These rules are adopted and published pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Sec. 49-5-1 et seq. Authority O.C.G.A. Chapter 49-5-3; Chapter 49-5-8.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-3 (1982 and 1982 Supp.); O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Organization and Administration" was filed on January 30, 1974; effective February 19, 1974. Amended: Rule repealed. Filed October 1, 1974; effective October 21, 1974. Amended: Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. Filed February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Legal Authority" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
These rules shall be known as the Rules and Regulations for Family Day Care Homes. The purpose of these rules is to provide for the registration of family day care homes within Georgia. Authority O.C.G.A. Chapter 49-5-3; Chapter 49-5-8.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-3 (1982 and 1982 Supp.); O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Administrator Director" was filed on January 30, 1974; effective February 19, 1974. Amended: Rule repealed. Filed October 1, 1974; effective October 21, 1974. Amended: Rule entitled "Applicability of Regulations" adopted. Filed February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Title and Purpose" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and phrases set forth herein shall mean the following:
(a) "Adult" means any competent individual eighteen (18) years of age or older.
(b) "Certificate of Registration" or "Registration" means a certificate issued by the Department to a family day care home provider upon receipt of a self-certification statement that the provider has met the Rules and Regulations for Family Day Care Homes.
(c) "Child" or "Children" means any person(s) under 18 years of age for whom day care service(s) is (are) provided in a home. For purposes of these rules, the terms shall not include children that are related to the registrant as defined in these rules, or children whose parents or guardians reside in the same residence, or children for whom no pay, either in cash or in kind, is received.
(d) "Crime" means any felony, a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-5- 23, relating to simple battery, where the victim is a minor; a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-21-1, relating to contributing to the delinquency of a minor; a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-6-1 et seq., relating to sexual offenses, excluding the offenses of bigamy or marrying a bigamist; a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-4-1, relating to criminal attempt when the crime attempted is any of the crimes specified by this paragraph; or any other offenses committed in another jurisdiction which, if committed in this state, would be one of the enumerated crimes listed in this paragraph.
2. Arrest, charge, and sentencing for a crime where:
(i) A plea of nolo contendere was entered to the charge; or
(ii) First offender treatment without adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted; provided, however, that this division shall not apply to a violation of O.C.G.A. 16-13-1 et seq., relating to controlled substances, or any other offense committed in another jurisdiction which, if it were committed in this state, would be a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-13-1 et seq. if such violation or offense constituted only simple possession; or
(iii) Adjudication or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge; provided, however, that this division shall not apply to a violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-13-1 et seq. relating to controlled substances, or any other offense committed in another jurisdiction which, if it were committed in this state, would be a violation of Chapter 13 of Title 16 if such violation or offense constituted only simple possession; or
3. Arrest and being charged for a crime if the charge is pending, unless the time for prosecuting such crime has expired pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sec. 17-3-1 et seq.
(f) "Department" means the Georgia Department of Human Resources.
(g) "Employee" means any person, other than the registrant, employed by a home to perform any of the home's duties which involve personal contact between that person and any child being cared for at the home and also includes any adult person who resides at the home or who, with or without compensation, performs duties for the home which involve personal contact between that person and any child being cared for by the home.
(h) "Family Day Care Home" and "Home" means a private residence operated by any person who receives therein for pay for supervision and care fewer than 24 hours per day, without transfer of legal custody, three but not more than 6 children under 18 years of age who are not related to such persons and whose parents or guardians are not residents in the same private residence.
(i) "Fingerprint records check determination" means a satisfactory or unsatisfactory determination by the department based on a records check comparison of Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) information with fingerprints and other information in a records check application.
(j) "Parent" means the parent(s) with lawful custody of the child or the legal guardian(s) of a child enrolled in or in the process of being enrolled in a home.
(k) "Plan of correction" means a written plan prepared by the registrant and submitted to and approved by the department which states the procedure(s), method(s) and time frame(s) that will be used by the registrant to correct the area(s) of noncompliance with these rules.
(l) "Preliminary records check application" means an application for a preliminary records check determination on forms provided by the department.
