PUB-002 (REV. 12/01/2020)

 
 
 
Table of Contents 
CHILD CARE LICENSING  6 
Related Laws and Requirements  6 
General Requirements  7 
Licensing Procedures  8 
License Fee  11 
Appeal of Licensing Actions  12 
Alternative Compliance  13 
Church-Operated Exemptions  14 
Licensing Investigations  14 
Child Maltreatment Checks  15 
FBI Criminal Records Check  15 
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION  20 
Administrative Procedures  20 
PERSONNEL  21 
Staff to Child Ratio  21 
Director  22 
Staff Requirements  23 
Volunteer Requirements  24 
Student Observers  24 
Professional Development  25 
PROGRAMS  26 
Program Requirements for all ages  26 
Infant and Toddler Specific Program Requirements  29 
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE  30 
Behavior Guidance Requirements  30 
Infant and Toddler Behavior Guidance Requirements  31 
RECORDS  31 
Record Requirements  31 

 
 
Facility Records  32 
Staff Records  32 
Children’s Records  33 
NUTRITION  33 
Nutrition Requirements  33 
Infant and Toddler Nutrition Requirements  34 
BUILDINGS  35 
Building Requirements  35 
Infant and Toddler Building Requirements  37 
PLAYGROUNDS and OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT  37 
Layout and Design  37 
General Hazards  38 
Balance Beams  39 
Slides  39 
Swings  39 
Climbing Equipment  40 
Merry Go Rounds  40 
Seesaws  40 
Protective Surfacing  40 
FURNITURE and EQUIPMENT  42 
Furniture and Equipment Requirements  42 
Sleeping Requirements for Preschool  42 
Infant and Toddler Sleeping Requirements  42 
HEALTH  43 
General Health Requirements  43 
Hand Washing  47 
Infant and Toddler Hand-Washing  47 
Drinking Facilities  48 
Toilet Facilities  48 
Infant and Toddler Toilet Facilities  48 

 
 
Diaper Changing  48 
Toilet Learning  49 
SAFETY  49 
Safety Requirements  49 
Infant and Toddler Safety Requirements  52 
Swimming Pools  52 
TRANSPORTATION  52 
Transportation Requirements  52 
Infant and Toddler Transportation Requirements  55 
SPECIAL NEEDS  55 
Special Needs Requirements  55 
Infant and Toddler Special Needs Requirements  56 
PROGRAM SPECIFIC VARIATIONS  56 
SCHOOL AGE and SUMMER DAY CAMP  56 
Staff to Child Ratio  56 
Program Requirements  56 
Children’s Records  57 
Nutrition Requirements  57 
Building Requirements  57 
Sleeping Equipment  57 
Health Requirements  57 
Hand Washing  57 
Drinking Facilities  57 
Toilet Facilities  58 
Swimming Pools  58 
Transportation Requirements  58 
EVENING and NIGHT CARE VARIATIONS  58 
Staff to Child Ratio  58 
Program Requirements  58 

 
 
701 Nutrition Requirements  58 
1002 Sleeping Arrangements  58 
1105 Toilet Facilities  59 
1700 PART-TIME PROGRAM VARIATIONS  59 
401 Program Requirements  59 
701 Nutrition Requirements  59 
1800 SICK CARE COMPONENT  59 
301 Staff to Child Ratio  59 
302 Director  59 
401 Program Requirements  60 
604 Children’s Records  60 
801 Building Requirements  60 
1001 Furniture and Equipment Requirements  60 
1101 General Health Requirements  60 
APPENDIX A:  DEFINITIONS  63 
APPENDIX B: LIST OF REPORTABLE DISEASES  66 
APPENDIX C: CHILD CARE MEAL PATTERN  68 
APPENDIX D: INFANT CARE MEAL PATTERN  72 
APPENDIX E: ADULT CARE MEAL PATTERN  74 
APPENDIX F:  DISASTER and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS  78 
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS  79 

Minimum Licensing Requirements for

Child Care Centers

100 CHILD CARE LICENSING

101 Related Laws and Requirements

1. The “Child Care Facility Licensing Act” Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-78-201 to -220, as

amended, is the statutory authority for licensing child care facilities. This act created the

Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) and authorized the

Division to establish rules governing the granting, revocation, denial, and suspension of

licenses for child care facilities and the operation of child care facilities in this state. The

Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers are the Division’s rules for Child

Care Centers.

2. The Child Care Facility Licensing Act designates the Arkansas Department of Human

Services (DHS), DCCECE as the administrative agency responsible for administering the

Act in accordance with the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers. The

Division is authorized to inspect and investigate any proposed or operating Child Care

Centers and any personnel connected with the Center to determine if the facility will be

or is being operated in accordance with the Child Care Facility Licensing Act and the

Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers.

3. The licensing requirements contained in this manual apply to group child care. (Refer to

the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes for the requirements

that apply to child care provided in a Child Care Family Home.)

4. The Child Care Licensing Unit will notify the applicable federal agency at any time they

become aware of or are advised of violations of any of the following or similar laws.

The owner should be aware of applicable federal laws which may affect the operation

of the facility, such as, but not limited to:

a. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

b. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to ensure that any renovation or

repair work on a home, child care facility, or school that was constructed prior to 1978

shall be completed by a contractor that is certified by the EPA, when the repairs or

renovations consist of any or all of the following: the repair or renovation disturbs six

(6) or more square feet of the interior, the repair or renovation disturbs twenty feet

(20’) or more square feet of the exterior, or the repair or renovation involves

removing a window; and

c. Federal civil rights laws state that a facility may not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, or veteran

status.

5. Reporting Requirements - Owners, operators, staff, therapists, and volunteers are

mandated reporters of suspected child maltreatment and are required to call the Child

Maltreatment Hotline at 1-800-482-5964, if they have reason to suspect child

maltreatment. Additionally, these same individuals are required by Act 530 of 2019, to

notify law enforcement if they have a good faith belief that there is a serious and imminent

threat to the health or safety of a student, employee, or the public, based on a threat

made by an individual regarding violence in, or targeted at, a school (child care center)

that has been communicated to the person in the course of their professional duties.

6. The Licensee shall maintain Child Care Liability Insurance (Act 778 of 2009), and

comply with the following requirements, with the following exception: State

institutions, political subdivisions, or other entities entitled to immunity from liability

under § 21-9-301, are not required to have general liability insurance coverage in

order to be licensed. (Act 23 of 2015).

a. Prior to the approval of an application, the applicant shall provide verification of the

required coverage to the Licensing Specialist and provide subsequent verification

when requested.

b. The Licensee shall maintain the minimum amount of coverage as follows:

Licensed Capacity of Center

Minimum Child Care Liability Insurance

Coverage Required

1-74

$500,000 per occurrence

75 and up

$1,000,000 per occurrence

7. Laws relevant to the operation of child care facilities are available upon request.

8. The following standards are the minimum licensing requirements which shall be met by

persons or organizations which operate a child care facility. In recommending a license

be issued, DCCECE works in coordination with the local and state Health Departments,

Fire Departments, City Planning or Zoning Departments, and the Boiler Division of the

Department of Labor. Persons considering opening or expanding a child care facility

shall immediately contact these individual departments for inspection and information on

their separate rules.

A prospective Licensee should request clarification regarding the codes or covenants

enforced by these departments as some may prevent the operation of a child care facility

at a particular location, may limit the number of children in care, or may impose

additional safety requirements.

9. The Licensing Unit shall share information on the location and status of new applicants

applying for a license and on facilities holding a license when a city or county requests

the information.

102 General Requirements

1. Child Care Centers shall maintain compliance with the licensing requirements at all

times. To be in substantial compliance, the Child Care Center shall meet all essential

standards necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the children

attending the Child Care Center. Essential standards include but are not limited to

those relating to issues involving fire, health, safety, nutrition, discipline, staff to child

ratio and space. Failure to comply with any of the licensing requirements for Child

Care Centers may result in any of the following adverse actions:

a. Denial of an application for a license or for church exempt status;

b. Revocation or suspension of a license or church exempt status; and

c. Issuance of a provisional license or provisional church exempt status.

2. The following factors may be considered when determining the appropriate adverse action:

a. Severity of the deficiency cited;

b. Number of violations cited;

c. Frequency of violations cited;

d. Past history of compliance; and

e. Willingness and ability to correct violations

3. Each Child Care Center shall be reviewed by the Child Care Licensing Unit to determine

whether the facility is in compliance with all the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child

Care Centers. Child Care Licensing staff shall have access to Child Care Centers for the

purpose of conducting inspections, reviews, and complaint investigations. (Clarification:

In addition to rooms used for care, Child Care Licensing Staff must also be given access to

all other rooms or spaces not used for child care. Any rooms or areas that are not

accessible to children in care will only be viewed briefly for major health and safety issues

and will not be routinely monitored for general licensing compliance. This is to help

ensure that there are no dangers such as fire hazards, which could impact the safety of

the entire structure.)

4. Denial of access to the facility or to interview children may result in any of the

adverse actions described above.

5. Any facility that has not provided care to children for a period of one (1) year shall be

closed unless a written request is made by the Licensee stating why closure should not

take place. If the Licensee requests that the license remain open, license fees and

required annual inspections shall be kept current.

6. Falsification of any document and submission of false information to the Division of Child

Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) may constitute grounds for revocation of the

license. (Falsification means the submission of untrue information, whether by statement or

omission.)

7. Any individual and related parties, on the Department of Human Services (DHS) Exclusion List

pursuant to DHS Exclusion Policy 1088 shall not be eligible to be an owner, member of the Board

of Directors, Director, Assistant Director, or Person in Charge of any licensed child care facility.

103 Licensing Procedures

1. Application - An application shall be obtained from the Child Care Licensing Unit. The

completed application packet shall be submitted to the Child Care Licensing Unit for

review and approval. A completed application packet shall consist of:

a. A signed application form with a designated person who assumes legal responsibility

for operation of the child care facility;

b. Name of proposed director and their qualifications;

c. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Board of Directors, if applicable;

d. Clear written guidelines of responsibility for the Board of Directors, if applicable;

e. Building or facility diagram;

f. Description of the services that will be provided to the children;

g. Verification that criminal record checks and child maltreatment central registry checks

have been initiated on all owners, operators, and staff members of the Child Care

Center;

h. Boiler inspection, or verification that inspection has been scheduled;

i. Fire Department approval;

j. Health Department approval;

k. Zoning Approval;

l. Verification of Child Care Liability Insurance (if Child Care Liability Insurance cannot

be obtained before application, it must be obtained with proof provided to the Child

Care Licensing Unit before care of children can be provided); and

m. A reasonable plan with a proposed budget for the financial support of the center

covering costs of staffing, building (including rent or mortgage and repairs), utilities,

equipment, safety, and nutrition. (This is a one-time only requirement that applies

to new applicants for a license.)

2. Time for processing: The Licensing Specialist has sixty (60) days to submit

a recommendation to the Division.

3. A pre-approval consultation meeting shall be required for all applicants for a license prior

to the approval of the application. This meeting shall be offered to the applicant prior to

application or within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the application.

4. License - The Child Care Licensing Unit shall conduct a licensing study of each Child Care

Center to determine eligibility for a license. The facility shall be approved by the Child Care

Licensing Unit before a license may be issued by the Division. A license for a Child Care

Center shall specify:

a. The name and address of the Child Care Center;

b. The owner and operator of the Child Care Center;

c. The number of children authorized for care at the Child Care Center;

d. The expiration of any provisional licenses; and

e. The type of care the Child Care Center will be providing.

5. License - Non-transferable - A license for a Child Care Facility or approval for a church-

operated exempt status shall apply only to the address and location stated on the license

or approval issued. It shall not be transferable from one (1) holder of the license or

approval to another or from one (1) place to another. If the location of a Child Care

Facility is changed, or the operator of the Child Care Facility is changed, then the license

or approval for that Child Care Facility shall be automatically closed on such a change.

The Child Care Facility shall notify the Licensing Unit of a change of location or ownership.

6. Compliance - On-site inspections of Child Care Centers are conducted by the Child Care

Licensing Unit on a routine basis to determine a facility’s continued compliance with the

standards. The caregiver shall cooperate with licensing staff during licensing visits and

investigations.

Violations of rules are documented in writing by use of the licensing compliance record.

Documentation shall include:

a. Reference to the specific rule violated;

b. A factual description of the nature of the violation and how the Child Care Center

failed to comply; and

c. A date of expected corrections.

7. If video recordings are made by the facility and are maintained for viewing as a part of a

continuous monitoring system, they shall be made available to licensing staff upon

request. This does not include video recordings of special events, etc.

8. The Child Care Licensing Unit shall have the authority to make both scheduled

and unscheduled visits to:

a. Conduct inspections and reviews to determine compliance with the

licensing requirements;

b. Investigate complaints involving possible violations of licensing requirements; and

c. Offer consultation and technical assistance.

9. The Child Care Licensing Specialist may increase unscheduled monitor visits

where numerous or severe violations of standards are cited.

10. If a violation is of imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the children

attending the Child Care Center, corrective action or compliance shall be obtained within

twenty-four (24) hours in order to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children

in care. If a Child Care Center violates an administrative standard or standard that does

not directly threaten the immediate health, safety, or welfare of the children in care,

these violations shall be corrected within a reasonable time as mutually agreed upon by

the Child Care Licensing Unit and the Child Care Center.

Once a violation has been corrected, the correction will be documented on the Licensing

Compliance Record and a copy provided to the Child Care Center.

11. New Provisional License - The Child Care Licensing Specialist shall recommend a New

Provisional License when the facility is newly opened, or a facility has been acquired by

new owners whose compliance history has not been determined. A New Provisional

License shall not exceed twelve (12) months in length.

At the end of the Provisional License, the Division may in its discretion:

a. Issue a Regular License;

b. Revoke the license;

c. Suspend the license; or

d. Issue a successive Provisional License.

12. Regular License - The Child Care Licensing Specialist will recommend a Regular License

when the facility has demonstrated substantial compliance, or when an existing Licensee

with a Regular License relocates their facility and their past demonstrates a substantial

level of compliance.

13. Provisional License - The Licensing Unit may issue a Probationary Provisional License

when the center is not maintaining substantial compliance due to deficiencies which are

so numerous, frequent, or severe as to potentially jeopardize the health, safety, and

welfare of children. The facility and Licensing Unit shall have a corrective action plan in

place addressing the issues.

Based on the level of compliance during the period of the Probationary Provisional

License, the Licensing Unit may:

a. Issue a Regular License;

b. Suspend the license; or

c. Revoke the license.

14. Suspension of License -The Division may suspend a license when the Licensing Unit

determines that the facility has serious areas of non-compliance, but the facility would

be able to resume normal operation when the harmful conditions are eliminated.

If granted, the suspension order remains in effect until the order expires or until the

Division determines that the problems necessitating the suspension order have been

resolved. The suspension of a license may not exceed twelve (12) months. If the Division

finds that the terms of the suspension order have been met prior to the expiration of the

suspension period, the Division retains discretion to reinstate the license. If the terms of

the order have not been met, the Division may revoke the license.

15. Revocation of License -The Division may revoke a license when any of the

following situations occur:

a. The facility fails to maintain substantial compliance with licensing requirements;

b. The facility fails or refuses to correct cited deficiencies in a timely manner; or

c. The facility fails to insure the health, safety, and welfare of children in care.

16. The revocation of a license nullifies and cancels the license. At the time of a final

determination of revocation of the license by the Division, the Division shall specify in the

revocation letter the terms of the revocation. The Licensee shall not be eligible to reapply

for a license for a minimum of one (1) year, or longer if specified in the revocation order.

Related parties shall not be eligible to apply for a license for the same specified period.

(Related parties are defined as immediate family members, members of the Board of

Directors, persons or entities associated or affiliated with, or which share common

ownership, control, or common board members or which have control of or are controlled

by the Licensee. An immediate family member is defined as a spouse, step, and in-law

relationships, a child, a natural or adoptive parent, a sibling, a grandparent, a grandchild,

or a son- or daughter-in-law.) (Applicants who are denied a license or registration due

to this requirement may appeal the denial to the Child Care Facility Review Panel.)

Facilities wishing to be re-licensed must submit a new application for licensure for review

and approval by the Division. Approval must be obtained and a new license issued before

the facility provides care to a licensable number of children.

104 License Fee

1. Each facility shall submit an annual license fee as long as the facility is in compliance

with the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers. A facility license fee

is determined by combining the maximum license capacity of all licenses located within

the same premises.

a. Facilities serving up to seventeen (17) children - $15.00 per year;

b. Facilities serving seventeen (17) to ninety-nine (99) children - $50.00 per year; and

c. Facilities serving one hundred (100) or more children - $100 per year.

2. Upon review and determination of a licensing recommendation by the Child Care

Licensing Specialist, the Specialist shall issue a Notice of License Fee Due to the facility.

3. The Division shall not issue a license unless the required license fee has been paid.

4. A copy of the license fee notice shall be submitted at the time of licensure recommendation.

5. The fee schedule shall apply to all child care facility recommendations for licensure

as follows:

a. New Provisional License - (Provisional License for new operation to be issued for a

period of twelve (12) months) A one (1) year license fee shall be paid prior to the

issuance of a provisional license;

b. New Regular License or conversion from provisional to regular status - A license fee

shall be paid prior to the issuance of a new license; and

c. Conversion to Provisional Status - No license fee is due for licenses converted

to provisional status during the term of a regular license.

6. A second notice of license fee due will be sent to facilities failing to submit the required

license fee (Notice of License Fee Past Due). This notice will be sent twenty (20) days

after the initial notice of fee due. Failure to submit a license fee within twenty (20) days

of receipt of the past due notice will result in action to suspend the license until such

time as the fee is paid.

7. Refunds of license fees paid are made only when the Division does not approve issuance of

a license. There shall be no refunds of license fees paid for voluntary closure of a facility or

for Division action to revoke or suspend a license.

8. All license fees paid to the Division shall be deposited in a special Child Care Provider’s

Fund. This fund shall be used to meet the cost of conducting statewide criminal record

checks, with the remaining money used for training or materials to be loaned to child

care providers.

