Minn. R. agency 196, ch. 9503, pt. 9503.0155
In areas of the state that have adopted the Minnesota State Building Code, the applicant must comply with the standards specified by the code if the application is an initial one. In those areas of the state that have not adopted the Minnesota State Building Code, an applicant for licensure must comply with any applicable local building ordinances if the application is an initial one. The commissioner must not grant an initial license until written verification of compliance with the State Building Code or local building ordinance, when applicable, has been received by the commissioner from the building official with jurisdiction.
The center must be inspected by a fire marshal within 12 months before initial licensure. The commissioner must not grant an initial license until the commissioner has received written approval of compliance with the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code from the fire marshal with jurisdiction.
If the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that a potential hazard exists, the commissioner may request another inspection and written report by a fire marshal, building official, or health authority to verify the absence of hazard.
Indoor and outdoor space to be used for child care must be designated on a facility floor plan. This space must be exclusively used for child care by the center during the hours of operation. The initial application for licensure and the center's administrative record must contain a floor plan of the center. Precise scale drawings are not required. The plan must indicate the:
A center must have storage space for each child's clothing and personal belongings. The space must be at a height appropriate to the age of the child.
Space must be provided in the center for a child who becomes sick at a center not licensed to operate a sick care program under part 9503.0085. The space must be separate from activity areas used by other children. A cot and blanket must be provided. The space must be within sight and hearing of a staff person and supervised by a staff person when occupied by a sick child.
An outdoor activity area that complies with the following items must be provided or available for all child care programs except those licensed to exclusively provide sick care as specified in part 9503.0085, drop in care as specified in part 9503.0075, and those operating for less than three hours a day.
A telephone that is not coin operated must be located within the center. A list of emergency numbers must be posted next to the telephone. If a 911 emergency number is not available, the numbers listed must be those of the local fire department, police department, emergency transportation, and poison control center.
The licensed capacity of the center must be limited by the amount of indoor space. A minimum of 35 square feet of indoor space must be available for each child in attendance. Hallways, stairways, closets, utility rooms, lavatories, water closets, kitchens, and space occupied by cribs may not be counted as indoor space. Twenty-five percent of the space occupied by furniture or equipment used by staff or children may be counted as indoor space.
Radiators, fireplaces, hot pipes, and other hot surfaces in areas used by children must be shielded or insulated to prevent burns.
Except in a center that serves only school-age children, electrical outlets must be tamper proof or shielded when not in use.
Bodies of water within or adjacent to the center must be inaccessible to children. When using a pool or beach, children must be supervised at all times.
A minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit must be maintained in indoor areas used by children.
Kitchens, stairs, and other hazardous areas must be inaccessible to children except during periods of supervised use.
Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified inspector. The name of the inspector and date of the inspection must be written on a tag attached to the extinguisher.
Outside doors and windows used for ventilation must be screened to provide protection from insects.
Toilets and hand sinks must be provided as specified in items A to G:
Minn. R. agency 196, ch. 9503, pt. 9503.0155
Statutory Authority: MS s 245A.02; 245A.09; 252.28