(m) "Preliminary records check determination" means a satisfactory or unsatisfactory determination by the department based only upon a comparison of Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) information with other than fingerprint information regarding the person upon whom the records check is being performed.
(n) "Preschool age" means any child under five years of age who is not enrolled in public kindergarten.
(o) "Provider" means the registrant of the family day care home, and the person that provides care in the home.
(p) "Records check application" means two sets of classifiable fingerprints, a records search fee to be established by the department by rule and regulation, payable in such form as the department may direct to cover the cost of a fingerprint records check, and an affidavit by the applicant disclosing the nature and date of any arrest, charge, or conviction of the applicant for the violation of any law, except for motor vehicle parking violations, whether or not the violation occurred in this state, and such additional information as the department may require.
(q) "Related" means within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (grandchildren, nieces, nephews, first cousins).
(r) "Satisfactory determination" means a written determination that a person for whom a records check was performed was found to have no criminal record.
(s) "Supervision" and "Supervised" means that the provider is alert, is providing watchful oversight to the children, is able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of children, and can intervene promptly in the case of an emergency.
(t) "Unsatisfactory determination" means a written determination that a person for whom a records check was performed has a criminal record.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chaps. 49-5-3, 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Other Requirements" was filed on January 30, 1974; effective February 19, 1974. Amended: Rule repealed. Filed October 1, 1974; effective October 21, 1974. Amended: Rule entitled "Staff Requirements" adopted. Filed February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) Registration Requirement. No person shall operate a Family Day Care Home in the State unless a Certificate of Registration has been obtained from the department.
(2) Applications. An application for a registration to operate a home shall be submitted to the department on the forms provided by the department. Any person that provides care for more than six children for pay, as defined in these rules, shall make application to the department for a license to operate as either a Group Day Care Home or a Day Care Center
(a) Criminal Records Check Required. The provider and employees of a home must submit to criminal records checks in connection with any application for a registration.
1. Preliminary Records Check. Before a registration to operate a home may be issued there shall be on file with the department a satisfactory preliminary criminal records check determination on the provider and a preliminary records check application for all employees, to include adult persons who reside at the home or who, with or without compensation, perform duties at the home which include personal contact between that adult person and children in care.
2. Ongoing Requirements. Before a person may work in a registered home, the provider shall cause the person to be employed to submit a preliminary records check application to the department. The provider shall also cause any adult person, as defined in subparagraph 1, above, to submit a preliminary records check application to the department.
(i) No person having an unsatisfactory determination as to his or her criminal record may be a provider or employee of a home. No adult person having an unsatisfactory determination as to his or her criminal record may reside at the home and have contact with children.
3. Penalties. A registration is subject to suspension or revocation and the department may refuse to issue a registration if a provider or employee, to include an adult person as defined in subparagraph 1. above, does not undergo the records checks applicable and receive a satisfactory determination. A provider of a home having an employee whom that director knows, or should reasonably know, to have a criminal record shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) A registration will be issued, upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the department, that the home is in compliance with applicable statutes and these rules. The registration is valid for one year unless voluntarily surrendered by the holder, or reduced to a restricted registration or suspended or revoked by the department.
1. Qualifications Requirement. In order to obtain or retain a registration, the provider of the home and its employees must be qualified, as defined in these rules, to administer or work in a home. The department may presume that the provider and employees are qualified, subject to satisfactory determinations on the criminal records checks. However, the department may require additional reasonable verification of the qualifications of the provider and employees either at the time of application for a registration or at any time during the registration period whenever the department has reason to believe that a provider or employee is not qualified under these rules to administer or work in a home.
(i) Reasonable verification which may be required by the department may include, but need not be limited to any or all of the following: statement(s) from an attending physician or other health care professionals attesting to the mental and/or physical health of the provider and/or employee; letters of reference from designated persons in the community where the provider and/or employee intends to work or is working; certified copies of court orders and additional criminal records check.
2. Registration is nontransferable. A registration to operate a home is not transferable in any way. A change of residence or address requires a new registration. Each registration shall be returned to the department immedi-ately upon the closure of the home, or the suspension, revocation, or restriction of the registration.