105 Appeal of Licensing Actions

1. A Licensee or applicant for license may request an appeal of any of the following

licensing actions:

a. Adverse licensing actions (revocation or suspension of a license, conversion

to a provisional license or denial of an application for a license);

b. Founded licensing complaints;

c. Denials of alternative compliance requests; and

d. Cited noncompliance with the published standards.

2. An appeal may be initiated on any of the above actions by requesting an appeal in writing

to the Licensing Specialist or Licensing Supervisory Staff. Requests to appeal adverse

licensing actions must be mailed within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the notice

of the adverse action. Requests to appeal licensing actions, other than adverse, must be

mailed within twenty (20) calendar days from receipt of the notification of the action. The

request to appeal shall include a statement of the action(s) taken by the Division and the

reason(s) the Licensee or applicant for license disagrees with that action. The request to

appeal will be reviewed by the Licensing Supervisor and the Licensing Administrator. If

the appeal is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Licensee or applicant for license, the

matter will be referred to the Child Care Appeal Review Panel for hearing. (This appeal

process also applies to Church Operated Exempt facilities.) (Additional information

regarding the appeal procedures and the Child Care Appeal Review Panel is

available on request.)

106 Alternative Compliance

1. The Division may grant alternative compliance with the Minimum Licensing

Requirements for Child Care Centers if the Division determines that the alternative

form of compliance offers equal protection of health, safety, and welfare to children

and meets the basic intent of the requirements for which the center is making the

request.

2. The Division shall consider all requests for alternative compliance with the licensing

requirements except those requirements that are enforced by the Department of

Health, Local Fire Marshal or State Fire Marshal's office and applicable city ordinances

including zoning.

3. To request alternative compliance, the following procedure shall be initiated by

the person responsible for the operation of the facility.

4. The applicant or Licensee shall submit the request for alternative compliance in writing.

5. The request shall include:

a. The specific standards for which alternative compliance is sought;

b. An explanation of how the alternative form of compliance is equal to or

exceeds the stated requirements;

c. Full justification and description of what the alternative compliance method will

be and the method by which the facility will carry out this plan to continue to

provide for the health, safety, and welfare of children as intended by the

requirements; and

d. The applicant or Licensee shall provide clear and supportive evidence and upon

request of the Division, and expert’s opinion on the effect of the request on

health, safety, and welfare of the children.

6. A separate written request shall be submitted for each requirement for which

alternative compliance is sought. The approved alternative compliance is effective for

the duration of the license unless a shorter time frame is specified.

7. The granting of alternative compliance for a requirement shall in no way constitute a

precedent. If an alternate means of complying with the requirement is granted by the

Division and the facility fails to satisfactorily implement this alternate means, the

original requirement for which alternative compliance was sought shall become

immediately enforceable.

8. The Division shall have the right to obtain an expert opinion to corroborate

expert opinions provided by the applicant or Licensee.

9. The Division shall have the right to deny requests for alternative compliance when

it finds that such requests do not adequately protect the health, safety, and welfare

of children and do not meet the intent of the requirements.

10. All requests for alternative compliance shall be answered in writing by the Division.

107 Church-Operated Exemptions

Please note that all regulations included in this manual also apply to Church

Operated Exempt (COE) facilities.

1. Act 245 of 1983 defines those facilities that may apply for an exemption from obtaining of

license to operate a child care facility and the process through which such exemption may

be granted. The facility must be operated by a church or group of churches and be

exempt from the State Income Tax levied by Act 118 of 1929, as amended. The person

or persons in charge of such a facility shall submit a written request to the Division for

such exemption along with the following:

a. Verification of Tax Identification (ID) ownership by the church;

b. Verification that the facility is operated by a church or group of churches;

c. Verification that the facility has been inspected annually and meets the applicable

fire safety and health standards; and

d. Certification from the facility that it is in substantial compliance with published

standards that similar nonexempt child care facilities are required to meet.

2. The Division shall review each request for a church-operated exemption and reply in

writing within sixty (60) days from receipt of such request.

3. The facility shall be visited by Division staff to verify the facility's substantial compliance

with the published standards prior to consideration and review by the Division.

4. The Division shall consider each request for exemption and shall review the Division

staff's written report in determining a facility's substantial compliance with published

standards.

5. If a facility claims and states the belief that a particular standard is of a religious nature,

the Division shall consider and make a determination on the statements that shall then be

a final action subject to review under the Administrative Procedures Act.

6. Written notification of an exemption shall be made to the facility stating the maximum

number of children allowable, the dates of exemption, and any other conditions by which

an exemption is granted.

7. Division staff shall have the authority to visit any church-operated exempt facility to

review, advise, and verify the maintenance of substantial compliance at the direction of

the Division.

108 Licensing Investigations

1. Child Care Licensing staff shall investigate all complaints involving the possible violation of

licensing requirements.

109 Child Maltreatment Checks

1. The following persons shall be required to have their background reviewed through an

Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check.

Prospective employees who have not lived in the State of Arkansas during the preceding

five (5) years will be subject to current federal guidelines regarding conducting a child

maltreatment background check in any states where they resided during the past five

(5) years.

a. Each applicant to own or operate a

child care facility

At application and every two (2) years

thereafter

b. Staff members and applicants for

employment in a child care

facility

Prior to employment and every two (2)

years thereafter

c. All volunteers, therapists, and student

observers, who have routine contact

with children

Prior to providing services or participating

in center activities and every two (2) years

thereafter

d. Administrative staff and members of the

Board of Directors who have supervisory

or disciplinary control over children or

who have routine contact with children

At application and when changes occur with

administrative staff or Board members, and

every two (2) years thereafter

2. If a complaint of child maltreatment is filed against any owner, operator, staff, or other

person in a child care center, the Child Care Licensing Specialist shall evaluate the risk to

children and determine the suitability of the person(s) to supervise, be left alone with

children, have disciplinary control over children, or remain in the center during hours of

care until the allegations have been determined true or unsubstantiated. (Pending the

evaluation of risk to children by the Child Care Licensing Unit, the person(s) alleged shall

not be left alone with children.)

3. If corrective action is appropriate, the facility shall require all staff members who have had

a founded report of child maltreatment to follow the corrective action plan specified by

the Child Care Licensing Unit. Corrective action measures may vary from relevant training

to reassignment or termination. Failure to comply with corrective action plans may

constitute grounds for adverse action against the Licensee.

4. The statewide Child Maltreatment Hotline and the Child Care Licensing Central Office

number shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the child care facility. The Hotline

number is 1-800-482-5964 and the Licensing Central Office number is (501) 682-8590

or toll-free 1-800-445-3316.

110 FBI Criminal Records Check

1. The following persons shall apply to the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State

Police for a nationwide criminal record check, to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of

Investigation (FBI), which shall include a fingerprint check: (The individual is

responsible for the cost of a nationwide check. Each request must be accompanied by a

check or money order made out to the Arkansas State Police.)

Fingerprints submitted will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI.

Individuals with results showing a prohibited offense shall be advised to contact the

Licensing Unit for procedures to obtain the results and for procedures to update or make

corrections to the record of their individual history.

a. Each applicant to own or operate a child

care facility

At initial application and every five (5) years

thereafter

b. Direct care staff or staff with routine

contact with children

Prior to employment and every five (5) years

thereafter

c. Administrative persons who have direct

contact with children

d. Therapists, volunteers, or other

persons who have supervisory control,

disciplinary control over children, or

are left alone with children

Prior to employment and every five (5)

years thereafter

Prior to providing services or participating

in center activities and every five (5) years

thereafter

2. Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check

The following persons shall be required to have their background reviewed through a

fingerprint criminal records check (which includes the Arkansas Sexual Offender

Registry) conducted by the Arkansas State Police.

A prospective staff member may not begin work until the Arkansas State

Police criminal record check result has been returned as satisfactory.

Following receipt of the satisfactory result, this individual must be supervised

at all times, pending completion of all of the required background check

components, by a staff member who has successfully completed all required

background checks.

A National Sexual Offender Registry check will also be conducted on prospective

employees.

Prospective employees who have not lived in the State of Arkansas during the preceding

five (5) years will be subject to current federal guidelines regarding conducting a

criminal background check and sexual offender registry check in any states where they

resided during the past five (5) years.

a. Each applicant to own or operate a child

care facility

At application and every five (5) years

thereafter

b. Staff and applicants for employment in a

child care facility

Prior to employment and every five (5)

years thereafter

c. Administrative persons who have direct

contact with children

d. Therapists or other persons who have

supervisory or disciplinary control over

children, or are left alone with children

Prior to employment and every five (5)

years thereafter

Prior to providing services or participating

in center activities and every five (5) years

thereafter

3. Criminal records will be returned to the division for review. Any charge or convictions

listed in this section (Section 110) that are returned will be considered regardless of

whether the record is expunged, pardoned, or otherwise sealed.

4. No person shall be eligible to be a child care facility owner, operator, or employee if that

person has pled guilty, or been found guilty, of any of the following offenses by any

court in the State of Arkansas, any similar offense by a court in another state, or any

similar offense by a federal court. The following offenses are permanently prohibited:

01. Abuse of an endangered or impaired person, if felony,

§ 5-28-103;

02. Arson,

§ 5-38-301;

03. Capital Murder,

§ 5-10-101;

04. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the

first

degree,

§ 5-27-201;

05. Kidnapping,

§ 5-11-102;

06. Murder in the first degree,

§ 5-10-102;

07. Murder in the second degree,

§ 5-10-103;

08. Rape,

§ 5-14-103;

09 Sexual assault in the first degree,

§ 5-14-124;

10.Sexual assault in the second degree,

§ 5-14-125;

5. No person shall be eligible to be a child care facility owner, operator, or employee if

that person has pled guilty, or been found guilty, of any of the following offenses by

any court in the State of Arkansas, any similar offense by a court in another state, or

any similar offense by a federal court. The following offenses are prohibited:

01. Criminal attempt to commit any offenses;

§ 5-3-201;

02. Criminal complicity to commit any offenses;

§ 5-3-202;

03. Criminal conspiracy to commit any offenses;

§ 5-3-401;

04. Criminal solicitation, to commit any offenses;

§ 5-3-301;

05. Assault in the first, second, or third degree;

§§ 5-13-205 to -207;

06. Aggravated assault;

§ 5-13-204;

07. Aggravated assault on a family or household member,

§ 5-26-306;

08. Battery in the first, second, or third degree,

§§ 5-13-201 to -203;

09. Breaking or entering,

§ 5-39-202;

10. Burglary,

§ 5-39-201;

11. Coercion,

§ 5-13-208;

12. Computer crimes against minors,

§ 5-27-601 et seq.;

13. Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile,

§ 5-27-220;

14. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor,

§ 5-27-209;

15. Criminal Impersonation,

§ 5-37-208;

16. Criminal use of a prohibited weapon,

§ 5-73-104;

17. Communicating a death threat concerning a school employee or

students:

§ 5-17-101;

18. Domestic battery in the first, second, or third degree,

§§ 5-26-303 to -305;

19. Employing or consenting to the use of a child in a sexual

performance,

§ 5-27-401;

20. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree,

§§ 5-27-205 to -206;

21. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first

or second degree,

§ 5-27-202;

22. Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual

or print media,

§ 5-27-303;

23. False imprisonment in the first or second degree,

§§ 5-11-103 to -104;

24. Felony abuse of an endangered or impaired person,

§ 5-28-103;

25. Felony interference with a law enforcement officer,

§ 5-54-104;

26. Felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act,

§ 5-64-101 et seq.;

27. Financial identity fraud,

§ 5-37-227;

28. Forgery,

§ 5-37-201;

29. Incest,

§ 5-26-202,

30. Interference with court ordered custody,

§ 5-26-502;

31. Interference with visitation,

§ 5-26-501;

32. Introduction of controlled substance into the body of another

person,

§ 5-13-210;

33. Manslaughter,

§ 5-10-104;

34. Negligent homicide,

§ 5-10-105,

35. Obscene performance at a live public show,

§ 5-68-305;

36. Offense of cruelty to animals,

§ 5-62-103;

37. Offense of aggravated cruelty to dog, cat, or horse,

§ 5-62-104;

38. Pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting

sexually explicit conduct involving a child,

§ 5-27-304;

39. Sexual solicitation,

§ 5-70-103;

40. Permanent detention or restraint,

§ 5-11-106;

41. Permitting abuse of a minor,

§ 5-27-221;

42. Producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a

child,

§ 5-27-403;

43. Promoting obscene materials,

§ 5-68-303;

44. Promoting obscene performance,

§ 5-68-304;

45. Promoting prostitution in the first, second, or third degree,

§§ 5-70-104 to -106;

46. Prostitution,

§ 5-70-102;

47. Public display of obscenity,

§ 5-68-205;

48. Resisting arrest,

§ 5-54-103;

49. Robbery,

§ 5-12-102;

50. Aggravated robbery,

§ 5-12-103;

51. Sexual offenses,

§ 5-14-101 et seq.;

52. Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms,

§ 5-74-106;

53. Soliciting money or property from incompetents,

§ 5-27-229;

54. Stalking,

§ 5-71-229;

55. Terroristic act,

§ 5-13-310;

56. Terroristic threatening,

§ 5-13-301;

57. Theft by receiving,

§ 5-36-106;

58. Theft of property,

§ 5-36-103;

59. Theft of services,

§ 5-36-104;

60. Transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct,

§ 5-27-305;

61. Unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle,

§ 5-74-107; and

62. Voyeurism,

§ 5-16-102.

6. Any person who has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere, or who has been found guilty of

any one (1) of the offenses listed above (Section 110.5), may not work in child care

unless:

a. The date of the conviction, plea of guilty, or nolo contendere for a misdemeanor

offense is at least five (5) years from the date of the request for the criminal history

records check and there have been no criminal convictions or pleas of guilty or nolo

contendere of any type or nature during the five (5) year period preceding the

background check request; or

b. The date of the conviction, plea of guilty or nolo contendere for a felony offense is

at least more than ten (10) years from the date of the request for the criminal

history records check and there have been no criminal convictions or pleas of guilty

or nolo contendere of any type or nature during the ten (10) year period preceding

the background check request.

7. If the Licensee wishes to employ an individual with a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo

contendere for the following nonviolent offenses, they shall submit a written request for

a waiver prior to employment. § 20-38-103 (e) (3) (a) Act 990 of 2013.

a. Theft by receiving § 5-36-106;

b. Forgery § 5-37-201;

c. Financial identity fraud § 5-37-227;

d. Resisting arrest § 5-54-103;

e. Criminal impersonation in the second degree § 5-37-208(b);

f. Interference with visitation § 5-26-501;

g. Interference with court-ordered visitation § 5-26-502;

h. Prostitution § 5-70-102; or

i. Patronizing a prostitute § 5-70-203.

The waiver may be approved if all the following conditions are met:

• The individual has completed probation or parole supervision.

• The individual has paid all court ordered fees, fines, and restitution.

• The individual has fully complied with all court orders pertaining to the conviction

or plea.

8. The waiver will be revoked if, after employment, the individual pleads guilty, or nolo

contendere or is found guilty of any prohibited offense (including the list above a-i) or has

a true or founded report of child maltreatment or adult maltreatment in a central registry.

9. The request for waiver and certification of approval shall be kept in the individual’s file

for the term of employment and three (3) years after termination of employment.

10. If approved, the waiver is not transferable to another licensed facility.

11. Anyone employed in a licensed center, Church Operated Exempt (COE) center, Licensed

Child Care Family Home, or a Registered Child Care Family Home prior to 09/01/2009

with a clear background check history may remain eligible for employment unless the

employee had a conviction, plead guilty, or plead nolo contendere to an offense listed in

the above section (Section 110.6) since 09/01/2009.

200 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

201 Administrative Procedures

1. The Owner and Board of Directors shall be responsible for operating the facility and shall

have final responsibility to ensure that the facility meets licensing requirements. Names,

addresses, and telephone numbers of Board members shall be provided to the Licensing

Specialist.

2. The facility shall provide a written procedure for reporting suspected child maltreatment.

This procedure shall be followed, and a call made to the hotline whenever there is

suspicion of child maltreatment (1-800-482-5964). These reports of child maltreatment

shall include all allegations made to the Licensee by parents, staff members, or the

general public. The Licensee should call Child Care Licensing for guidance if there is any

question about whether or not the hotline should be called regarding any situation where

potential child maltreatment is involved.

3. The facility shall provide a written procedure for reporting suspected licensing violations.

Serious licensing violations shall be reported to the Licensing Unit. These include, but are

not limited to, violations relating to transportation, inappropriate behavior guidance,

leaving children unattended, or unsupervised, staff to child ratio violations, or any other

violations that could imminently affect the health and safety of children.

4. Parents shall be informed in writing upon enrollment of their child that children may

be subject to interviews by licensing staff, child maltreatment investigators, or law

enforcement officials for the purpose of determining licensing compliance or for

investigative purposes. Child interviews do not require parental notice or consent.

5. The facility shall provide a copy of the Kindergarten Readiness Skills Calendar or

Checklist, prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) (copies can be

requested online, by phone, or by mail from the Department of Human Services (DHS),

Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) Program Support Unit), to

the parents of all three (3) and four (4) year old children enrolled. (Act 825 of 2003.) A

statement signed by the parent that they have received a copy of the list shall be

maintained in the child’s record.

300 PERSONNEL

301 Staff to Child Ratio

1. A Licensee shall not have more children in care at any one time than the maximum

specified on the license.

2. The following staff child ratios shall be maintained:

Ages of Children

Number of Staff

Number of Children

a. Birth – 18 months

b. 18 months – 36 months

c. 2 ½ – 3 years

d. 4 years

e. 5 years to Kindergarten

f. Kindergarten and above

3. Children ages thirty (30) to thirty-six (36) months may be placed in the group most

suited to their social, emotional, and developmental maturity.

4. Infants and toddlers shall not be mixed with preschool children, except as listed in

the following requirement.

