. Children must not take baths together or share the same bath water.

2. The provider must give each child a shower, tub or sponge bath in a manner agreed upon between the parent and the provider.

3. Tubs or showers must be cleaned after each use.

4. Children must be given clean washcloths and towels.

5. No child under five years of age shall be left unattended while in the bathtub.

6. Each child must have individual toilet articles such as comb, toothbrush, towel and washcloth.

10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 33, § 19