3. Renewal of Registration. A registration will be renewed upon the filing of a renewal application and a determination by the department that the home presents satisfactory evidence of meeting the standards set forth in these rules.
(c) Denial of Application for Registration. The department may deny a registration to an applicant for knowingly making any false statement in connection with the application for a registration, for failing to comply with these rules and regulations, for flagrant and continued operation of an unregistered home in contravention of the law, for prior denial or revocation of any registration or license within one year of the date of the application, and for failure to provide the department access to the home or to information pertinent to the initial registration of the home.
1. Notice of Denial. The department will provide an applicant a written notice of the denial of registration. The applicant shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Provided however, the department may deny an application without holding a hearing prior to the denial.
(d) No home shall claim to be a registered Family Day Care Home unless it has been issued a current and valid registration by the department. Authority O.C.G.A. Chapter 31-2-4; Chapter 49-5-8; Chapter 49-5-12; Chapter 49-5-60
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chaps. 31-2-4; 49-5-8; 49-5-60. History. Original Rule entitled "Records" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Registration Requirements and Applications" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
The department is authorized and empowered to conduct investigations and on-site inspections of any home during the operating hours of the home. The proposed and current provider and employees shall cooperate with any inspection or investigation by responding truthfully to any legitimate depart-mental inquiry.
(a) Consent to Entry. An application for a registration to operate a home or the issuance of a registration by the department constitutes consent by the applicant, and provider, for the department's representative, after displaying identification to any home staff, to enter the premises at any time children are being cared for on the home. This includes both scheduled and unscheduled inspections and includes consent for meaningful access to all staff, parts of the premises of the home where children may be in care, all children present, and all records required by these rules. The department shall have the authority to require the production of any books, records, papers, or other information related to the initial or continued registration of the home.
(b) Failure to Allow Access. Failure to allow access of the department's representative to the home, its staff, or the children receiving care at the home or the books, records, papers, or other information related to initial or continued registration, or failure to cooperate with a departmental inspection or investigation shall constitute good cause for the denial, restriction, revocation or suspension of a registration, or other penalty as provided by law.
(c) False or Misleading Statements. No provider shall make or condone any employee making false or misleading statements to the department in connection with any authorized investigation of inspection being conducted by the department.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chaps. 31-2-6; 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Children's Activities" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Inspections and Investigations" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
The parent(s) and guardian(s) of a child shall be permitted access to all child care areas of the home at all times a child is in attendance. Authority O.C.G.A. Chapter 49-5-8; Chapter 49-5-12
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Nutrition and Food Service" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Inspections and Investigations" adapted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) The provider shall be at least 21 years of age. Effective March 1, 1994, providers who apply for initial registration shall have a high school diploma, General Education Diploma (GED), or similar credentials.
(2) The provider shall have current evidence of successful completion of a biennial training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in first aid which have been offered by certified or licensed health care professionals and which dealt with emergency care for infants and children. Additionally, within one year of the effective date of these rules and thereafter on an annual basis, the provider shall attend ten clock hours of diverse training which is related to care of children and which is offered by an accredited college, university or vocational program or other department-approved source. Records of completion of such training programs shall be maintained in the home by the provider, as required by rule .08((5). The ten clock hours of training shall be chosen from the following fields:
(a) Child Development: including discipline, guidance, nutrition, injury control and safety;
(b) Health: including sanitation, disease control, cleanliness, detection and disposition of illness; and
(c) Child Abuse and Neglect: including identification and reporting, and meeting the needs of abused and/or neglected children.
(d) Business Related Topics: including parental communication, record-keeping, etc.; provided however that such business related training shall be limited to no more than two of the required ten clock hours of training.
(3) The provider and employees shall:
(a) Never have been shown by credible evidence, e.g. a court or jury, a department investigation or other reliable evidence to have abused, neglected, sexually exploited, or deprived a child or adult or to have subjected any person to serious injury as a result of intentional or grossly negligent misconduct as evidenced by an oral or written statement to this effect obtained at the time of application and re-registration; and
(b) Not be suffering from any physical handicap or mental health disorder, which would interfere with the ability to perform adequately the job duties of providing for the care and supervision of the children residing in the home in accordance with these rules; and
(c) Not have made any material false statements concerning qualifications requirements either to the department or the provider.