5. When a total of eight (8) or fewer children are in care at a licensed site, age groups may

be mixed according to the following ratios:

Number of Staff

Number of Children

Ages of Children

a. 1

No more than 3 under the age of 2 years

b. 1

No more than 2 under the age of 2 years

c. 1

No more than 1 under the age of 2 years

6. In a group containing children of different ages, the staff to child ratio shall

meet the requirements for the youngest child in the group.

7. During lunch or outdoor play activities, if children of different age groups are together,

the staff to child ratio for the respective age groups shall be maintained.

8. At no time shall children be left unsupervised or unattended. The child care center shall

provide additional staff for any temporary absence of primary child caring staff for

activities such as breaks, meal preparation, transportation, etc.

9. The use of cell phones by staff while supervising children shall be prohibited except in

emergency situations.

10. Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) staff to child ratios shall be maintained during

DDS program hours in all facilities that are licensed or certified by both Child Care Licensing

and DDS.

11. Additional staff provisions shall be made for enrollment of children with disabilities

who require individual attention.

12. During naptime for children two and one-half (2 ½) years of age and above, a

minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the staff shall remain with the children, with a total

of seventy-five percent (75%) of the staff remaining in the building.

13. Group size shall be limited to two (2) times the number of children allowed with one (1)

staff member. This does not apply to periodic or special group activities. (Existing

structures licensed prior to November 1, 2002 are exempt from this requirement.

However, any expansions, additions, or any newly licensed structures effective

November 1, 2002 shall be in compliance.)

14. For ages two and one-half (2 ½) and above, ratios may be exceeded momentarily as long

as children are never left unattended and at least one (1) staff member remains in the

classroom with the children. (This would apply to situations such as brief absences for

bathroom breaks or to take a sick or injured child to the Director’s office.)

302 Director

1. There shall be a director or assistant director or site supervisor who shall be responsible for:

a. Administering, planning, managing, and controlling the daily activities of the center;

b. Ensuring that the facility meets licensing requirements;

c. Ensuring the health and safety of children; and

d. Providing prudent supervision of all staff and volunteers.

2. Directors shall be twenty-one (21) years of age or older, and provide documentation of

one (1) of the following educational levels:

a. Bachelor’s Degree or higher Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a

related field from a regionally accredited college or university. (Determination of

“related field” shall be made by the Division);

b. Bachelor’s Degree in a non-related field from a regionally accredited college or

university plus one (1) of the following:

• Four (4) years of experience in early childhood education;

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or

• Birth – Pre-K Credential.

c. Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field, plus six

(6) years of experience in Early Childhood Education; or

d. Eight (8) years of experience in Early Childhood Education and completion of one

(1) of the following, within two (2) years of employment:

• Child Development Associate Credential;

• Birth – Pre-K Credential;

• Director’s Credential or the equivalent; or

• Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

3. A Director, Assistant Director or Site Supervisor who meets director qualifications, must

be present at each licensed site a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the center’s

primary operational day, on a routine basis.

4. When the Director and Assistant Director or Site Supervisor are both away from the

center, there shall be a person in charge who shall have the ability and authority to

carry out daily operations. The person in charge shall be twenty-one (21) years of age

or older.

5. All new Directors and Assistant Directors or Site Supervisors shall attend New Directors

Orientation, Program Administration Scale (PAS), and Environment Rating Scale (ERS)

training (or other approved tools that are considered equivalent) in the states Quality

Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) within six (6) months of employment. This is

an orientation class sponsored by the Division. Proof of attendance shall be maintained

in the Director’s file.

6. Directors and Assistant Directors or Site Supervisors shall obtain fifteen (15) clock hours in

early childhood education each year. Training shall be registered with the Division of

Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) Professional Development Registry,

or Department of Education, or Department of Higher Education approved.

Documentation of training shall be maintained and available for review.

7. Topics appropriate for continuing early childhood education shall include, but are not

limited to the following:

a. Child growth and development;

b. Nutrition and food service;

c. Parent communication and involvement;

d. Curriculum development and implementation;

e. Developmentally appropriate practice and learning environments;

f. Behavior guidance and positive interaction;

g. Emergency care and first aid; and

h. Program planning, management, and leadership of early childhood programs.

See Division website for a list of courses for which the Division maintains contracts to

meet the above requirements.

8. The Licensee shall notify the Licensing Unit of any change in the person named as

Director or Assistant Director or Site Supervisor within five (5) calendar days.

303 Staff Requirements

1. A person shall be considered a staff member if they have disciplinary or supervisory

control over children, is left alone with children at any time, or is counted in the staff to

child ratio, regardless of whether or not they are paid by the facility.

2. Staff members in a child care center shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Exceptions may be allowed for individuals sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age

to work in a center if they meet all of the following criteria:

a. The individual shall not have disciplinary control over children;

b. The individual shall not be left alone with children at any time;

c. The individual shall be under the direct supervision of an adult staff member at all

times;

d. The individual shall meet all other staff requirements; and

e. The individual shall be enrolled in a high school or General Education Diploma (GED)

curriculum.

3. All staff members who work directly with children shall have a high school diploma or GED.

4. All staff members who work directly with children shall obtain at least fifteen (15) hours

of training each year in continuing Early Childhood Education. This training shall be

registered with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE)

Professional Development Registry, Department of Education, or Department of Higher

Education approved and shall be geared toward the age group they spend the majority

of their time with.

5. All staff members caring for children shall be able to perform necessary job functions.

6. Staff shall not engage in behavior that could be viewed as sexual, dangerous, exploitative,

or physically harmful to children. A caregiver shall not use profanity or speak in an abusive

manner when children are present.

7. No caregiver shall consume or be under the influence of illegal drugs. A drug test may

be required if there is reasonable cause to suspect violation of this requirement and the

issue cannot otherwise be resolved. No caregiver shall consume or be under the

influence of alcohol while delivering care. No caregiver shall consume or be under the

influence of medications (prescription or non-prescription) which impair their ability to

provide care.

304 Volunteer Requirements

1. Volunteers are those individuals who have routine contact with children and assist staff

in the facility. If they are left alone with children, considered in the staff to child ratios,

or given supervisory or disciplinary control over children, they shall be considered staff

and must meet the requirements for personnel (Section 300) and staff requirements

(Section 303).

2. All volunteers in a child care center shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older unless the

volunteer is under the direct supervision of the director, assistant director, or site

supervisor and has been approved on an individual basis by the Child Care Licensing

Unit.

3. Volunteers who have routine contact with children shall have on file a child maltreatment

Central Registry check. An exception shall be given to parents who volunteer on field trips

but are not left alone with children. Child maltreatment Central Registry checks for

volunteers under eighteen (18) years of age must include a parent’s signature.

4. Individuals who provide health services or program enrichment activities on a limited

basis are not considered volunteers. The facility shall retain a register of such persons

listing name, organization, address, telephone number, date, and time in the center.

(Note: This section does not apply to therapists or others who have routine contact with

children. Therapists who are not left alone with children are required to have child

maltreatment background checks. Therapists who are left alone with children at any time

are subject to all background checks required for personnel. The therapist is entitled to a

copy of the initial background and maltreatment check results and may share a copy

with other facilities in which the therapist may be working.)

305 Student Observers

1. Students visiting the center on a regular or periodic basis to observe classroom activities,

or for similar purposes, shall not be counted in the staff to child ratio, shall not have

disciplinary control over children, and shall not be left alone with children. These

individuals shall have a child maltreatment background check on file.

2. Students that are conducting practicum, student teaching, or working in the same capacity

as a staff member or volunteer must meet the criteria in the appropriate section. (Sections

303 and 304)

306 Professional Development

1. All directors, site supervisors, and staff who provide direct care to children shall be

registered with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE)

Professional Development Registry within thirty (30) days of hire and all training shall be

registered with DCCECE Professional Development Registry or Department of Education

or Department of Higher Education approved.

2. All new staff shall have a probationary period of at least thirty (30) days, but not

more than six (6) months, during which they are closely supervised, mentored, and

evaluated. Evaluations shall be documented and maintained in the employee file.

3. All new staff members who provide direct care to children shall receive a basic

orientation on facility management policies, The Minimum Licensing Requirements,

center schedules, and emergency procedures prior to providing care. This shall be

documented in the employee file.

4. All new staff, including volunteers who are counted in the ratios, shall receive the

following orientation within three (3) months of employment (and every three (3) years

thereafter) and shall not be left alone with children until this is completed.

1. Introduction (eight (8) clock hours)

a. Proper supervision of children;

b. Behavioral guidance practices;

c. Safe sleep practices for infants;

d. Shaken baby syndrome; which includes prevention (Carter’s Law, Act 1208);

e. Appropriately responding to a crying or fussy infant or child;

f. Emergency procedures in the event of severe weather, or fire, including

evacuation procedures and routes, and location and use of fire

extinguishers;

g. Mandated reporter training;

h. Administering medication;

i. Caring for children with special needs or care plans;

j. Transportation and car seat safety;

k. Policies regarding release of children to authorized individuals;

l. Prevention and control of infectious diseases;

m. Building and physical premises safety, including the identification of, and

protection from, hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic;

n. Nutrition and physical activities;

o. Prevention and response to food sensitivities and allergic reactions;

p. Basic child development; and

q. The handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of

bio contaminants.

See Division website for a list of courses, that the Division maintains contracts for, which

meet the above requirements.

2. All staff shall have fifteen (15) hours of job specific training each year, including

child development training, for the ages of children they work with. This shall be

training focused on their job responsibilities, such as “Hands on Routine Care” for

infants, or “Basics of Assessment” for preschool staff.

See Division website for a list of courses, which meet the above requirements.

5. The Director, Assistant Director or Site Supervisor, and fifty percent (50%) of the facility

staff that are on site at any given time shall have a certificate of successful completion of

first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from an approved organization. If the

facility serves infants and toddlers, this training shall include infant and child CPR. (Infant

and child CPR may be included in the basic course or in a separate course.)

a. The curriculum shall conform to current American Heart Association or American

Red Cross guidelines;

b. The curriculum shall require hands on, skill-based instruction as well as practical

testing. Training and certification that is provided solely online will not be accepted;

and

c. The instructor shall be qualified and authorized to teach the curriculum and shall be

certified by a nationally recognized organization. (Including but not limited to:

Health and Safety Institute; Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Safety Services,

Inc.)

400 PROGRAM

401 Program Requirements for all ages

1. Each child care center shall be equipped with supplies, resources, and indoor and

outdoor equipment to take care of the needs of the total group and to provide each

child with a variety of activities throughout the day.

2. Children shall have a variety of toys, books, creative materials, and equipment that is

easily accessible and arranged to support learning. This includes equipment for:

a. Large Muscle and Gross Motor activities (such as climbing and running); and

b. Manipulative and Fine Motor activities (such as things done with the hands:

puzzles, drawing, and modeling clay).

3. There shall be a written daily schedule posted in each classroom, listing developmentally

appropriate activities for children. The program shall offer alternating periods of active

play and quiet times throughout the day.

4. There shall be a total of thirty (30) minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical

activity. This could be included in outdoor play time if it meets this criterion. See Division

website.

5. Staff shall plan and provide experiences that meet children’s needs and stimulate learning

in the following developmental areas: physical, social and emotional, creative and

aesthetic, cognitive and intellectual, and language, found in Arkansas's Learning

Standards

a. The facility shall have an approved curriculum with weekly activity plans appropriate

for the developmental needs of each group of children. See Division website for a list

of approved curricula;

b. Each child is viewed by staff as a unique person with an individual pattern of growth

and development;

c. The center has a variety of learning areas, for example: areas for dramatic play,

blocks, books, art, language, literacy, math, and science; and

d. Children are provided opportunities to work individually or in small, informal groups

most of the day and permitted to choose staff-directed, self-selected activities, or

not to participate.

6. Facility staff shall avoid activities or experiences that may be damaging to children’s

self-esteem and positive self-image.

7. There shall be meaningful, positive interaction between staff and children, to include but

not limited to the following:

a. Comfort children who are upset;

b. Engage in frequent, multiple, and rich social interchanges such as smiling,

conversation, touching, and singing;

c. Interact with children by being their play partner as well as protector;

d. Help children identify and label feelings by being attuned to children’s needs;

e. Communicate consistently with parents and guardians; and

f. Interact with children and develop a relationship in the context of everyday routines.

8. There shall be an opportunity for a supervised rest period.

a. The supervised rest period shall be at least one (1) hour but shall not exceed two

(2) hours; and

b. If children do not fall asleep, they shall be allowed to participate in a quiet activity

either on their cots, in the area, or in another room under direct supervision.

9. There shall be sufficient lighting during nap time to provide adequate supervision of

the children.

10. Parents shall not be denied access to their child at any time during hours of operation.

(Clarification: The intent of this rule is to ensure that the parent(s) or

guardian(s) is able to have contact with his or her child during hours of care. It

is not intended to be a determining factor in child custody or visitation matters,

nor should it be used to circumvent court ordered custody, visitation rights, or

schedules. Facilities should encourage parents to resolve custody or visitation

issues outside of the care environment. Parents should be informed that

continuing problems could result in the dismissal of their child).

11. Each center is required to provide at least four (4) Division approved opportunities for

parental involvement. Examples of approved activities are listed below. (See Arkansas

Better Beginnings website for resources. www.arbetterbeginnings.com)

• Parents are allowed to observe, eat lunch with a child, or volunteer in the

classroom.

• Conferences are held at least once a year and at other times, as needed, to

discuss children’s development and learning.

• A parent resource area is available with books, pamphlets, or articles on

parenting and child development.

• Parent meetings are held with guest speakers or special events, for example,

open house or a family activity night.

• Parents are informed of the center’s programs and activities through a

parents’ bulletin board, regular newsletter, email, or web page.

• Parents participate in program and policy development through board

involvement, planning meetings, or questionnaires and surveys.

12. The facility shall distribute materials developed or approved by the Department of Health

on prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome to all parents of infants, upon enrollment.

Written documentation of receipt of this information by each parent, with a signature,

shall be placed in the child’s file. (Carter’s Law, Act 1208 of 2013)

13. Staff shall not release a child to anyone who is not immediately recognized as the

child’s parent or as someone on the authorized pick-up list unless:

a. The individual can provide an official picture identification (ID); and,

b. The person in charge can match the ID to the individual named on the child’s

data sheet.

14. Verification of permission for persons not on the authorized list shall be obtained by the

person in charge by calling the parent at a number listed in the child’s record. The

person in charge shall view an official picture ID of the individual to verify identity.

15. There shall be a total of at least one (1) hour of outdoor play per day in suitable

weather. When deciding if children should play outside, staff shall consider the

following environmental factors:

a. When the heat index is forecast to be ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit or above,

outdoor play should be scheduled during early morning hours or the length of time

spent outdoors should be reduced to avoid heat stress;

b. When outdoor play occurs during the hotter part of the day, children should have

shaded area, an ample supply of water, and should be monitored closely for signs

of heat stress; and

c. When outdoor play occurs during the winter months and when temperatures are

extremely cold, the time scheduled for outdoor play should be reduced or

suspended depending on the temperature and other weather conditions.

16. The use of television, Digital Versatile Disc (DVDs), video cassettes, computer or video

games, and other screen time activities shall meet the following requirements:

a. Shall be prohibited for children younger than two (2) years of age (the use of DVDs

or other video programs for any activities with this age group would have to be

approved through an alternative compliance request);

b. Shall be limited to programs of educational value which are age-appropriate;

c. Shall be scheduled and shall not exceed one (1) hour daily per child or group of

children. Children shall not be required to participate in screen time activities and shall

be offered other choices. (Viewing time may be extended for special events or

occasions such as a current event, holiday or birthday celebration, or for the

occasional viewing of age appropriate movies, or other programs that may exceed

one (1) hour in length); and

d. Educational computer learning periods for children below five (5) years of age may

not exceed two (2) hours a day per child or group of children. Educational computer

learning periods for children five (5) years of age and older may exceed two (2) hours

per day.

17. Photos or video recordings shall not be made of any child without prior written

permission from the child’s parent or guardian.

18. Photos or video recordings of children shall not be placed on social media or any

other websites without prior written parental permission.

402 Infant and Toddler Specific Program Requirements

1. The facility shall provide a safe and clean learning environment, both indoors and

outdoors, with age appropriate materials, and equipment arranged to support learning.

2. Toys used by infants and toddlers shall be safe and sanitized as needed to help prevent

the spread of contagious diseases. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized shall not be

used.

3. Infants and toddlers, shall have a learning and play environment that shall include staff

being on their level interacting with them frequently when they are awake.

4. The facility shall implement relationship-based practices that promote consistency.

Infant and toddler caregivers and teachers shall:

a. Respond promptly to cries and calls of distress by verbally acknowledging,

gently touching, and holding children;

b. Engage children in frequent rich social exchanges in a variety of ways, for example:

holding, patting, making frequent eye contact, smiling, singing, and using a

pleasant calm voice in conversation;

c. Engage children in frequent positive social exchanges during routine care, such

as eating, diaper changing, toileting, and preparing for rest;

d. Provide consistent emotional support to infant and toddlers by acknowledging

their feelings and emotions and providing physical and verbal support.

e. Communicate consistently with parents and guardians by greeting them warmly

and exchanging information that promotes continuity between the center and the

child’s home; and

f. Engage in play activities with children by providing a safe environment to

explore, modeling play behavior such as imagination and use of toys, and

equipment, and providing verbal encouragement and support.

(See Division web site for brain development diagram.)

5. It is recommended that the facility promote continuity of care for infants and toddlers

by maintaining consistency in staffing.

6. Staff shall plan and provide experiences that meet infant and toddlers needs and

stimulate learning in the following developmental areas: self-concept, physical, social,

emotional, cognitive, and language, as found in the “Arkansas Frameworks for Infant

and Toddler Care.”

7. The center shall have an approved curriculum with weekly lesson plans appropriate for

the developmental needs of each group of children, when available.

8. Infants and toddlers shall be taken outside for a period of time every day, unless

prevented by weather or special medical conditions.

9. Outdoor play for infants and toddlers may include riding in a carriage or stroller.

However, infants and toddlers shall be offered opportunities for gross motor play

outdoors as well.

10. An age appropriate daily schedule (for each age group) shall be posted in each

classroom and shall be accessible to parents and staff.

