Md. Code Regs. 13A.16.09.01

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 13A.16.09.01 - Schedule of Daily Activities for All Children

A. The operator shall prepare, post, and follow a written schedule of daily activities and offer activities that:

(1) Promote the sound emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth of each child;

(2) Are appropriate to the age, needs, and capabilities of the child based on the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, such as short periods of tummy time, under adult supervision, while awake for a child under 12 months old;

(3) Include opportunities for individual and group participation;

(4) Include a balance between self-selected and staff-directed activities;

(5) Include a balance between active and quiet periods;

(6) Include periods of rest appropriate to the age, needs, and activities of the child; and

(7) Include outdoor play in the morning and afternoon except that outdoor play need not be included:

(a) When the weather is inclement; or

(b) In a before-school program.

B. A before-school and after-school program schedule of activities shall take into consideration that the child has attended an instructional program during regular school hours.

C. Screen Time Activities.

(1) Definitions. In this section, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

(a) "Interactive technology" means educational and age-appropriate technology, including programs, applications (apps), noncommercial television programming, videos, streaming media, and ebooks, that is designed to:

(i) Facilitate active and creative use of technology; and

(ii) Encourage social engagement with other children and adults.

(b) "Passive technology" means noninteractive television, videos, and streaming media.

(2) Limited use of appropriate interactive technology may support, but may not replace, creative play, physical activity, hands-on exploration, outdoor experiences, social interactions, and other developmentally appropriate learning activities for children 2 years old or older.

(3) Viewing Restrictions. Except as set forth in §C(4) of this Regulation, a child in attendance who is:

(a) Younger than 2 years old may not be permitted to view any passive technology; and

(b) 2 years old or older may not be permitted to view more than 30 minutes of age-appropriate, educational passive technology per week.

(4) Exceptions.

(a) An occasional exception to the weekly passive technology viewing limit set forth in §C(3) of this Regulation may be made for a special event or project, including a holiday or birthday celebration, or for educational content that is related to the center's curriculum.

(b) If an exception to the weekly passive technology viewing limit is made, a written record of the exception shall be made and retained on file that documents the:

(i) Nature and duration of the programming viewed; and

(ii) Reason for the exception.

(5) No child may be permitted to view any:

(a) Passive or interactive technology during a meal or a snack; or

(b) Media with brand placement or advertising for unhealthy or sugary food or beverages.

(6) The operator shall give the parent of each enrolled child a written screen time policy that addresses the use of passive and interactive technology during child care hours.

Md. Code Regs. 13A.16.09.01

Regulation .01 amended effective 42:14 Md. R. 881, eff.7/20/2015; amended effective 51:8 Md. R. 367, eff. 4/29/2024.