(4) Notwithstanding the limitation to six children prescribed by the definition of a family day care home, a provider may care for two additional children who are three years and older for two designated one hour periods daily upon approval by the department.
(5) At least one adult shall supervise children at all times. Such adult, if not the provider, shall receive orientation regarding these rules; the provider's policies regarding discipline, injuries and illnesses, and release of children; the provider's written plan for handling emergencies; and appropriate information about any child's specific health needs. Plans shall be made to obtain additional adult help in cases of emergencies.
(6) Effective one year from the effective date of this chapter, whenever other children are present in the home (the provider's own children, other related children, other children who also reside in the home, children for whom no pay or compensation is received, etc.) the total number of children present under the age of thirteen years may not exceed twelve, and the space requirement of 35 square feet per child (Rule .13(1)(a)) must be met.
(a) Effective one year from the effective date of this chapter, an employee who must be at least 16 years of age must be present to assist with supervision whenever:
more than three children under the age of 12 months are present; or
more than six children under the age of three years are present; or
more than eight children under the age of five years are present.
(7) If children are allowed to participate in water activities where the water is over two feet in depth, the provider or an adult shall supervise such activities and must have successfully completed a training program in lifeguarding offered by a water-safety instructor certified by the American Red Cross or YMCA or other recognized standard-setting agency for water safety instruction.
(a) For water-related activities where water is over two feet in depth, the following staff: child ratios shall be maintained:
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4 years & older (who cannot swim a distance of 15 yds. unassisted) |
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4 years & older (who can swim a distance of 15 yds. unassisted) |
In lieu of requiring each child four years and older to take a swimming test, the provider may accept copies of verifications from a recognized water safety instruction organization stating that the child has successfully completed a swimming class which required the child to swim a distance of 15 yards unassisted.
Authority 0.C.G.A. Chapter 49-5-3; Chapter 49-5-12(1982 and 1982 Supp.). Chap. 49-5-3. History. Original Rule entitled "Health and Safety" was filed on February 21, 1983, effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Staffing and Supervision" adapted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) The home shall maintain current and updated individual records on each child in care. Such records shall include:
(a) Identifying information (child's name, birth date, parents name, home and business addresses, telephone numbers);
(b) Name, address and telephone number of persons including child's physician to contact in emergencies;
(c) Evidence of age-appropriate immunizations, or a signed affidavit certifying that the required immunizations conflict with the religious belief of the parent or guardian or a physician statement that immunization is contraindicated;
(d) Written authorization for the child to receive emergency medical treatment when the parent is not available;
(e) Documentation of any medications given as described in rule.11(1)(e);
(f) Record of any allergies and other known medical problems;
(g) Description of accidents or serious illnesses occurring while child is in the family day care home, including date, time and condition under which it occurred and the action taken;
(h) Parental agreements for transportation, field trips, swimming and/or other activities away from the home if the child will be participating in these activities;
(1) Name of person(s) to whom the child may be released.
(2) Documentation of family relationships for related children, other than the provider's own children, cared for in the home shall be maintained and shall include a nota-rized statement by the related child's parents attesting to the relationship.
(3) Documentation of the non-pay status of children in care for whom no pay is received shall be maintained and shall include a notarized statement by such child's parents attesting to the non-pay status.
(4) Copies of satisfactory criminal records check determinations, or preliminary records check applications and (fingerprint) records check applications, if determinations are in the application process, shall be maintained in the home by the provider.
(5) Documentation of all required training required by these rules shall be maintained in the home by the provider, and shall include the title of training courses received by the provider and any staff, the dates and the number of hours of the courses, and the names of the trainers or sponsoring organizations.
(6) If applicable, documentation of approved water and sewage disposal systems shall be maintained in the home by the provider.
(7) Documentation of monthly fire drills required by rule .11(2)(c) shall be maintained in the home.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chapter 49-5-8; Chapter 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Equipment and Supplies" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Records" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) Opportunities shall be provided for the children to participate in a variety of age-appropriate learning and play activities.