500 BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE

501 Behavior Guidance Requirements

1. Behavior guidance shall be:

a. Individualized and consistent for each child;

b. Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding;

c. Directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-

control. See Division website for recommended behavior guidance

training.

2. Physical punishment shall not be administered to children.

3. The length of time a child is placed in time out shall not exceed one (1) minute per year

of the child's age.

4. Acceptable behavior guidance techniques include:

a. Look for appropriate behavior and reinforce the child with praise and

encouragement when they are behaving well;

b. Remind the child daily of the rules by using clear, positive statements regarding how

they are expected to behave rather than what they are not supposed to do;

c. Attempt to ignore minor inappropriate behavior and concentrate on what the child

is doing properly;

d. Use brief supervised separation from the group only when the child does not respond

to a verbal command which instructs the child as to how he or she is supposed to

behave;

e. When a misbehaving child begins to behave appropriately, encourage and praise small

steps rather than waiting until the child has behaved appropriately for a long period

of time; and

f. Attend to the children who are behaving appropriately, and other children will follow

their example in order to obtain your attention.

5. The following activities or threats of such activities are unacceptable as behavior

guidance measures and shall not be used for children. These include, but are not

limited to the following:

a. Restraints (Restraining a child briefly by holding the child is allowed when the

child’s actions place the child or others at risk of injury);

b. Washing mouth with soap;

c. Taping or obstructing a child’s mouth;

d. Placing unpleasant or painful tasting substances in mouth, on lips, etc.;

e. Profane or abusive language;

f. Isolation without supervision;

g. Placing child in dark area;

h. Inflicting physical pain, hitting, pinching, pulling hair, slapping, kicking, twisting

arms, biting or biting back, spatting, swatting, etc.;

i. Yelling (This does not include a raised voice level to gain a child’s attention to

protect the child from risk of harm);

j. Forcing physical activity, such as running laps, doing push-ups, etc. (This does not

include planned group physical education activities that are not punitive in nature);

k. Associating punishment with rest, toilet training, or illness;

l. Denying food (lunch or snacks) as punishment or punishing children for not eating;

m. Children shall not be forced or bribed to eat;

n. Shaming, humiliating, frightening, labeling, physically, or mentally harming children; and

o. Covering the faces of children with blankets or similar items.

6. Posted group behavior charts shall not be used. (Individual behavior charts that are

not viewable by children and individual charts used by therapists are allowable.)

7. Behavior guidance practices used by the center shall be discussed with each child's parents

and provided to them in writing at the time of enrollment with a copy signed by the parent

maintained in the child's record.

502 Infant and Toddler Behavior Guidance Requirements

1. Time-out shall not be used for children under two (2) years of age.

2. The child may be placed in a supervised area away from the group or in a crib or playpen

while staff attends to the situation. Brief separation from the group is acceptable when

the child’s behavior places the child or others at risk of harm. Example: A child who has

bitten another child would be removed from the group, briefly, while staff attends to the

bitten child.

600 RECORDS

601 Record Requirements

1. All staff, child, and facility records shall be kept and made available to the Child

Care Licensing Unit on request. The records shall be maintained for three (3) years

unless otherwise indicated.

2. Licensing compliance forms (DCC-521) shall be available at the facility for three (3)

years. The facility shall advise parents in writing that the compliance forms are available

for review upon request.

3. The facility shall maintain daily attendance records on all children as follows:

a. Children shall be signed in and out daily by a parent or guardian, or designee.

Electronic sign in and out systems will meet this requirement; and

b. The record shall include the date and time of arrival and departure.

602 Facility Records

1. Facility Records shall be maintained on site and include:

a. Attendance records on all children;

b. Transportation rosters, if applicable (maintained for one (1) year);

c. Verification of current vehicle registration, if applicable;

d. Verification of required commercial vehicle insurance coverage, if applicable;

e. Verification of required Child Care Liability Insurance;

f. Verification of current pet vaccinations, if applicable;

g. Verification of annual fire department approval;

h. Verification of annual health department approval;

i. Verification of zoning approval (maintained as part of permanent record);

j. Verification of annual approval by the Boiler Inspector Division of the Department

of Labor;

k. Mobile Home Commission approval for double wide manufactured homes, if

applicable (maintained as part of permanent record);

l. Record of emergency drills;

m. Plans and procedures of Emergency Preparedness;

n. Procedures for reporting allegations of child maltreatment;

o. Procedures for reporting suspected licensing violations;

p. Licensing compliance forms;

q. Log of Product Recall and Safety Notices from Consumer Product Safety Commission

(CPSC) or Attorney General’s Office;

r. Articles of Incorporation, if applicable (maintained as part of permanent record); and

s. Current list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of the Board of Directors,

if applicable.

603 Staff Records

1. Staff records may be maintained off site, unless otherwise noted, and shall contain

the following:

a. Name, date of birth, address, and telephone number;

b. Education, training and experience, including a copy of the General Education

Diploma (GED) or high school diploma (If these documents are no longer available,

proof of reasonable effort to obtain the documentation is acceptable)

Clarification: Training hours will be counted on a calendar year basis or by the

facility’s operating schedule if they do not operate year- round;

c. Employment related information for previous six (6) years, with written

documentation of verification of employment and reference checks;

d. Attendance record, listing days and hours worked;

e. Date of employment and date of separation;

f. Documented training or continuing education; i.e., orientation, in-service training,

and workshop documentation, which shall include title of workshop, presenter,

hours of training and date;

g. Initiation of Criminal Record Checks and Central Registry Checks and the

results obtained when received;

h. Verification of completion of the required transportation training and a readable,

current copy of the driver’s license for all staff who transport children (copy must be

on site);

i. Verification of First Aid or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for applicable staff

(copy must be on site); and

j. Documentation of new employee evaluations.

604 Children’s Records

1. The child care facility shall maintain a record for each child in care which shall be on site.

Records for children no longer enrolled may be maintained off site. Children’s records

shall contain the following information:

a. Application form which includes child’s name, date of birth, address, name of parent

or guardian, telephone numbers (home and business), work hours of parents or

guardians, and date of enrollment in facility;

b. The name, address, and telephone number (home and business) of a responsible

person to contact in an emergency if the parent or guardian cannot be located

promptly;

c. Name, address, and telephone of child’s physician or emergency care facility;

d. Written permission of parent or guardian authorizing emergency medical care and

transportation of child for emergency treatment (This authorization shall

accompany children anytime they are transported);

e. Name(s) of persons authorized to pick up child;

f. Permission slips signed by parent or guardian authorizing the child to be taken

on specific field trips;

g. Pertinent medical history on the child;

h. An authorized record of up-to-date immunizations or documentation of a religious,

medical, or philosophical exemption from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH)

(Updated immunization schedules will be provided as changes are received from the

ADH);

i. A written record of all significant changes in the child’s physical or emotional state and

accidents, incidents or injuries, indicating the date, location, time of day, area, or piece

of equipment where the incident occurred (A copy of this shall be given to the parent

on the day of occurrence);

j. Any legal or medical documentation that has been given to the facility, by the parent

or legal guardian, regarding the care of the child;

k. Written permission for the facility to photograph or video tape their child, if applicable;

l. Written permission for the facility to place photos and video recordings of their child

on social media or other websites, if applicable;

m. Infant feeding documentation shall be maintained for at least one (1) year; and

n. Documentation of distribution of Shaken Baby Syndrome information to all parents

of infants in accordance with Carter’s Law.

700 NUTRITION

701 Nutrition Requirements

1. The center shall ensure that lunch is served to each child.

2. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and evening meals shall each meet current U.S. Department of

Agriculture guidelines, including portion size. (See Appendix C) Menus for all food service

shall be posted. (See Division website.) If sack lunches are utilized, the facility shall

ensure that they also meet these requirements. Milk shall be served to each child during

the day. Exceptions may be made for children who suffer allergies to milk.

3. Breakfast shall be made available for children who arrive before 7:00 a.m. Breakfast

may be served to all children rather than a morning snack provided there is no more

than three (3) hours between the beginning of breakfast and the beginning of lunch.

4. All food service surfaces shall be kept sanitary.

5. Food shall be served on individual plates, bowls, or other dishes that can be sanitized

or discarded.

6. Food and drinks which are not available to the children shall not be consumed by staff

in the children's presence.

7. Mid-morning snacks or breakfast, and mid-afternoon snacks shall be provided for

all children.

8. All food brought from outside sources shall come from Health Department approved

kitchens and shall be transported as per Health Department requirements, or the food

shall be in an individual, commercially pre-packaged container. (This does not include

individual sack lunches brought from home.)

9. All refrigerators used for food storage shall be maintained at a temperature of forty-one

(41) degrees or below, and all freezers used for food storage shall be maintained at a

temperature of zero (0) degrees or below.

702 Infant and Toddler Nutrition Requirements

It is recommended that mothers be allowed and encouraged to breast feed their

children at the facility.

1. The routine use of food, bottles, and formula shall be agreed upon by the caregiver and

parent. Instructions regarding special needs for food, bottles, and formula, such as food

allergies, shall be obtained in writing from the parent and followed by the caregiver.

(See Appendix D).

2. Feedings for all children up to twelve (12) months of age shall be documented by the

caregiver and available for review by the parent. This documentation shall continue for

all children older than twelve (12) months of age who are still being given bottles.

3. Infant bottles and food shall be prepared and heated in an area separate from the diaper

changing area.

4. Microwaves shall not be used for heating bottles, due to the danger of uneven heating.

5. Infants no longer held for feeding shall either sit in low chairs at low tables or in infant

seats with trays, or in high chairs with wide bases. Safety straps shall be used if directed

by the manufacturer.

6. Children under two (2) years of age shall not be fed foods that may cause choking, such

as, but not limited to hard candy, raw carrots, hot dogs, nuts, seeds, or popcorn.

7. Water used for the preparation of formula shall not come from the hot water supply.

(Water from hot water systems may contain high levels of lead and other substances

which could be harmful to small children.)

8. Children shall not share the same bottle or eating utensils. The facility shall practice

a sanitary method of cleansing baby bottles, cups, and utensils.

9. Bottles shall not be propped. Infants under six (6) months of age shall be held while

being bottle-fed.

10. Bottles and “sippy cups” shall be labeled with the child’s name and shall be refrigerated.

800 BUILDINGS

801 Building Requirements

1. Child care centers shall comply with the Minimum Requirements of the currently adopted

Arkansas Fire Prevention Code as administered by local fire department or by the State

Fire Marshal, who has final authority. Written verification of annual approval shall be

maintained on file. (Note that the State and Local Fire Codes may not allow the

use of basements or floors above ground level by children, first grade and

younger, unless there is a ground level exit.)

2. State Health Department requirements shall be met. Written verification of annual

approval shall be maintained on file.

3. Department of Labor, Boiler Inspection Division requirements shall be met. All water

heaters and any other boilers in licensed child care settings shall be inspected on an

annual basis and upon installation. Verification that initial inspection has been scheduled

and annual approval shall be maintained on file. Inspection, or proof of attempt to set up

initial inspection, shall be completed within six (6) months of licensure. Scheduling and

completion of annual inspections will be the responsibility of the Department of Labor,

however, the facility is responsible for cooperating and keeping documentation of such

inspection on file for review. (AR Code § 20-23-101 et seq.)

4. All space used by a center shall be kept clean and free of hazardous or potentially

hazardous objects. (These objects include, but are not limited to, poisonous

substances, firearms, explosives, broken toys or equipment, or other objects that

could be harmful or dangerous, if they are determined to be accessible to children.)

5. Thirty-five (35) square feet per child of usable floor space shall be required for indoor

activities. This does not include bathrooms, kitchen, and hallways. Usable space in the

child care center shall include areas in the classroom used for storage of programmatic

materials which are accessible to children. This does not include closets or storage

space for equipment that is not in use.

6. Separate space shall be provided for the isolation of children who become ill and shall

be located in an area that can be supervised at all times by a staff member.

7. All parts of the center used by the children shall be well heated, air conditioned,

lighted, ventilated, and maintained at a comfortable temperature.

8. Glass doors shall be clearly marked.

9. When windows and doors are used for ventilation, they shall be screened and shall

not present a safety hazard.

10. Floor furnaces, gas heaters, electric heaters, hot radiators, water heaters, air conditioners,

and electric fans shall have guards and shall not present a safety hazard. Portable fuel

fired heaters shall not be used.

11. It is recommended that if natural gas or propane is used, the facility’s heating systems

be inspected and cleaned if necessary, before each heating season by a qualified

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician.

12. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be placed in facilities according to

manufacturer’s recommendations if one (1) of the following situations applies:

a. Facilities using wood, propane, natural gas, or any other product as a heat source

that can produce carbon monoxide indoors or in an attached garage; or

b. Any situations where carbon monoxide detectors are required by state or local law.

13. Floors, ceilings, and walls shall be in good repair and kept clean. Paints used at the

facility shall be lead free.

14. A child care center shall have an operable telephone on site all hours children are in

care. The Licensee shall provide the phone number to the Licensing Unit and to the

parents. (This phone may be a cell phone if the phone stays operable, stays at the

facility during all hours of care, and is the phone number provided to the Licensing Unit

and the parents.)

15. The following structures shall not be used as child care centers:

a. Manufactured homes constructed prior to June 1976;

b. Manufactured homes constructed with metal roofs and outside walls;

c. Single-wide manufactured homes; and

d. Portable storage type buildings.

16. Double-wide manufactured homes may be considered provided they are tied down in

accordance with the manufacturer's tie down specifications manual. Any new applicant for

a child care center that requests the use of a manufactured home shall obtain an

inspection at the applicant's expense from the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission.

17. Manufactured homes currently licensed as child care facilities shall be tied down

as recommended by the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission.

18. Portable classroom buildings are not considered manufactured homes but do require Fire

Department approval. Portable classroom buildings installed after November 1, 2002, shall

have Fire Department approval prior to purchase and installation.

802 Infant and Toddler Building Requirements

1. If Infant and Toddler Centers and Child Care Centers are operated in the same building,

the areas designated for care of infants and toddlers shall be in rooms separate from the

activity of other children.

2. When infants and toddlers share the same eating areas with older children,

arrangements shall be made to maintain separation.

900 PLAYGROUNDS and OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

To provide the safest possible playground environment, you are encouraged to meet

Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guidelines listed in the “Handbook for Public

Playground Safety”. However, the following are minimum requirements and shall be met.

Please note that these requirements do not mandate the use of any playground

equipment that would require use zones and protective surfacing. Numerous

options for suitable playground environments are available and acceptable.

Examples of such activities are:

• Sand boxes;

• Activity walls at ground level;

• Art easels;

• Balls and games;

• Play houses;

• Nature walks; and

• Use of the approved natural environment for outdoor learning.

The use of public playgrounds and other play environments away from the facility is not

recommended as these environments may not meet acceptable safety standards. If these

playgrounds are used, staff should provide close supervision and not allow children to use any

equipment that appears unsafe (ie: broken equipment, sharp objects, strangulations hazards,

etc.). Using playgrounds and other play environments away from the facility is considered a

field trip and all field trip requirements shall be followed.

901 Layout and Design

1. A diagram of the playground shall be submitted, clearly identifying the perimeter of the

playground, with measurements, and identifying each piece of equipment used by the

children enrolled at the licensed facility. This documentation shall be in the form of a

satellite photo from an internet site such as Google Maps, or a diagram if a satellite photo

is not available.

2. Any changes in the play area boundaries and equipment requested must be submitted in

writing and approved prior to use.

3. All equipment and protective surfacing shall be installed and maintained according to

manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. The play area or outdoor learning area shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed and provide

at least seventy-five (75) square feet per child present on the playground at any time.

5. There shall be an outside exit from the play area.

6. The area shall be well drained.

7. There shall be equipment and activities appropriate for the age and number of children

enrolled in the facility.

8. Separate play areas or time schedules shall be provided if, infants and toddlers share

playgrounds with older children.

9. A shady area shall be provided where children can get out of direct sunlight. This can be

accomplished by utilizing existing shade such as trees and buildings, or by creating shade

with manufactured structures such as awnings. If shade is not available, the schedule for

outdoor play shall be altered so that children are outdoors during early morning hours to

avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight.

10. All areas where children play outdoors shall be properly maintained.

902 General Hazards

1. The area shall be free of hazards or potentially hazardous objects.

2. Equipment that has been determined by the Division to be unsafe for the children in the

licensed facility to use shall be removed from the play area or enclosed by a fence or

other suitable barrier so the children will not have access to it.

3. All newly purchased playground equipment designed for children to play on or climb on,

such as slides, swings, composite structures, etc., shall be commercially manufactured

and certified to meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Consumer

Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards for public playgrounds. Equipment in place

prior to January 1, 2014, may continue to be used provided it meets all other licensing

requirements.

4. Equipment, which is designed to be anchored, shall be properly anchored so that

the anchoring devices are below ground level.

5. Sand for playing shall be kept safe and clean.

6. Paint on equipment shall be lead free.

7. All fasteners, including S-hooks, shall be securely tightened or closed.

8. There shall be no sharp points, corners, edges, or splinters.

9. Equipment shall not have protrusion hazards. (A protrusion is a projection which,

when tested, is found to be a hazard having the potential to cause bodily injury to a

user who impacts it.)

10. Equipment shall not have entanglement hazards. (An entanglement is a condition in

which the user’s clothes or something around the user’s neck becomes caught or

entwined on a component of playground equipment.).

11. Trampolines shall not be used. (Therapeutic use of trampolines is acceptable if

supervised by the therapist on a one (1)-on-one (1) basis.)

12. Ball pits shall not be used. (Ball pits are large areas or “pits” filled with balls intended for

children to jump in and play. Therapeutic use of ball pits is acceptable if supervised by

the therapist on a one (1)-on-one (1) basis.)

13. Wading pools shall not be used. This does not prohibit the use of sprinklers and water play.

14. To prevent entrapment, there shall be no opening(s) between any interior opposing

surfaces between three and one-half inches (3.5") and nine inches (9). (Openings in

equipment that might allow a child’s body to pass through, but not their head.) Ground

bounded openings are exempt.

15. Providers and caregivers shall be aware of and remove when possible any hazardous

items children may wear on play equipment such as helmets, drawstrings, and other

accessories around the neck that may cause a strangulation or entanglement hazard.

16. All children one (1) year of age and older shall wear properly fitted and approved helmets

while riding on bicycles and when using roller skates, skate boards, roller blades, and

scooters.

Helmets shall be removed as soon as children stop riding the wheeled equipment.

Helmets shall meet CPSC standards. (Helmet use is recommended while riding tricycles

and other wheeled toys.)

17. All soccer goals shall be commercially manufactured and installed and anchored

according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

903 Balance Beams

1. Balance beams shall not be higher than twelve inches (12") and shall have use zones with

protective surfacing.

2. Children under age two (2) shall not use balance beams.

904 Slides

1. Slides shall not have any spaces or gaps between the platform and the slide surface.

2. Slides shall have a transition platform of at least fourteen inches (14") deep for

preschool and school age children, and nineteen inches (19") deep for toddlers.

905 Swings

1. The following swings shall not be used for any ages:

a. Multi-occupancy swings designed to hold more than one (1) child, except tire swings;

b. Heavy molded swings such as animal figure swings;

c. Free swinging rope (Tarzan ropes);

d. Swinging exercise rings;

e. Trapeze bars;

f. Swings attached to a composite structure (Composite Structure is defined by

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as, “Two (2) or more play structures

attached or functionally linked, to create one (1) integral unit that provides more than

one (1) play activity).”

2. There shall be no wood or metal swing seats.

3. Toddler swings shall have fully enclosed bucket seats.

4. Direct supervision shall be provided for children in toddler swings.

906 Climbing Equipment

1. Free standing arch climbers shall not be used for preschoolers.

2. Flexible grid climbing devices, such as rope or chain ladders, climbing ropes, etc., shall

be securely anchored at both ends.

3. Flexible grid climbing devices shall not be used for preschoolers unless they are

anchored at both ends and have a means of transitioning from one (1) piece of

equipment to the next.

4. Preschoolers shall not use sliding poles.

5. Sliding poles shall have no protruding welds or seams along the sliding surface and the

pole shall not change directions.

907 Merry Go Rounds

1. The only merry-go-rounds allowed are portable merry-go-rounds not designed to

be anchored and they shall have handgrips or other secure means of holding on.

908 Seesaws

1. Seesaws without spring centering devices shall have shock absorbing materials, such

as partial tires embedded in the ground underneath the seats or secured to the

underside of the seats.

2. Hand holds shall be provided for both hands at each seating position and shall not

turn when grasped.

3. Hand holds shall not protrude beyond the sides of the seat on seesaws.

909 Protective Surfacing

1. There shall be use zones and protective surfacing under and around all equipment that

is over eighteen inches (18") in height at the highest accessible point. The highest

accessible point is defined as the highest surface on the piece of equipment where

children would stand or sit when the equipment is being used as intended. Use zones

shall extend a minimum of six feet (6') in all directions (unless otherwise specified) from

the perimeter of the equipment. (Playground equipment that is between eighteen inches

(18") and twenty-four inches (24") at the highest accessible point and that was

installed prior to the enforcement date of this revision is allowable without protective

surfacing, as long as it meets all other requirements.)

2. Swings require use zones and protective surfacing regardless of height.

3. Use zone protective surfacing depths shall be as follows:

Minimum compressed loose-fill protective surfacing depths

Inches

Loose-Fill Material

Protects to Fall Height of:

Shredded/recycled rubber

10 feet

Sand

4 feet

Pea Gravel

5 feet

Wood mulch (non-CCA)

7 feet

Wood chips

10 feet

*Shredded and recycled rubber loose-fill protective surfacing does not compress in the same

manner as other loose-fill materials. However, it is recommended, care be taken to

maintain a constant depth as displacement may still occur.

4. Shock absorbent material such as sand, pea gravel, wood chips, wood mulch, shredded

tires, etc., shall be used in use zone areas under and around playground equipment

which requires a use zone.

a. When purchasing gravel, care should be taken prior to purchase to ensure that the

gravel is actually pea gravel that is smooth and rounded, and not crushed rock or

gravel with sharp edges. Crushed rock and sharp gravel will not be approved;

b. Pea gravel used for use zones shall not be over one-half inch (½") in diameter; and

c. Different types of protective surfacing materials shall not be combined within the

same use zone area.

5. Hard surface materials, such as asphalt and concrete shall not be used as base surfaces

in the use zones except under commercial matting or other systems and products

designed to be installed over hard surfaces as directed by the manufacturer.

6. SLIDES: The use zone for slides measuring six feet (6') or over, measured from the

slide platform to the ground, shall extend eight feet (8') from the exit end of the slide.

Use zones for slides measuring under six feet (6') from the platform to the ground shall

extend six feet (6') from the exit end of the slide.

7. SWINGS: The use zone for single-axis swings (standard swings) (except toddler swings)

shall extend to the front and to the rear of the swing a minimum distance of two (2) times

the height of the pivot point (where the chain attaches to the frame) above the playing

surface. The use zone for toddler swings shall extend to the front and rear of the swing a

minimum of two (2) times the distance from the pivot point to the swing seat. Use zones

shall also extend six feet (6') to the sides of the swing set.

8. SWINGS: The use zone for multi-axis swings (such as tire swings or others with three (3)

or more suspending chains) shall extend in all directions a minimum of six feet (6'), plus

the height of the suspending rod or chain. The use zone from the end of the structure

must also extend a minimum of six feet (6') feet in all directions.

9. Use zones shall be free of obstacles onto which children may fall.

1000 FURNITURE and EQUIPMENT

1001 Furniture and Equipment Requirements

1. All manufacturer guidelines shall be followed for furniture and equipment that is used by,

or around, children.

2. All equipment shall be sturdy, clean, and safe.

3. Paint on toys, equipment, and other materials shall be lead free.

4. Child size tables and chairs, highchairs, or other age appropriate and comfortable

seating options shall be used during snack and meal times.

5. Safety straps shall be used at all times in high chairs or any other seats designed to be

used with straps.

6. The center shall provide individualized space for storing personal belongings.

7. There shall be storage space for extra materials and other equipment when not in use.

8. Outdoor equipment that requires use zones and protective surfacing shall require the

same use zones and protective surfacing if used inside the facility. (This does not apply

to equipment specifically designed for indoor use only.)

1002 Sleeping Requirements for Preschool

1. There shall be a labeled, individual cot or mat, bottom sheet, and adequate cover for

each child in care during rest time.

2. The use of mats shall be acceptable if they are at least two inches (2") thick,

washable, waterproof, and size-appropriate for children.

3. All sleeping equipment shall be kept at least one foot (1') apart for napping to prevent

cross-contamination and to ensure ease of access in an emergency.

4. Sheets and covers shall be washed at least once a week or more frequently as needed.

Once a sheet, cover, or blanket has been used by a child, it shall not be used by

another child until it has been washed.

1003 Infant and Toddler Sleeping Requirements

1. Sleeping infants and toddlers shall be visually monitored at all times and physically

checked regularly for breathing.

2. Infants and toddlers shall be placed in age appropriate cribs, cots, or mats meeting

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, for when they fall asleep. (Note:

Also, any items used in the crib must be used according to manufacturer guidelines,

regardless if the child is sleeping or not, in accordance with 1001.1.)

3. Infants (children twelve (12) months of age and below) shall be placed flat on their backs

to sleep, in accordance with American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, to lessen the

risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (If a child rolls over on

his or her own, the facility is not required to reposition the child.) If there is a medical

reason a child cannot sleep on his or her back, then a signed statement from the child’s

physician must be in the file stating the reason, the sleep position indicated, and the

time frame this is required.

4. Infants’ sleep space (e.g. crib) shall be free of loose bedding. If a light blanket is

necessary, it should be kept at or below the mid-chest area of the child. Staff shall not

cover the faces of infants.

5. Swaddling infants is not recommended and shall require a note from the child’s physician

if continued past the age of three (3) months.

6. Pillows (including nursing or “boppy” pillows), bumpers and bumper pads, and stuffed

animals shall not be placed in cribs.

7. Bibs, necklaces, and garments with ties or hoods shall be removed from infants prior

to rest and naptime to reduce the risk of entanglement and strangulation while the child is

sleeping.

8. Any cribs or playpens that have been identified as unsafe or have been subject to recall

as defined by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines or law, shall

be removed or repaired as indicated.

9. An individually labeled crib or safe playpen with a waterproof mattress shall be provided

for each child less than twelve (12) months of age. A bassinet shall not be used. (Please

note that the CPSC does not recommend the use of playpens in licensed child care.)

10. The following guidelines shall be required for cribs:

a. Slats shall be no greater than two and three-eighths inches (2/3/8") apart;

b. Cribs that have end panels with decorative cutout areas shall not be used;

c. Mattresses shall fit snugly in the crib, be waterproof, and in good repair;

d. The space between crib and mattress shall measure no more than one inch (1");

e. Corner posts shall be the same height as end panels; and

f. End panels shall extend below mattress at the lowest position of the mattress.

11. Crib bedding shall be changed daily or more frequently when wet or soiled.

1100 HEALTH

1101 General Health Requirements

1. No child or staff shall be admitted who has a contagious or infectious disease.

2. The parent or legal guardian shall be notified as soon as possible when a child has any

symptom that requires exclusion from the facility. The child shall be separated from other

children and closely monitored until the parent arrives to pick the child up.

3. The caregiver shall determine if the illness prevents the child from participating

comfortably in activities, results in a greater need for care than the child care staff can

provide without compromising the health and safety of the other children, or poses a risk

of spread of harmful diseases to others.

The caregiver shall temporarily exclude the child from child care if the child has:

a. Sudden change in behavior, such as:

• lethargy or lack of responsiveness.

• unexplained irritability or persistent crying.

• difficult breathing.

• a quickly-spreading rash.

b. Fever over one hundred and one (101) degrees oral or one hundred (100) axillary (or

equivalent method) in a child who also has pain, behavior changes, or other

symptoms of illness;

• An infant younger than two (2) months with any increased temperature

shall get urgent medical attention, within an hour.

• An infant younger than six (6) months with any increased temperature

shall be medically evaluated.

c. Diarrhea, defined as watery and runny stools if frequency exceeds two (2) or more

stools above normal for that child, and is not related to a change in diet or

medication (Exclusion from child care is required if diarrhea cannot be contained in

the diaper or if diarrhea is causing soiled clothing in toilet-trained children);

d. Blood or mucus in stools (unless caused by hard stools);

e. Vomiting illness (two (2) or more episodes of vomiting in the previous twenty-four (24)

hours);

f. Abdominal pain which lasts more than two (2) hours;

g. Mouth sores with drooling;

h. Rash with fever or behavior change;

i. Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” – with white, yellow, or green eye discharge, and

red (“bloodshot”) eyes, exclude only if child has:

• Fever;

• eye pain;

• redness or swelling of the skin around the eyes; or

• if more than one (1) child in the program has symptoms.

j. Pediculosis (head lice), until after the first treatment;

k. Active tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child

is on appropriate therapy and can attend child care;

l. Impetigo, until treatment has been started;

m. Strep throat, until twenty-four (24) hours after antibiotic treatment has been started;

n. Chicken pox, until all lesions have crusted (usually six (6) days after the rash appears);

o. Rubella, until six (6) days after onset of rash;

p. Pertussis (whooping cough); until five (5) days of antibiotic treatment;

q. Mumps, until five (5) days after onset of gland swelling;

r. Measles, until four (4) days after onset of rash; and

s. Hepatitis A, until one (1) week after onset of illness or as directed by the health

department.

4. Any child who is injured shall have immediate attention. Parents shall be notified of all

injuries. Injuries that require the attention of medical personnel shall be reported to the

parent immediately and to the Licensing Unit within one (1) business day.

5. Parents or guardians of all children shall be notified of contagious illness as soon

as possible.

6. Medication shall be given to children only with signed parental permission which includes

date, type, drug name, time and dosage, length of time to give medication, and what the

medication is being given for. It shall be in the original container with a child resistant

cap, not have an expired date, and be labeled with the child's name. (Aspirin substitutes,

such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may be provided by the facility if parental

permission has been granted. These medications shall be in the original container.) Staff

shall not dispense medications in dosages that exceed the recommendations stated on

the medication bottle.

7. Children with special health care needs (ex. asthma, seizures, diabetes, etc.) who require

scheduled daily medications or medications to be given on an emergent basis (Benadryl,

EpiPen, rescue asthma medication, etc.) shall have a care plan. Care plans shall have

clearly stated parameters, directions, and symptoms for giving the medications. Care

plans shall be updated as needed, but at least yearly.

8. The facility shall share information with families regarding medical homes for children.

9. Medication shall be returned to the parent or disposed of properly when a child

withdraws from the program or when the medication is out of date.

10. Medicine shall be stored at the proper temperature, separately from food at all times.

11. A first aid supply shall be kept out of reach of the children. A first aid kit

containing medications shall be locked. This kit shall include the following:

a. Adhesive Band-Aids (various sizes);

b. Sterile gauze squares;

c. Adhesive tape;

d. Roll of gauze bandages;

e. Antiseptic;

f. Thermometer;

g. Scissors;

h. Disposable gloves; and

i. Tweezers.

12. Medicine shall be kept out of the reach of the children when dispensing and shall be

stored in a locked area at all other times.

13. The staff person who administers the medication shall initial the permission slip and

record the date, time, and dosage administered.

14. Facilities shall comply with the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006. Smoking (including

e-cigarettes) in a child care center is prohibited at all times. This includes:

a. All areas of the facility, regardless of whether children are in care (includes time periods

such as nights, weekends, holidays, etc., also includes office areas or other areas of

the facility that share the same ventilation systems);

b. Outdoor play area(s);

c. Other outdoor areas when children are present; and

d. In any vehicle used to transport children, whether children are present in the vehicle

or not.

15. The facility shall follow any health or medical care plans and medical documentation as

provided by the child’s physician, parent, or guardian.

16. It is recommended that universal precautions be used when handling and disposing

of materials containing bodily secretions such as wet or soiled diapers, fecal matter,

etc. Universal precautions shall be used when handling items contaminated by blood.

These items shall be disposed of separately and by using rubber gloves that shall be

properly disposed of after each use. (Note: hands must be washed even after gloves

are used.)

17. Garbage and soiled diapers shall be kept in closed containers. Garbage and trash shall

be removed from the center daily and from the grounds at least once a week.

18. The facility shall be free of insects, rodents, and pests.

19. There shall be no pets or animals allowed that present a health and safety threat. A

licensed veterinarian shall certify that dogs and cats have a current vaccination against

rabies.

20. The communicable diseases listed in Appendix B

whether suspected in a child or adult

shall be reported within twenty-four (24) hours to either the local County Health Unit or

the toll-free Reporting System (800-482-8888). Immediate notification is recommended

for the following:

a. Hepatitis;

b. Rash illness (including Measles and Rubella);

c. Whooping Cough (Pertussis);

d. Meningitis;

e. Mumps;

f. Tuberculosis;

g. Salmonellas (including Typhoid); and

h. E-coli.

21. Reporting data should include:

a. The reporter’s name, location, and phone number;

b. The name of the disease reported and the date of onset;

c. The patient’s name, address, phone number, age, sex, and race (Please spell the

patient’s name);

d. The attending physician’s name, location, and phone number;

e. Any pertinent clinical and laboratory information used in the diagnosis (Please give

the laboratory name); and

f. Any treatment information, if known.

22. A roster shall be maintained on infants and toddlers who have not completed the

minimum immunization requirements and parents shall be notified of the needed

immunization(s).

23. Within fifteen (15) days of enrollment of a child, the child care facility shall verify that the

child has been immunized as required by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and

the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the child cannot remain in care (Arkansas

Code § 20-78-206 as amended by Act 870 of 1997-- a current immunization schedule is

provided as an insert in this publication.

24. It is recommended that all staff members who have direct contact with children

receive annual Influenza (flu) immunizations.

25. It is recommended that all staff members who have direct contact with children receive

a one-time Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) immunization.

26. It is recommended that all staff members who have direct contact with children receive

the recommended series of immunizations for chicken pox, mumps, measles, and rubella

or evidence of immunity.

27. Children shall be protected from overexposure to the sun. Sunscreen shall be used if

needed and as directed by the parent. Suntan lotions and sunscreens used for infants,

toddlers, and preschool children shall be kept out of the children’s reach and shall be

administered only with written parental permission. School age children may apply

sunscreen to themselves with supervision. Blanket permission may be obtained annually.

28. It is recommended that the facility have an automated external defibrillator on site and

have a staff member(s) on-site who is trained in the proper use of this device.

1102 Hand Washing

1. Individual towels, paper towels, or forced air dryers shall be within the reach of children.

2. A liquid soap shall be accessible in the hand washing area and used by caregivers

and children.

3. Running water shall be available in all lavatories.

4. Caregiver’s and children’s hands shall be washed with soap before meals and snacks, after

toileting, after each diaper change, and as needed. The use of hand sanitizer shall not be

a replacement for soap and running water.

5. A washcloth or towel shall not be used more than one (1) time before laundering.

1103 Infant and Toddler Hand-Washing

1. Caregivers’ hands shall be washed with soap upon entering the work area.

2. There shall be at least one (1) sink in each infant and toddler room for ages under

eighteen (18) months for diapering.

1104 Drinking Facilities

1. The water supply shall be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

2. Drinking water shall be provided to the children.

3. Drinking water shall not be obtained from the hot water supply.

1105 Toilet Facilities

1. There shall be one (1) toilet and one (1) sink available for each group of fifteen (15)

children.

2. Clean clothes shall be available for children who soil themselves.

3. Each center licensed or approved for more than thirty (30) children over the age of

eighteen (18) months shall have a separate rest room for staff. Infant and Toddler Center

staff and Day Care Center staff may share the same toilet facilities when both programs

are located in the same building.

4. Toilet tissue shall be located within reach of the children when toileting.

1106 Infant and Toddler Toilet Facilities

1. For every fifteen (15) children, eighteen (18) months of age and above, there shall be

one (1) toilet and sink.