(2) Children shall be helped to develop skills in all areas (washing, dressing, toileting, etc.) appropriate to the age and ability of the child.
(3) Children shall spend some time of each day outside when the children's health and the weather permits.
(4) There shall be a supervised nap period during the day for preschool age children.
(5) Infants and toddlers shall not routinely be left in cribs, or playpens except for rest or sleep.
(6) The use of entertainment media, such as television programs or video tapes, and computer games shall be limited to programs, tapes, and software that are produced for the benefit of audiences comprised of young children. Such uses of entertainment media shall be used only in addition to other activities, shall not be the primary source of children's activities, and should be limited to no more than two hours daily.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Building and Supplies" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Children's Activities" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) Children shall be served all meals and snacks scheduled for the period of time in which they are present in the home. This includes breakfast or a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, supper (if the home offers evening care), and an evening snack prior to bedtime (if the home offers night time care).
(2) Meals and snacks with serving sizes dependent upon the age of the children shall be nutritious, well balanced, and varied. Lunch and supper meals shall consist of veget- ables or fruit or both; meat, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs, or protein substitute; bread; and milk unless the child has a specific health reason for prohibiting milk.
(3) Powdered nonfat dry milk shall not be used except for cooking purposes.
(4) The provider shall secure from the parents infant formula and a feeding plan for children under 1 year of age.
(5) Infant formula bottles shall be labeled with the individual child's name. Any unused formula or milk shall be discarded or returned to the parent at the end of the day.
(6) Infants under six months of age and older children who cannot hold their own bottles or sit alone shall be held during feeding. Baby bottles shall never be propped and the infant's head shall be elevated while feeding.
(7) Food shall be in sound condition, free from spoilage and contamination, and shall be safe for human consumption.
(8) All perishable and potentially hazardous foods shall be refrigerated at a temperature of 45 degrees or below and shall be served promptly after cooking. Hot foods shall be maintained at a temperature of 140 degrees or above except during serving.
(9) Food stored in containers such as cans, jars, and boxes shall be stored above the floor on clean surfaces.
(10) Garbage shall be stored in trash containers with lids and emptied and cleaned as needed. Areas around outdoor containers shall be kept clean.
(11) Chipped or cracked dishes shall not be used.
(12) Food preparation surface areas shall be nonporous with no cracks or unsealed seams.
(13) Food preparation areas and equipment shall be kept clean and free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and grease deposits.
(14) The person preparing meals shall wash their hands and arms thoroughly with soap and warm water before starting food service work and as often as necessary during food preparation and serving to remove soil and contamination.
(15) Non-disposable dishes and silverware shall be properly cleaned by pre-rinsing, or scraping, washing, sanitizing and air drying.
(16) Children shall not share eating or drinking utensils.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.); O.C.G.A. Chap. 19-7-5 (1982). Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Reporting Requirements" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Nutrition and Food Services" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(a) The department's current communicable disease chart of recommendations for exclusion of sick children from the home and their readmission shall be followed. Such chart shall be provided by the department.
(b) Age appropriate immunization, or an affidavit or physician's statement as described in rule .08(1)(c) shall be required for each preschool age child upon admission to the home or within 30 days thereafter.
(c) Parents of any child who becomes ill or is injured while in care shall be notified immediately of any illness or injury requiring professional medical attention, or any illness which may not require professional medical attention but which produces symptoms causing moderate discomfort to the child, such as, but not limited to, any of the following: elevated temperature, vomiting or diarrhea.
(d) The home shall obtain emergency medical services when required by a child's condition.
(e) Except for first aid, personnel shall not handout prescription or nonprescription medications to a child without specific written authorization from the child's physician or parent. All medications shall be stored in accordance with the prescription or label instructions and kept in places that are inaccessible to children. Each dose of medication given to a child shall be documented showing the child's name, name of medication, date and time given, and the name of the person giving the medication.
(f) The following first aid supplies, along with a manual of instructions, shall be maintained in a central location inaccessible to the children: scissors, tweezers, gauze pads, thermometer, adhesive tape, syrup of ipecac (to be used only upon the advice of a physician or poison control center), band-aids, insect-sting preparation, antiseptic cleaning solution, antibacterial ointment, bandages, disposable rubber gloves, and cold pack.