2. The child care center shall provide a bathroom that opens directly into the room

where toddlers are located.

3. Potty chairs shall not be counted in lieu of conventional toilets. If potty chairs are used,

they shall be placed in the same area with a conventional toilet and sink and shall be

emptied and sanitized immediately after each use.

1107 Diaper Changing

1. A hand washing sink shall be available for the staff within the diaper change areas.

2. There shall be a safe diaper changing table that meets the following requirements:

a. Impervious (non-absorbent) smooth surfaces that do not trap soil and are

easily disinfected;

b. There shall be a changing pad capable of being sanitized used as a cushion between

the child and the changing table surface;

c. The table shall be sturdy and stable to prevent tipping over;

d. The table shall be a convenient height for use by caregivers and teachers;

e. The table shall be equipped with a raised edge or other provision to help reduce the

risk of a child rolling off of the table.

3. Children shall always be attended during diapering.

4. Soiled or wet diapers shall be removed and replaced with clean, dry diapers. The

caregiver shall ensure that children are properly cleaned and dried.

5. Soiled cloth diapers or clothing shall not be rinsed. If a child's own diapers are used,

they shall be sanitarily bagged to be taken home daily.

6. Diaper covers or plastic pants shall be handled in the same manner as cloth diapers.

7. All diapering preparations shall be placed out of the reach of children. The use of all

diapering preparations shall be agreed upon by the caregiver and parent.

1108 Toilet Learning

1. The caregiver shall assist children in toilet routine and hygiene practices.

2. The following methods shall not be used in toilet learning:

a. Placing child on toilet or potty chair for prolonged time periods;

b. Using harsh language;

c. Punishing or berating in any way for soiling clothing;

d. Using physical force to place child on a toilet or potty chair against their will; or

e. Leaving a child unsupervised on toilet.

1200 SAFETY

1201 Safety Requirements

1. Within thirty (30) days of licensure and within thirty (30) days of any change or

modification of the floor plan, the facility shall file a copy of their floor plan with the

local Office of Emergency Management including the following (§ 20-78-228 Act 1159

of 2013):

a. A schematic drawing of the facility and property used by the child care facility

including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of the

building;

b. The location or locations where children enrolled in child care spend time regularly;

c. The escape routes approved by the local fire department for the child care facility;

d. The licensed capacity and ages of children per room at the facility;

e. The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for the facility; and

f. An aerial view of the child care facility and property used by the child care facility

shall be included with the floor plan if available.

2. The facility shall have a written plan detailing the procedures to follow in the event of

emergencies (fires, floods, tornadoes, utility disruptions, bomb threats, etc.) (Act 801 of

2009.) The plan and procedures are required for emergencies that could cause

structural damage to the facility or pose a health or safety hazard to the children and

staff. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management may identify additional

threats that are covered by the plan and procedures. This plan shall include provisions

for “sheltering in place” or “lock down”, in the event of situations that warrant these

measures.

3. The written plan shall include the following information:

a. Designated relocation site and evacuation route;

b. Procedures for notifying parents of relocation;

c. Procedures for ensuring family reunification;

d. Procedures to address the needs of individual children, including children with

special needs, disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions;

e. Procedures and documentation for annual training of staff regarding the plan

and possible reassignment of staff duties in an emergency; and

f. Plans to ensure that all staff and volunteers are familiar with the components of the

plan.

4. The facility shall coordinate with local emergency management officials to plan

for emergencies.

5. The facility shall maintain, on site, a current copy of the Arkansas

Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan issued by the Arkansas Division

of Emergency Management. This plan shall be reviewed by the facility Director

and signed and dated, indicating that they have reviewed the current plan and

agree to comply with the provisions of the plan.

6. Written procedures and evacuation diagrams for emergency drills shall be posted in

each classroom.

7. Fire and tornado drills shall be practiced as follows:

a. Monthly;

b. Fire and tornado drills shall be practiced on separate days and at different times of

the day;

c. Everyone in the facility, to include all program types (i.e. infant and toddler,

preschool, school age), at the time of the drill shall participate in the drill;

d. Staff, including volunteers and substitutes, shall be trained in emergency drill

procedures;

e. During all hours when children are in care (evenings, nights, weekends, etc.); and

f. If applicable, the facility shall provide a crib with evacuation casters or equivalent

that will provide one (1) bed for every six (6) infants, twelve (12) months and

younger, that may be used for the safe evacuation of the infants.

8. The facility shall maintain a record of emergency drills. This record shall include:

a. Date of drill;

b. Type of drill;

c. Time of day;

d. Number of children participating in the drill;

e. Length of time taken to reach safety; and

f. Notes regarding any items that need improvement.

9. The facility shall maintain an evacuation pack that shall be taken on all drills and during

actual emergency evacuations. The pack shall be easily accessible in an emergency and

all staff shall know the location of the pack. The evacuation pack shall include, but is not

limited to the following:

a. List of emergency numbers;

b. List of all emergency and contact information for children;

c. List of all emergency and contact information for staff;

d. First aid kit (requirement 1101.6) with extra gloves;

e. Kleenex;

f. Battery powered flashlight and extra batteries;

g. Battery powered radio and extra batteries;

h. Hand sanitizer;

i. Notepad and pens or pencils;

j. Whistle;

k. Disposable cups;

l. Wet wipes; and

m. Emergency survival blanket.

10. The facility shall immediately notify the Licensing Unit of any extended utility outages

or significant damage to the building or grounds. If phone service is not available,

notification shall be as soon as service is restored or available.

11. Child care centers shall maintain a log of all child product recalls and safety notices issued

by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or distributed by the Attorney General’s

Office and shall post or otherwise make these notices available for parents to review on

site. The facility director shall certify, on an annual basis, that these notices have been

maintained and reviewed and that any identified items have been removed from the

facility. Forms for self-certification will be provided by the Licensing Specialist and shall

be submitted annually. (Act 1313 of 2001).

12. There shall be no alcoholic beverages in any part of the facility during hours of care.

13. Illegal drugs or paraphernalia shall not be in any part of the facility or on the

premises, regardless if children are present or not.

14. All medications and poisonous substances shall be kept in separately locked areas.

15. Rescue medications such as inhalers or EpiPens shall be inaccessible to children (kept in

a cabinet with a child proof type safety latch or carried by a staff member).

16. All detergents and cleaning supplies shall be kept out of the reach of children. (This

does not include hand soap in children’s or staff bathrooms.)

17. Supplies used for children’s activities shall be carefully supervised.

18. All bags belonging to children shall be checked on arrival to eliminate possible hazards.

19. Purses and bags belonging to staff shall be stored out of reach of children.

20. Electrical outlets shall be guarded.

21. Balloon use shall be carefully supervised.

22. Staff shall be instructed in the use of fire extinguishers.

23. The facility shall maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by

the Fire Department. Smoke detectors shall be kept in working order at all times.

24. Chemicals and toxins shall not be stored in the food storage area.

1202 Infant and Toddler Safety Requirements

1. Balloon use shall not be allowed in infant and toddler areas.

2. Pacifiers, if used, shall not be secured around the neck by a cord or any other means

that could represent a strangulation hazard.

1203 Swimming Pools

1. Swimming pools and natural pools of water may be used for water play for children age

three (3) and up if the following requirements are met:

a. Health Department approval where applicable;

b. Written parental permission; and

c. One (1) person present at all times who has current certification in Red Cross Life

Saving or Y.M.C.A. aquatic instruction.

2. Adult supervision of the children shall be provided at all times, with grouping based on

the following staff to child ratio: (Unless children are participating in an authorized

swimming instruction program.)

Kindergarten and up

1:8

Five (5) years

1:5

Four (4) years

Three (3) years

1:3

1:2

3. When children of different ages are swimming in a group, the staff to child ratio shall be

based on the youngest child within the group.

4. Lifeguards, swimming instructors, or any other swimming pool staff may be counted in

the ratio when the facility’s children are the only occupants of the pool and these

persons have completed criminal and child maltreatment background checks and have a

current health card.

5. Swimming pools located within the play area of the center shall be enclosed. The

enclosure shall consist of a locked gate and a fence that is at least four feet (4') high.

1300 TRANSPORTATION

1301 Transportation Requirements

1. The requirements in this section apply to all transportation provided by the Licensee,

including transportation provided by any person on behalf of the Licensee, regardless of

whether the person is employed by the Licensee. Periodic transportation, such as a parent

requesting that their child be picked up at school due to the parent’s work schedule or

other conflicts, is also covered by these requirements, whether a fee is charged for this

service or not.

2. When children are transported, emergency contact information shall be maintained on

the vehicle at all times.

3. Staff transporting children shall meet the following requirements:

a. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age or the minimum age required by the

Licensee’s commercial auto insurance;

b. Hold a current valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license as required by

state law, and a readable copy shall be maintained in the staff’s record;

c. Successfully completed the training course in Driver Safety that is offered or

approved by the Division prior to transporting children (Verification of the completed

course in Driver Safety shall be maintained on site in the staff’s record); and

d. At least one (1) adult on the vehicle shall be certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

(CPR) and First Aid.

4. The vehicle(s) used for the transportation of children shall be in compliance with

Arkansas state laws on transportation of children.

5. Vehicles shall be licensed and maintained in proper working condition including

air conditioning and heating systems.

6. Commercial insurance coverage shall be maintained for any vehicle used for

transportation by the facility. Verification of commercial insurance coverage shall be

provided to the Licensing Specialist prior to transportation of children. Required

coverage amounts to be maintained are:

a. Minimum coverage of $100,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL);

b. Minimum coverage of $100,000 for both Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Under

Insured Motorist (UIM); and

c. Minimum coverage of $5,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for each passenger

(based on the number of passengers the vehicle is manufactured to transport).

Exception: State institutions, political subdivisions, or other entities entitled to immunity from

liability under § 21-9-301, are not required to meet this requirement to be licensed.

(Act 23 of 2015)

7. Driver may be counted in staff to child ratio but shall not be the only adult when more than

twelve (12) children over three (3) years of age and older are transported.

8. For transporting children kindergarten and above only, a ratio of 1:18 shall be maintained.

The driver may be counted in the staff to child ratio.

9. Any child who is less than six (6) years old or weighs less than sixty pounds (60 lbs.) shall be

restrained in a child passenger safety seat. Any child who is at least six (6) years or weights

at least sixty pounds (60 lbs.) must be restrained by a safety belt. (Act 470 of 2001).

Conventional school busses are exempt from this requirement except for the transportation

of infants and toddlers. (See #1302.2) Child passenger safety seats shall be used in

accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

10. There shall be a seating space and an individual, appropriate restraint system provided

for each child transported.

11. Rosters listing the date, the names, and the ages or dates, of birth of all children being

transported as well as the name of the driver and any other staff member on the vehicle

shall be maintained. These rosters shall be used to check children on and off the vehicle

when they are picked up and dropped off at home, school, etc. and when they arrive at

and leave the facility. Transportation rosters shall be kept by the facility and available for

review for one (1) year.

12. To ensure that no children are left on the vehicle, the driver or a staff member must

walk through the vehicle and physically inspect each seat before leaving the vehicle.

The driver or the staff member, who conducted the walk-through inspection, must sign

the transportation roster to verify that all children have exited the vehicle.

13. To ensure that children have safely arrived in the appropriate classroom, the

transportation roster shall be reviewed by the Director or designee and compared with

classroom attendance records. The Director or designee shall sign off on the

transportation roster to verify that all children have safely transitioned from the vehicle

to the classroom.

14. Any vehicles designed or used to transport more than seven (7) passengers and one

(1) driver must have approved child safety alarm devices installed. These devices

must be properly maintained in working order at all times.

Vehicles in service at licensed facilities prior to July 1, 2005, shall have the alarm installed

by a qualified technician or mechanic no later than December 31, 2005. On or after July 1,

2005, all vehicles at newly licensed facilities and newly acquired vehicles at existing

facilities shall have a child safety alarm installed before placing the vehicle in service.

The Child Care Licensing Unit shall maintain a list of approved alarm systems.

Clarification –

• The alarm system shall be installed so that the driver must walk to the very back

of the vehicle to reach the switch that deactivates the alarm. Alarm switches

installed in locations that do not require the driver to walk to the back of the

vehicle and view all seating areas will not be acceptable.

• The alarm system may be installed by any certified technician or mechanic

employed by a recognized electronics or automotive business in accordance with

the device manufacturer’s recommendations.

• The time delay from activation of the alarm until the alarm sounds shall be no

longer than one (1) minute. Any of the following three (3) options are

acceptable to meet the intent of Act 1979 when children are being

delivered at the facility. Other options must be approved by the

Licensing Unit.

Options

1. Unload all of the children, walk through the vehicle to ensure that no children

remain on board, and deactivate the alarm. (This option will only work if you are

able to unload all children in less than one (1) minute.)

2. Upon arrival, have one (1) staff member immediately walk through the vehicle to

deactivate the alarm system. That staff member will remain near the alarm switch

at the back of the vehicle until all children have been unloaded to ensure that no

child is left on board. (This option will require at least two (2) staff members, one

(1) to supervise the children and one (1) to remain inside the vehicle.)

3. Upon arrival, deactivate the alarm and unload the children. Immediately after

unloading, start the vehicle and move it to a different location for final parking.

(This will reactivate the alarm and require a final walk through.)

1302 Infant and Toddler Transportation Requirements

1. In a vehicle transporting infants and toddlers, the driver may be counted in the

staff to child ratio but shall not be the only adult. A ratio of one (1) adult for each

of the three (3) infants and toddlers shall be maintained.

2. Infants and toddlers shall not be transported on school buses that are not

equipped to accommodate required safety seats.

1400 SPECIAL NEEDS

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

• It is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA

governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education,

and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.

• It defines a child with Special Needs as:

• A child determined eligible for special services under IDEA for whom a current

Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP) exists. or

• A child whose physical condition has lasted or is expected to last at least two (2)

years as diagnosed by a licensed medical or psychological examiner.

• It is specified in Public Law 108-466 § 635.16 A-B (IDEA as reauthorized) as:

• Children with disabilities including children in public or private institutions or other

care facilities are educated to the maximum extent appropriate with children who

are not disabled.

• Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities

from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity

of the disability of the child is such that the child is not achieving a satisfactory

education in a regular class that provides supplementary aids and services.

All child care facilities are required by IDEA to refer a child with any suspected

delays or disabilities to the appropriate lead agency (as determined by the child’s

age).

1401 Special Needs Requirements

1. All child care facilities shall comply with all applicable provisions as specified in Individual

with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

a. The facility shall enroll children with special needs without regard to disability;

(Programs are required to provide space and care for a child who can be

placed in their facility with existing services, as well as added supports

from special educational services, and as long as the health and safety of

the child can be met.)

b. Staff shall provide care in the general classroom with children who are not disabled;

c. The facility shall assist in facilitation of services required to meet the “special needs”

of children in the center or in the classroom as specified on the individualized

education and individual family service plan;

d. Facility staff (regular classroom staff) shall be a partner in the Individual Family Service

Plan (IFSP) and Individual Education Plan (IEP) plan process.

e. The facility shall allow service providers who are representatives of the Department

of Human Services (DHS), the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS),

or the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) access to the facility to provide

special services as prescribed on the plan to enable the plan to be implemented in

the classroom (natural and least restrictive environment);

f. The facility shall not charge special service providers for space, accept “gratuities”,

or payment for allowing special service providers to provide services in their facility;

g. The facility is not required to “displace” children or staff to make space available

to special service providers;

h. In order for a special service provider to provide special services in the facility, the

IFSP/IEP planning team under the authority of ADE and DHS, and DDS, shall identify

the needed special services on the IFSP/IEP; and

i. Classroom staff shall reinforce the specified goals and objectives as part of the

daily routine of the classroom.

1402 Infant and Toddler Special Needs Requirements

1. To the maximum extent appropriate, children birth to two (2) years of age shall

participate in early intervention services provided in “natural environments.”

2. When infants and toddlers cannot achieve satisfactory results from early intervention

services in a natural environment, the provision of early intervention services shall occur

in other appropriate settings as determined by the parent and the Individualized Family

Service Team.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC VARIATIONS

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC VARIATIONS ARE NUMBERED ACCORDING TO THE REGULATION

WITH WHICH IT VARIES. UNLESS A VARIANCE IS LISTED BELOW, ALL BASIC

REQUIREMENTS APPLY.

1500 SCHOOL AGE and SUMMER DAY CAMP

301 Staff to Child Ratio

1. Kindergarten and above, one (1) worker per eighteen (18) children.

401 Program Requirements

1. The program of activities shall be flexible and shall provide some opportunities for a child

to choose how he will spend his time.

2. The program shall provide a variety of activities suitable to the ages and interests of

the children.

3. School age children who leave the child care center to participate in other activities shall

have written permission from the parents naming the activity, time of leaving, returning,

and method of transportation.

4. Children in camp situations shall be under direct supervision of staff at all times.

604 Children’s Records

1. Immunization records shall not be required for school age children.

2. Permission for specialized summer activities shall be maintained.

3. Emergency information and medical permission sheet shall be maintained at camp site.

701 Nutrition Requirements

1. Children arriving for after-school care shall be provided with a nutritious snack.

2. Mid-morning snacks shall be provided for all children who are in care for more than three

(3) hours prior to lunch. Midafternoon snacks shall be provided for all children.

3. Vending machines in school age settings are acceptable provided they are not the

only source of snacks and beverages.

4. Milk is not required to be served in rural day camp settings.

801 Building Requirements

1. Twenty-five (25) square feet of floor space shall be provided for each school age child.

2. If a facility utilizes the out of doors as its major program component for school-age

children, covered pavilions, and other roofed structures shall provide twenty-five (25)

square feet per child.

3. If preschool children are not present, electrical outlets need not be plugged.

1002 Sleeping Equipment

A period of quiet activities shall be provided when children are in care all day.

1101 Health Requirements

Provisions shall be made for waterproof cots or mats if a child becomes ill.

1102 Hand Washing

Alternative methods of hand washing shall be provided if running water is not available.