(g) Diapers shall be changed in the child's own crib or on a nonporous surface which is cleaned with a disinfectant and dried with a single use disposable towel after each diaper change.
(h) Soiled diapers and linens shall be disposed of in a closed container and personnel shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after each diaper change.
(i) When children are present for care, providers, employees, and other areas of the home, the provider shall so advise parents.
(j) Children shall be kept clean, dry, and comfortable.
(k) Pets in the home shall be vaccinated in accordance with the requirements of the local county Boards of Health. Unconfined pets shall not be permitted in child care areas when children are present except for supervised learning experiences.
(a) A home shall have a written plan for handling emergencies, including but not limited to fire, severe weather, loss of electrical power or water, and death, serious injury or loss of a child, which may occur at the home. No home personnel shall impede in any way the delivery of emergency care or services to a child by licensed or certified emergency health care professionals.
(b) An operable telephone shall be readily available in the home with the following telephone numbers posted in a conspicuous place next to the telephone. In those areas of the state serviced by the 911 emergency number, 911 may be posted in lieu of the phone numbers required for 2., 3., and 4. below:
2. An ambulance or rescue squad service,
4. The local police department,
5. The county health department, and
6. The regional poison control center.
(c) The home shall practice fire drill procedures with children at least monthly. Such drills shall be documented and maintained on file for one year.
(d) Children shall not have access to hanging cords or other hazardous objects.
(e) Clear glass doors shall be marked to avoid accidental impact.
(f) Poisons, medicines, cleaning agents, razors, aerosol cans and other potential hazardous materials shall be stored out of reach of children or in locked cabinets.
(g) Fire arms shall be stored so they are not accessible to children.
(h) At least one UL Approved smoke detector shall be on each floor of the home and such detectors shall be maintained in working order. At least one 2-A:5-B:C fire extinguisher shall be kept in the child care area to be located no more than thirty feet from the kitchen. The extinguisher shall be maintained in working order and shall be inaccessible to the children.
(i) Flammable liquids, such as gasoline or kerosene, shall not be stored inside the home.
(j) If children are transported in an automobile by the provider or a home's employee, the driver shall have a current driver's license and children shall be restrained by either individual seat belts or appropriate child restraints in accordance with state law. No child shall be left unattended in a motor vehicle.
(3) Discipline. Disciplinary actions used to correct a child's behavior, guidance techniques and any activities in which the children participate or observe at the home shall not be detrimental to the physical or mental health of any child.
(a) A provider or a home's employees shall not:
1. Physically or sexually abuse a child, or engage in or permit others to engage in sexually overt conduct in the presence of any child enrolled in the home, or
2. Inflict corporal/physical punishment upon a child, or
3. Shake, jerk, pinch or handle roughly a child, or
4. Verbally abuse or humiliate a child which includes, but is not limited to, the use of threats, profanity, or belittling remarks about a child or his family, or
5. Isolate a child in a dark room, closet, or unsupervised area, or
6. Use mechanical or physical restraints or devices to discipline children, or
7. Use medication to discipline a child, or to control children's behavior without written medical authorization issued by a licensed professional and given with the parent's written consent.
8. Discipline a child by restricting unreasonably a child from going to the bathroom; or by punishing toileting accidents; or by force feeding a child; or by not feeding a child regularly scheduled meals and/or snacks; or by forcing or withholding naps; or by allowing children to discipline or humiliate other children; or by confining a child for disciplinary purposes to a swing, high chair, infant carrier, walker or jump seat.
9. Commit any criminal act, as defined under Georgia law which is set forth in O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-1-1 et seq., in the presence of any child enrolled in the home.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Registration" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Health, Safety and Discipline" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) The home shall provide a variety of age-appropriate toys, books, and play equipment and materials to insure that each child shall have opportunity to experience and participate in a variety of activities.
(2) Provision shall be made for each child to have a comfortable, clean place to nap. A crib with a waterproof mattress shall be provided for each child under one year of age.