1104 Drinking Facilities

Water that is transported to the camp sites for drinking purposes shall be in enclosed

containers. Fresh water shall be provided each day.

1105 Toilet Facilities

There shall be one (1) toilet and one (1) sink for every thirty (30) children. Separate toilet

facilities for boys and girls shall be provided.

1203 Swimming Pools

Lifeguards, swimming instructors, or any other swimming pool staff may be counted in the

ratio when the facility’s children are the only occupants of the pool and these persons have

completed criminal and child maltreatment background checks and have a current Health

card.

1301 Transportation Requirements

1. Driver may be counted in staff to child ratio.

2. There shall be a minimum of two (2) staff members present whenever more than

twenty (20) children are transported.

1600 EVENING and NIGHT CARE VARIATIONS

Night care is any care provided after midnight.

301 Staff to Child Ratio

Staff members shall be awake at all times and shall have children in view at all times.

401 Program Requirements

Evening quiet time activity shall be provided to each child arriving before bedtime.

701 Nutrition Requirements

1. Children who are in care overnight shall be provided with a breakfast prior to leaving

for school or other activities.

2. Supper shall be provided to children during evening meal hours.

3. Snacks meeting the current U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines shall be provided

to children in attendance for more than two and one-half (2 ½) hours prior to bedtime.

1002 Sleeping Arrangements

1. Bedtime schedules shall be established for children in consultation with the child’s parent(s).

2. Storage space for clothing and personal belongings shall be provided within easy reach

of the children.

3. Individual beds or cots equipped with comfortable mattresses, sheets, pillows, pillow cases,

and blankets shall be provided for children in all-night care. Bed linens shall be changed at

least once a week or daily when wet or soiled.

4. Mats may be used for children in evening care.

5. The upper level of double deck beds shall be allowed for children ten (10) years or older

if a bed rail and safety ladder is provided.

6. Children shall have clean and comfortable sleeping garments for their individual use.

1105 Toilet Facilities

1. There shall be age appropriate bathing facilities available for all children. For children

two and one-half (2 ½) years of age and older in night care (after midnight), there shall

be a bathtub or shower available. Bathtubs and showers shall be equipped to prevent

slipping.

2. Bathrooms shall be located near the sleeping areas.

3. No child under six (6) years of age shall be left alone or with another child while in the

bathtub or shower.

1700 PART-TIME PROGRAM VARIATIONS

401 Program Requirements

1. A rest period is not required for children who are in care for less than four (4) hours

per day or arrive shortly after lunch.

2. Outside play may be scheduled for periods of less than one (1) hour daily.

701 Nutrition Requirements

1. Facilities in operation for more than three (3) hours per day shall provide a snack

that meets current U.S. Department of Agriculture Guidelines.

1800 SICK CARE COMPONENT

301 Staff to Child Ratio

1. The following ratios shall be maintained at all times:

a. Infant and Toddler 1:3, Maximum group size = six (6)

b. Preschool and School Age 1:5, Maximum group size ten (10)

2. Staff shall be separated in the same manner children are separated to prevent

cross infection.

302 Director

1. If the component is part of a child care facility, the program director shall be accountable to

the facility director. If the component is an entity unto itself the program director may also

be the facility director.

2. The program director shall have completed the following training:

a. Communicable disease control;

b. Recognition and care of usual childhood illness;

c. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification; and

d. First Aid certification.

401 Program Requirements

1. Children shall be provided with quiet activities according to their age and abilities.

2. Caregivers shall:

a. Administer medicine according to prescribed instructions;

b. Take temperature frequently or as needed;

c. Monitor any changes in condition;

d. Record necessary medical, physiological data, or changes; and

e. Notify parents immediately if their child’s condition changes significantly for the

worse, especially if the condition meets one (1) of the excludable diseases or

symptoms.

3. The child shall be removed immediately from sick care when his or her condition meets

one (1) of the excludable diseases or symptoms.

4. Children may be returned to regular day care when a doctor’s statement has been

obtained or when the child is free of symptoms for twenty-four (24) hours.

604 Children’s Records

1. The record shall contain information on the specific condition or illness placing the child

in sick care.

2. The record shall contain any recommendations for needed medical treatment and

program or environment modifications that the child needs.

801 Building Requirements

1. If located in the same facility as day care, sick care shall be separate with a

separate entrance and separate ventilation system.

2. Children with respiratory illnesses shall be cared for in separate space from children

with gastrointestinal illness. Any child with an undiagnosed condition shall be separated

from other children to prevent cross infection. A separate area can be defined by

curtains; partitions etc. if airborne transmission is not likely.

3. A hand-washing sink shall be available in each room.

4. To prevent cross contamination, a designated toilet shall be available to each sick

care room.

5. The facility shall be self-contained-i.e. food, water, bedding, toileting (no potty chairs) etc.

1001 Furniture and Equipment Requirements

1. No furniture, fixtures, equipment, and supplies designated for use in the sick

care component shall be used or shared by well children.

2. All laundry shall be washed each day. The items shall be placed in a plastic bag and

labeled “contaminated” so necessary precautions can be taken.

3. All toys and equipment shall be disinfected after every use.

1101 General Health Requirements

TABLES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND SYMPTOMS THAT EXCLUDE CHILDREN

FROM SICK CARE: (asterisk denotes reportable diseases)

Communicable Diseases:

RESPIRATORY ILLNESS

Chicken Pox

b. GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS

Giardia Lamblia*

c. CONTACT

Impetigo

German Measles

Hepatitis A*

Lice

Hemophilus influenza

Salmonella*

Scabies

Measles*

Shigella*

Meningococcus*

Mumps*

Strep throat

Tuberculosis*

Whooping Cough*

2. Symptoms that Exclude Children from Sick Care:

A symptom is a condition that indicates an illness that may not be identifiable by one (1) of the

above listed names but presents a situation where the child shall not be admitted to or remain

in sick care and should be seen by the family physician.

a. Diarrhea;

• Accompanied by evidence of dehydration for excessive fluid loss.

• Accompanied by history of poor fluid intake or marked lethargy.

• With blood or mucous in the stool unless at least one (1) stool culture shows

the absence of Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or E-Coli.

• That exceeds five (5) bowel movements in an eight (8) hour period of is continued

over three (3) or four (4) days unless the child is under the supervision of a

physician with written documentation.

b. Vomiting for over a six (6) hour period;

c. Difficult or rapid breathing;

d. Severe coughing: episodes of coughing which may lead to gagging, vomiting, or

difficulty breathing;

e. Mucous (phlegm) that is foul smelling, yellow or green, and the child has a fever over

one hundred and two (102) degrees Fahrenheit;

f. Asthmatics with severe upper respiratory infections who have not been seen by a

physician or whose distress is not controlled by medication;

g. Sore throat and fever greater than one hundred and three (103) degrees Fahrenheit or

confirmed Strep throat until treated with antibiotics for over twenty-four (24) hours;

h. Skin conditions that have not been diagnosed as noncontiguous by a physician;

including but not limited to:

• Yellow (jaundiced) eyes or skin;

• Child in contagious stages of chicken pox, measles, mumps, or rubella;

• Untreated impetigo;

• Untreated scabies or head lice; and

• Blood-red rashes and skin conditions with spontaneous bruising.

i. Children who are in the contagious states of Pertussis, diphtheria, or tuberculosis;

j. Pink or red eye(s) which may be swollen with white or yellow discharge until on

antibiotics for over twenty-four (24) hours;

k. Abdominal pain that is intermittent or persistent; and

l. Fever over one hundred and two (102) degrees Fahrenheit for greater than twenty-four

(24) hours, or any fever over one hundred and three (103) degrees Fahrenheit unless the

child has been evaluated and treated by a physician and does not have other exclusion

criteria.

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

1. "Act" means the Child Care Facility Licensing Act as amended.

2. "Child Care Center" means any Child Care Facility conducted under public or private

auspices on a profit or nonprofit basis providing direct care and protection for children.

Any facility that is open more than five (5) hours during any twenty-four (24) hour period

or more than a total of ten (10) hours during a seven (7) day period is considered a Child

Care Center and shall be subject to the provisions of the Child Care Facility Licensing Act.

Those facilities meeting the above definitions but operating no more than three (3) weeks

per calendar year are not required to comply with the licensing requirements, i.e., Summer

Bible Schools and Camps.

For purposes of determining the need for a license, all care provided at the site of a

licensed program is considered a part of the licensed program and therefore subject to

licensing requirements. This includes separate buildings located on the same property or

any other property under the same ownership. However, Mother’s Day Out and other part

time programs serving children not participating in the licensed program are exempt as

long as they operate no more than five (5) hours per day or ten (10) hours per week.

A public or private school which operates a Kindergarten (K5) in conjunction with grades

one (1) and above, or for grades one (1) and above only and provides short-term

custodial care (not to exceed twenty (20) hours weekly) prior to or r following classes

for those students, is not required to comply with licensing requirements for the short-

term custodial care provided.

3. "Child Care Facility" means any facility defined by Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-202(4).

4. "Child Care Licensing Unit" means the unit within the Department of Human

Services, Division (DHS) of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE), that

inspects and investigates any proposed or operating Child Care Center and any

personnel connected with the center to determine if the facility will be or is being

operated in accordance with the Child Care Facility Licensing Act and the Licensing

Requirements for the Child Care Centers.

5. "Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check" means a check of the Arkansas

Child Maltreatment Central Registry for any record of founded child abuse and neglect

or maltreatment.

6. "Criminal Record Check" means a statewide criminal record check conducted by

the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police.

7. "Criminal Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Check" means a nationwide

criminal record check conducted by the FBI that conforms to the applicable federal

standards and includes the taking of fingerprints. Application for a nationwide criminal

check shall be made to the Identification Bureau of the Department of the Arkansas State

Police.

8. "Day Care Centers" means child care for children age two and one-half (2 ½) or thirty

(30) months and above.

9. "Department" means the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).

10. "Division" means the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE).

11. "Employee" or “Staff” means all full or part-time employees or any person(s) who

perform services under the direction and control of the Child Care Facility, regardless if

they are paid or not. This includes any person(s) that has supervisory or disciplinary

control over children, is at any point left alone with children, or is counted in staff to child

ratios.

12. "Evening and Night Care" means child care provided between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

13. "Infant Center" means child care for children from birth to age eighteen (18) months.

14. "Kindergarten" means a school-based program offered for children five (5) years of age

(K 5)

during the school year prior to their entry into the first grade.

15. “Medical Home” is the Doctor that you and your child see for routine medical care. This

is your “Primary Care Physician” (PCP).

16. "Operator" means any person or entity exercising any measure of supervision or

control over a Child Care Facility.

17. "Owner" means any person who assumes the legal responsibility for operation of a

child care facility.

18. "Part-time Care" means child care provided no longer than four (4) hours per day or not

to exceed a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week. These types of programs may

include, but are not limited to, half day kindergarten, Mother's Day Out programs, play

schools, and some nursery schools.

19. "Personnel" is defined as the facility owner or operator, staff, or volunteer.

20. "Program" is defined as all activities that comprise the child's day at the center.

21. "Toddler Center" means child care for ages eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) months.

22. "School Age Care" means child care for children who are in kindergarten (K5) and

above. School age child care includes before and after school care and extended care

during school holidays and summer day camps. School age programs, which operate with

children arriving and leaving voluntarily for scheduled classes, activities, practices, games

and meetings, shall not be considered as meeting this definition.

23. "Sick Care" is defined as a separate service providing care for children who are too sick

to attend day care as stated in Section 1000 but who do not exhibit any of the

excludable diseases as defined in Section 1500. The primary objective of this service is to

ensure that children in care receive the required attention necessary for moderately ill

children.

24. “Staff” or "Employee" means all full or part-time employees and staff or any person(s)

who perform services under the direction and control of the Child Care Facility, regardless

if they are paid or not. This includes any person(s) that has supervisory or disciplinary

control over children, is at any point left alone with children, or is counted in staff to child

ratios.

25. "Substantial Compliance" means compliance with all essential standards necessary

to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the children attending the Child Care Center.

Essential standards include but are not limited to those relating to issues involving fire,

health, safety, nutrition, discipline, staff to child ratio, and space.

26. "Swimming Pool" means any pool of water in excess of twelve inches (12") deep.

This does not include natural pools of water such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.

27. "Volunteer" means a person who provides services to a Child Care Facility, but has no

supervisory or disciplinary control over children, is not left alone with children, and is

not counted in staff to child ratios.

APPENDIX B: LIST OF REPORTABLE DISEASES

The following are the more common reportable diseases which occur with moderate frequency

in Arkansas:

Gonorrhea Hepatitis (A, B, C, or E) viruses

Measles (Rubeola) Meningitis (all types)

Mumps Rubella

Salmonellosis (including Typhoid fever) Shigellosis

Syphilis Tuberculosis

Whooping Cough (pertussis)

The following are less common reportable diseases that occur with low frequency in Arkansas

*AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency * Leprosy

Syndrome) * Leptospirosis

Amebiasis * Lyme Disease

ANTHRAX

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

*Aseptic Meningitis * Malaria

Blastomycosis * Meningitis,

Hemophilus

BOTUILISM

Influenza Type B

*Brucellosis * Meningococcal infection

Campylobacter Enteritis Mumps

Chancroid

Pesticide Poisoning

CHOLERA

PLAGUE

Coccidioidomycosis * POLIOMYELITIS

*Congenital Rubella Syndrome * Psittacosis (Ornithosis)

DIPHTHERIA Q Fever

Encephalitis (all types) RABIES

FOOD POISONINGS (all types) * Relapsing Fever

Giardiasis * Reyes Syndrome

Gonococcal Ophthalmia Rheumatic Fever

Granuloma Inguinale * Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

*Guillain - Barre Syndrome SMALL POX

Histoplasmosis * Tetanus

HIV [Human Immunol Deficiency * Toxic Shock

Syndrome Virus by (name and address)] Toxoplasmosis

**Influenza * Trichinosis

*Kawasaki Disease * Tularemia

*Legionellosis TYPHUS FEVER

YELLOW FEVER

*The reporting physician will be contacted for additional information.

**Individual cases to be reported only when laboratory testing has determined the viral type.

The diseases in capital letters are to be brought to the immediate attention of the

State Epidemiologist when suspected.

Reporting data shall include:

a. Name and location of reporting person;

b. Disease or suspected disease and date of onset;

c. Name, age, sex, address, and phone number of patient (please spell patient's

name); and

d. Name of patient's physician.

The following diseases are also of public health importance and should be reported

whenever there is an unusual incidence or outbreak (including seasonal). It is necessary

to report 1) the physician's name and location, 2) the suspected disease, and 3) the

number of cases and interval during which the cases were seen:

Acute respiratory disease Hospital acquired infections

Chicken pox Infectious Mononucleosis

Conjunctivitis Influenza (estimate number)

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) Pediculosis

Enteropathogenic E. Coli Diarrhea Pleurodynia

Epidemic Diarrhea of unknown cause Pneumonia (bacterial,

Mycoplasma, viral) Gastroenteritis Staphylococcal-

Infections

Herpangina Streptococcal-Infections

The following occupational diseases also shall be reported:

Asbestosis Mesothelioma

Silicosis Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis

Byssinosis

FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE CONTACT THE LOCAL COUNTY HEALTH UNIT.

APPENDIX C: CHILD CARE MEAL PATTERN

When children over age one (1) participate in the Program, the total amount of food

authorized in the meal pattern set forth below shall be provided in order to qualify for

reimbursement. Children age twelve (12) and up may be served adult-size portions based

on the greater food needs of older children but shall be served not less than the minimum

quantities specified in this section for children age six (6) through twelve (12) years. For

purposes of the requirements outlined in this paragraph, a cup means a standard

measuring cup.

Bread, pasta or noodle products, and cereal grains shall be whole grain or enriched;

cornbread, biscuits, rolls, muffins, etc. shall be made with whole grain or enriched meal or

flour; cereal shall be whole grain or enriched or fortified.

Breakfast

(Select all three components for a reimbursable

meal)

Food Components and Food Items

Ages 1-2

Ages 3-5

Ages 6-12

Ages 13-18

(at-risk afterschool programs

and emergency shelters)

Fluid Milk

4 fluid ounces

6 fluid ounces

8 fluid ounces

Vegetables, fruits, or portions of

both

¼ cup

½ cup

Grains (oz eq)

5,6,7

Whole grain-rich or

enriched bread

½ slice

1 slice

Whole grain-rich or enriched

bread product, such as biscuit,

roll, or muffin

½ serving

1 serving

Whole grain-rich, enriched

or fortified cooked

breakfast

cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

¼ cup

½ cup

Whole grain-rich, enriched

or fortified ready-to-eat

breakfast cereal (dry, cold)

8,9

Flakes or rounds

½ cup

1 cup

Puffed cereal

¾ cup

1 ¼ cup

Granola

⅛ cup

¼ cup

Must serve all three (3) components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option for

at-risk afterschool participants.

Larger portion sizes than specified may need to be served to children thirteen (13) through

eighteen (18) years old to meet their nutritional needs.

Must be unflavored whole milk for children age one (1). Must be unflavored low-fat (one (1)

percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for children two (2) through five (5) years old. Must be

unflavored low-fat (one percent (1%), unflavored fat-free (skim), or flavored fat-free (skim) milk

for children six (6) years old and older.

Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at

one (1) meal, including snack, per day.

At least one (1) serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain rich. Grain-

based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains requirement.

Meat and meat alternates may be used to meet the entire grains requirement a maximum of

three (3) times a week. One (1) ounce of meat and meat alternates is equal to one (1) ounce

equivalent of grains.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of creditable

grains.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than

twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one hundred (100) grams

of dry cereal).

Beginning October 1, 2019, the minimum serving size specified in this section for ready-to-eat

breakfast cereals must be served. Until October 1, 2019, the minimum serving size for any type of

ready-to-eat breakfast cereals is one-fourth (¼) cup for children ages one (1) – two (2); one-third

(1/3) cup for children ages three (3) five (5); and three-fourth (¾) cup for children ages six (6) –

twelve (12).