(3) Individual or disposable wash cloths and towels shall be provided.
(4) Furnishings and equipment shall be kept clean and in a safe usable condition.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chap. 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Inspections" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Equipment and Supplies" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) The home's building shall be kept clean and free from obvious hazards to the children's health and safety.
(a) The areas used for child care shall provide a minimum of 35 square feet of usable floor space per child.
(b) Basement areas in excess of 25 linear feet from a window shall not be used for housing children.
(c) Furniture and equipment shall be arranged so as not to interfere with exits.
(d) The home shall be kept free of fire hazards and unnecessary or excessive combustible material.
(e) When in use, radiators, open fire, oil or wood burning stoves, floor furnaces and similar hazards shall have barriers or screens to prevent children from being burned.
(f) Unvented fuel fired heaters shall not be used unless equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shut off system.
(g) Multiple plugs and electric extension cords shall not be used. Electrical outlets within reach of children shall be plugged or covered.
(h) Fans shall be positioned or installed so as to be inaccessible to the children.
(i) Measures shall be utilized to prevent the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin on the premises. Windows and doors used for ventilation shall be screened.
(j) Water supply and sewage disposal systems, if other than approved county or city systems, shall be approved by the proper authority having jurisdiction.
(2) Outside grounds and play areas shall be kept clean and free of obvious hazards to the children's health and safety.
(a) Outside play areas shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to exposed sharp edges of concrete or equipment, broken glass, debris, open drainage ditches, holes and stagnant water.
(b) Climbing and swinging equipment that are not portable shall be securely anchored to eliminate accidents or injuries.
(c) Such outside play areas shall be protected from traffic or other hazards by fencing or other barriers at least four feet in height and approved by the department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children. A fence shall be provided around swimming pools to make them inaccessible when not in use.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 31-2-4 (1982 Supp.) Chaps. 49-5-8; 49-5-12. History. Original Rule entitled "Variances and Waivers" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Building and Grounds" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
(1) Within twenty-four (24) hours or the next work day, the home shall report the following to the Child Care Licensing Office:
(a) Any death of a child while in the care of the home;
(b) Any serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical attention other than first aid administered by the provider.
(d) Any structural disaster; and
(2) Any suspected incident of child abuse, neglect or deprivation shall be reported to the local County Department of Family and Children Services in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sec. 19-7-5, and to the Child Care Licensing Office.
(3) Any cases or suspected cases of notifiable communicable diseases shall be reported to the local county health department in accordance with rules of the depart-ment regarding Notification of Disease, Chapter 290-5-3, and to the Child Care Licensing Office.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chaps. 19-7-5; 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Denial or Revocation of Certificate" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Reporting" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
Enforcement of these rules and regulations shall be done in accordance with Rules and Regulations for Enforcement of Licensing Requirements, Chapter 290-1-6, and O.C.G.A 49-5-12 and 49-5-12.1, Penalties for Violation of Child Welfare Agency Laws and Regulations.
(a) If the department finds that a registrant has violated any provision of these rules or other laws, rules, regulations, or formal orders related to initial or continued registration, it may, subject to notice and opportunity for hearing, take any of the following actions: administer a public reprimand; limit or restrict a registration; suspend a registration; impose a fine; refuse to renew a registration, or revoke a registration.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chap. 49-5-12 (1982 and 1982 Supp.) Chaps. 31-2-6; 49-5-8. History. Original Rule entitled "Enforcement" was filed on February 21, 1983; effective March 23, 1983, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Enforcement and Penalties" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
The department may, in its discretion, grant waivers and variances of specific rules upon application or petition being filed on forms provided by the department. The department may establish conditions which must be met by the home in order to operate under the waiver or variance granted. Waivers and variances may be granted in accordance with the following considerations:
(a) Variance. A variance may be granted by the department upon a showing by the applicant or petitioner that the particular rule or regulation that is the subject of the variance request should not be applied as written because stick application of the rule would cause undue hardship. The applicant or petitioner must also show that adequate standards affording protection for the health, safety and care of the children exist and will be met in lieu of the exact requirements of the rule or regulations in question.
(b) Waiver. The department may dispense entirely with the enforcement of a rule or regulation by granting a waiver upon a showing by the applicant or petitioner that the purpose of the rule or regulation is met through equivalent standards affording equivalent protection for the health, safety and care of the children.
(c) Experimental Variance or Waiver. The department may grant waivers and variances to allow experimentation and demonstration of new and innovative approaches to delivery of services upon a showing by the applicant or petitioner that the intended protections afforded by the rule or regulation which is the subject of the request are met and that the innovative approach has the potential to improve service delivery.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chaps. 31-2-4, 49-5-8; 49-5-12. History. Original Rule entitled "Waivers and Variances" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.
In the event that any rule, sentence, clause or phrase of any of these rules and regulations may be construed by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, unconstitutional, or otherwise unenforceable, such determination or adjudication shall in no manner affect the remaining rules or portions thereof. The remaining rules or portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect, as if such rule or portions thereof so determined, declared or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional were not originally a part of these rules.
Authority O.C.G.A. Chaps. 49-5-8; 49-5-12. History. Original Rule entitled "Severability" adopted. F. Feb. 4, 1994; eff. Mar. 1, 1994 as specified by the Agency.
(1) The Department shall provide notice of its actions to revoke the license or seek an emergency suspension of the home's license to operate to parents, guardians, and others who may have children in the care of the home. This notice, together with the Department's complaint intake phone number and website, shall be provided to parents, guardians, and others through the following methods:
(a) The posting of the official notice of the revocation or emergency suspension action and any final resolution at the home by Departmental staff in an area that is visible to the parents and guardians whose children attend the home;
(b) The posting of the official notice of the revocation or emergency suspension action and any final resolution on the Department's website; and
(c) The distribution by Departmental staff of a brief notice of the initial filing of actions to revoke or suspend the home's license to the parents or guardians, or persons authorized to pick up the children from care for the parents or guardians, who are at the home at the time that the notice of revocation or emergency suspension is posted by the Department.
(2) In addition, the Department may share any notice of the revocation or emergency suspension action and any information pertaining thereto with any other agencies which may have an interest in the welfare of the children in care at the home.
(3) When the Department has posted a notice of the revocation and/or emergency suspension actions in the home, the home shall ensure that the notice at the home continues to be visible to the parents, guardians, and others throughout the pendency of the revocation and emergency suspension actions including any appeals. Where the home provides transportation of the children in care to and from the home and the parents, guardians, or others responsible for the care of the children do not come to the home on a regular basis, the family day care home shall send home with the children on the day that it is delivered by Departmental staff copies of the brief notice of the revocation or emergency suspension action to the parents, guardians, or others who are responsible for the care of the children enrolled in the home.
(4) The home shall have posted at the home in an area that is readily visible to the parents, guardians, and others any inspection reports that are prepared by the Department during the pendency of any revocation or emergency suspension action.
(5) It shall be a violation of these rules for the home to permit the removal or obliteration of any notices of revocation, emergency suspension action, resolution, or inspection survey reports posted by the Department on the premises of the home during the pendency of any revocation or emergency suspension action.
In order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), staff shall put an infant to sleep on the infant's back unless the home has been provided a physician's written statement authorizing another sleep position for that particular infant. The infant shall be placed for sleeping on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a sturdy and safe crib. If the crib has side bars, the bars will be no more than two and three-eighths inches (2 3/8'') apart. Any crib used for sleeping shall have a tight-fitting bottom crib sheet with no pillows, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft items in the crib. If a blanket is required for the comfort of the infant, the infant's feet shall be placed at the foot of the crib and the infant shall be covered with the blanket only to chest level with the blanket tucked firmly under the crib mattress. The infant's sleeping area shall be maintained within a temperature range of sixty-five (65) to eighty-five (85) degrees depending upon the season. When an infant can easily turn over onto his or her stomach, staff shall continue to put the infant to sleep initially on the infant's back but allow the infant to roll over onto his or her stomach as the infant prefers. Positioning devices that restrict an infant's movement in the crib shall not be used unless a physician's written statement authorizing its use is provided for that particular infant.