CHILD CARE MEAL PATTERN

Lunch and Supper

(Select all five components for a reimbursable meal)

Food Components and Food Items

Ages 1-2

Ages 3-5

Ages 6-12

Ages 13-18

(at-risk afterschool programs

and emergency shelters)

Fluid Milk

4 fluid ounces

6 fluid ounces

8 fluid ounces

Meat/meat alternates

Lean meat, poultry, or fish

1 ounce

1 ½ ounce

2 ounces

Tofu, soy product, or

alternate protein products

1 ounce

1 ½ ounce

2 ounces

Cheese

1 ounce

1 ½ ounce

2 ounces

Large egg

Cooked dry beans or peas

¼ cup

⅜ cup

½ cup

Peanut butter or soy nut

butter or other nut or seed

butters

2 tbsp

3 tbsp

4 tbsp

Yogurt, plain or flavored

unsweetened or sweetened

4 ounces or

½ cup

6 ounces or

¾ cup

8 ounces or

1 cup

8 ounces or

1 cup

The following may be used

to meet no more than 50%

of the requirement:

Peanuts, soy nuts, tree

nuts, or seeds, as listed

in program guidance, or

an equivalent quantity of

any combination of the

above meat/meat

alternates (1 ounces of

nuts/seeds = 1 ounce of

cooked lean meat,

poultry, or fish)

½ ounce =

50%

¾ ounce =

50%

1 ounce = 50%

Vegetables

⅛ cup

¼ cup

½ cup

Fruits

6,7

⅛ cup

¼ cup

Grains (oz eq)

8,9

Whole grain-rich or

enriched bread

½ slice

1 slice

Whole grain-rich or enriched

bread product, such as biscuit,

roll,

or muffin

½ serving

1 serving

Whole grain-rich, enriched

or fortified cooked breakfast

cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

¼ cup

½ cup

Must serve all five (5) components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option for at-

risk afterschool participants.

Larger portion sizes than specified may need to be served to children thirteen (13) through eighteen

(18) years old to meet their nutritional needs.

Must be unflavored whole milk for children age one (1). Must be unflavored low-fat (one (1) percent)

or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for children two (2) through five (5) years old. Must be unflavored

low-fat (one percent (1%), unflavored fat-free (skim), or flavored fat-free (skim) milk for children

six (6) years old and older.

Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A to Part 226.

Yogurt must contain no more than twenty-three (23) grams of total sugars per six (6) ounces.

Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one

(1) meal, including snack, per day.

A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two (2) vegetables are served

at lunch or supper, two (2) different kinds of vegetables must be served.

At least one (1) serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain rich. Grain-based

desserts do not count towards the grain’s requirement.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of the creditable

grain.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than

twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one hundred (100) grams

of dry cereal).

CHILD CARE MEAL PATTERN

Snack

(Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack)

Food Components and Food Items

Ages 1-2

Ages 3-5

Ages 6-12

Ages 13-18

(at-risk afterschool programs

and emergency shelters)

Fluid Milk

4 fluid ounces

8 fluid ounces

Meat/meat alternates

Lean meat, poultry, or fish

½ ounce

1 ounce

Tofu, soy product, or

alternate protein products

½ ounce

1 ounce

Cheese

½ ounce

1 ounce

Large egg

Cooked dry beans or peas

⅛ cup

¼ cup

Peanut butter or soy nut

butter or other nut or seed

butters

1 tbsp

2 tbsp

Yogurt, plain or flavored

unsweetened or sweetened

2 ounces or

¼ cup

2 ounces or

¼ cup

4 ounces or

½ cup

4 ounces or

½ cup

Peanuts, soy nuts, tree nuts,

or seeds

½ ounce

1 ounce

Vegetables

½ cup

¾ cup

Fruits

½ cup

¾ cup

Grains (oz eq)

7,8

Whole grain-rich or

enriched bread

½ slice

1 slice

Whole grain-rich or enriched

bread product, such as

biscuit, roll, or muffin

½ serving

1 serving

Whole grain-rich, enriched

or fortified cooked breakfast

cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

¼ cup

½ cup

Whole grain-rich, enriched

or fortified ready-to-eat

breakfast cereal (dry, cold)

9,10

Flakes or rounds

½ cup

1 cup

Puffed cereal

¾ cup

1 ¼ cup

Granola

⅛ cup

¼ cup

APPENDIX D

Reimbursable meals served to infants, children, or adult participants in the Child and Adult

Care Food Program shall contain (as a

minimum) the indicated meal pattern quantities and

food components.

INFANT CARE MEAL PATTERN

Meals served to infants ages birth through eleven (11) months must meet the requirements

described in this meal pattern. Foods included

in the infant meal must be of a texture and a

consistency that are appropriate for the age of the infant being served. Either breast milk or

iron-fortified infant formula must be served for the entire first year.

Breakfast

Birth through 5 months

6 through 11 months

4-6 fluid ounces breastmilk

or formula

6-8 fluid ounces breastmilk

formula

; and

0-4 tablespoons infant

cereal

2,3

meat,

fish, poultry, whole

egg,

cooked dry beans, or cooked dry

peas; or

0-2 ounces of cheese; or

0-4 ounces (volume) of cottage cheese; or 0-4

ounces or ½cup of yogurt

; or a combination of the

above

; and

0-2 tablespoons vegetable or fruit or a

combination of both

5,6

Breastmilk or formula, or portions of both, must be served; however, it is recommended that

breastmilk be served in place of formula from birth through eleven (11) months. For some

breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breastmilk per

feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breastmilk may be offered, with

additional breastmilk offered at a later time if the infant will consume more.

Infant formula and dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of creditable

grains.

Yogurt must contain no more than twenty-three (23) grams of total sugars per six (6) ounces.

A serving of this component is required when the infant is developmentally ready to accept it.

Fruit and vegetable juices must not be served.

INFANT CARE MEAL PATTERN

Lunch and Supper

Birth through 5 months

6 through 11 months

4-6 fluid ounces breastmilk

or formula

6-8 fluid ounces breastmilk

formula

; and

0-4 tablespoons

infant cereal

2,3

meat,

fish, poultry,

whole egg,

cooked dry beans, or cooked

dry peas; or

0-2 ounces of cheese; or

0-4 ounces (volume) of cottage cheese; or 0-

4 ounces or ½cup of yogurt

; or a

combination of the above

; and

0-2 tablespoons vegetable or fruit or a

combination of both

5,6

Breastmilk or formula, or portions of both, must be served; however, it is recommended that

breastmilk be served in place of formula from birth through eleven (11) months. For some

breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breastmilk per

feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breastmilk may be offered, with additional

breastmilk offered at a later time if the infant will consume more.

Infant formula and dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of creditable

grains.

Yogurt must contain no more than twenty-three (23) grams of total sugars per six (6) ounces.

A serving of this component is required when the infant is developmentally ready to accept it.

Fruit and vegetable juices must not be served.

Snack

Birth through 5 months

6 through 11 months

4-6 fluid ounces breastmilk

or formula

2-4 fluid ounces breastmilk

formula

; and

0-½ slice bread

3,4

; or 0-2

crackers

3,4

; or

0-4 tablespoons infant cereal

2,3,4

ready-to-eat breakfast cereal

3,4,5,6

;

and

0-2 tablespoons vegetable or

fruit, or a combination of both

6,7

Breastmilk or formula, or portions of both, must be served; however, it is recommended that

breastmilk be served in place of formula from birth through eleven (11) months. For some

breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breastmilk per

feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breastmilk may be offered, with additional

breastmilk offered at a later time if the infant will consume more.

Infant formula and dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of creditable

grains.

A serving of grains must be whole grain-rich, enriched meal, or enriched flour.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than

twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one hundred (100) grams

of dry cereal).

A serving of this component is required when the infant is developmentally ready to accept it.

Fruit and vegetable juices must not be served.

APPENDIX E: ADULT CARE MEAL PATTERN

The meals served to adult participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program shall contain

the indicated meal pattern

quantities and food components in order to qualify for

reimbursement. Adult centers may choose to implement the “offer vs. serve” option (as

described on following page).

Breakfast

(Select all three components for a reimbursable meal)

Food Components and Food Items

Minimum Quantities

Fluid Milk

8 fluid ounces

Vegetables, fruits, or portions of both

½ cup

Grains (oz eq)

4,5,6

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread

2 slices

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread product, such as

biscuit, roll, or muffin

2 servings

Whole grain-rich, enriched or fortified cooked

breakfast cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

1 cup

Whole grain-rich, enriched or fortified ready-to-eat

breakfast cereal (dry, cold)

7,8

Flakes or rounds

2 cups

Puffed cereal

2 ½ cups

Granola

½ cup

Must serve all three (3) components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option

for adult participants.

Must be unflavored low-fat (one percent (1%), unflavored fat-free (skim), or flavored fat-free

(skim) milk. Six (6) ounces (weight) or three-forth (¾) cup (volume) of yogurt may be used to

meet the equivalent of eight (8) ounces of fluid milk once per day when yogurt is not served as a

meat alternate in the same meal.

Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at

one (1) meal, including snack, per day.

At least one (1) serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain rich. Grain-

based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains requirement.

Meat and meat alternates may be used to meet the entire grains requirement a maximum of

three (3) times a week. One (1) ounce of meat and meat alternates is equal to one (1) ounce

equivalent of grains.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of

creditable grains.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no

more than twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one

hundred (100) grams of dry cereal).

Beginning October 1, 2019, the minimum serving size specified in this section for ready-to-eat

breakfast cereals must be served. Until October 1, 2019, the minimum serving size for any type of

ready-to-eat breakfast cereals is one and one-half (1 ½) cups for adults.

Lunch and Supper

(Select all five components for a reimbursable meal)

Food Components and Food Items

Minimum Quantities

Fluid Milk

2,3

8 fluid ounces

Meat/meat alternates

Lean meat, poultry, or fish

2 ounces

Tofu, soy product, or alternate protein product

2 ounces

Cheese

2 ounces

Large egg

Cooked dry beans or peas

½ cup

Peanut butter or soy nut butter or another nut or seed

butter

4 tbsp

Yogurt, plain or flavored, sweetened or unsweetened

8 ounces or 1 cup

The following may be used to meet no more than

50% of the requirement:

Peanuts, soy nuts, tree nuts, or seeds, as listed

in program guidance, or an equivalent quantity of

any combination of the above meat/meat

alternates (1 ounces of nuts/seeds = 1 ounce of

cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish)

1 ounce = 50%

Vegetables

½ cup

Fruits

6,7

½ cup

Grains (oz eq)

8,9

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread

2 slices

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread product, such as

biscuit, roll, or muffin

2 servings

Whole grain-rich, enriched or fortified cooked

breakfast cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

1 cup

Must serve all five (5) components for a reimbursable meal. Offer versus serve is an option for

adult participants.

Must be unflavored low-fat (one (1) percent), unflavored fat-free (skim), or flavored fat-

free (skim) milk. Six (6) ounces (weight) or three-forth (¾) cup (volume) of yogurt may be

used to meet the equivalent of eight (8) ounces of fluid milk once per day when yogurt is

not served as a meat alternate in the same meal.

A serving of fluid milk is optional for suppers served to adult participants.

Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A to Part 226.

Yogurt must contain no more than twenty-three (23) grams of total sugars per six (6) ounces.

Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one

(1) meal, including snack, per day.

A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two (2) vegetables

are served at lunch or supper, two (2) different kinds of vegetables must be served.

At least one (1) serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain rich. Grain-

based desserts do not count towards the grain’s requirement.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of the

creditable grain.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more

than twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one hundred

(100) grams of dry cereal).

Snack

(Select two of the five components for a reimbursable meal)

Food Components and Food Items

Minimum Quantities

Fluid Milk

8 fluid ounces

Meat/meat alternates

Lean meat, poultry, or fish

1 ounce

Tofu, soy product, or alternate protein product

1 ounce

Cheese

1 ounce

Large egg

Cooked dry beans or peas

¼ cup

Peanut butter or soy nut butter or another nut or seed

butter

2 tbsp

Yogurt, plain or flavored, sweetened or unsweetened

4 ounces or ½ cup

Peanuts, soy nuts, tree nuts, or seeds

1 ounce

Vegetables

½ cup

Fruits

½ cup

Grains (oz eq)

6,7

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread

1 slice

Whole grain-rich or enriched bread product, such as

biscuit, roll, or muffin

1 serving

Whole grain-rich, enriched or fortified cooked

breakfast cereal

, cereal grain, or pasta

½ cup

Whole grain-rich, enriched or fortified ready-to-eat

breakfast cereal (dry, cold)

8,9

Flakes or rounds

1 cup

Puffed cereal

1 ¼ cup

Granola

¼ cup

Select two (2) of the five (5) components for a reimbursable snack. Only one (1) of the two (2)

components may be a beverage.

Must be unflavored low-fat (one percent (1%), unflavored fat-free (skim), or flavored fat-free

(skim) milk. Six (6) ounces (weight) or three-forth (¾) cup (volume) of yogurt may be used to

meet the equivalent of eight (8) ounces of fluid milk once per day when yogurt is not served as a

meat alternate in the same meal.

Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A to Part 226.

Yogurt must contain no more than twenty-three (23) grams of total sugars per six (6) ounces.

Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one

(1) meal, including snack, per day.

At least one (1) serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich. Grain-

based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains requirement.

Beginning October 1, 2019, ounce equivalents are used to determine the quantity of creditable

grains.

Breakfast cereals must contain no more than six (6) grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more

than twenty-one and two-tenths (21.2) grams sucrose and other sugars per one hundred

(100) grams of dry cereal).

Beginning October 1, 2019, the minimum serving sizes specified in this section for ready-to-eat

breakfast cereals must be served. Until October 1, 2019, the minimum serving size for any type of

ready-to-eat breakfast cereals is one and one-half (1½) cups for adults.

APPENDIX F: DISASTER and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

DISASTER and EMERGENCY NUMBERS

CONTACT/TOWN

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AMBULANCE

APPLIANCE REPAIR

BUILDING INSPECTOR

CHILD ABUSE HOT LINE

1-800-482-5964

CHILD CARE LICENSING UNIT

Little Rock

1-800-445-3316 or 501-682-8590

CLEANING and MAINTENANCE

ELECTRIC COMPANY

ELECTRICIAN

EMERGENCY CHILD LOCATOR

1-866-908-9572

FACILITY DIRECTOR

FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE DEPARTMENT (Non-Emergency)

GAS COMPANY

GLASS COMPANY

HEALTH DEPARTMENT (Local)

HEATING and AIR CONDITIONING

INSURANCE AGENT AND POLICY NUMBER

LICENSING SPECIALIST

LOCKS

NATIONAL EMERGENCY FAMILY

REGISTRY AND LOCATOR

1-800-588-9822

PLUMBER

POISON CONTROL

1-800-376-4766

POLICE

POLICE (Local Non-Emergency)

RED CROSS (Local)

SHERIFF

TRASH REMOVAL

WATER DEPARTMENT

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Table I: Immunization Requirements for Child Care and Early Childhood Education Facilities

Instructions for utilizing Table I: Table I is not a recommendation of vaccines to get, but of

doses required to already have at that age. To determine what vaccines are required for a child to

attend a licensed child care facility, refer to Column one (1) on the left to see what age range is

correct for the child. Then all the vaccines on the same row as the child’s age are required for

attendance in a licensed child care facility. Vaccines are required based on the current age of the

child. Column one (1) is not an age range for when a child can be vaccinated.

*5th DTaP/DTP/DT (Pre-school dose) must be given on or after the child's 4th birthday. Interval

between 4th DTaP/DTP/DT and 5th DTaP/DTP/DT should be at least six (6) months. If a child is

currently ≥ forty-nine (49) months of age and does not meet the above criteria or is in process

within fifteen (15) days, they are not up-to-date and should be scheduled for immunization.

For Hib and Pneumococcal, children receiving the first dose of vaccine at age seven (7) months

or older require fewer doses to complete the series.

*** 3rd

dose of hepatitis B should be given at least eight (8) weeks after the 2nd

dose, at least

sixteen (16) weeks after the 1st

dose, and it should not be administered before the child is twenty-

four (24) weeks of age.

**** Vaccine doses administered up to four (4) days before the minimum interval or minimum age

can be counted as valid for doses already administered. Exception: The minimum interval between

doses of live vaccines (such as MMR and Varicella) must be twenty-eight (28) days.

*****A Medical Professional is a medical Doctor (MD), Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Doctor of

Osteopathy (DO), or Physician Assistant (PA). No self or parental history of disease will be accepted.

Table II: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve (12) Immunization Requirements*

*Doses of vaccine required for school entry may be less than the number of doses required for age-

appropriate immunization.

**An alternative two (2) dose hepatitis B schedule for eleven (11) – fifteen (15) year-old

children may be substituted for the three (3) dose schedule. Only an FDA-approved

alternative regimen vaccine for the two (2) dose series may be used to meet this

requirement. If you are unsure if a particular child’s two (2) dose schedule is acceptable,

please contact the Immunization Section for assistance at 501-661-2169.

*** 3rd dose of hepatitis B should be given at least eight (8) weeks after the 2nd

dose, at

least sixteen (16) weeks after the 1st

dose, and it should not be administered before the

child is twenty-four (24) weeks (one hundred and sixty-eight (168) days) of age. (All 3rd

doses of hepatitis B vaccine given earlier than six (6) months of age

before 06/21/1996 are

valid doses and should be counted as valid until 06/21/2014.)

**** Tdap vaccine can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus and

diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

***** Exception: If a student has previously received two (2) doses of measles, one (1)

dose of mumps and one (1) dose of rubella before January 1, 2010, the doses will be

accepted as compliant to immunization requirements and two (2) MMRs are not required.

******A Medical Professional is a Medical Doctor (MD), Advanced Practice Nurse (APN),

Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Physician Assistant (PA). No self or parental history of

disease will be accepted.

******* For unvaccinated persons seven (7) years of age and older (including persons who

cannot document prior vaccination), the primary series is three (3) doses. The first two (2)

doses should be separated by at least four (4) weeks, and the third dose at least six (6)

months after the second. One (1) of these doses (preferably the first) should be

administered as Tdap and the remaining two (2) doses administered as Td.