Virginia Law

A. Areas and equipment of the family day home, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Unsafe conditions shall include splintered, cracked, or otherwise deteriorating wood; chipped or peeling paint; visible cracks, bending or warping, rusting, or breakage of any equipment; head entrapment hazards; protruding nails, bolts, or other components that entangle clothing or skin; the presence of poisonous plants; tripping hazards; and unstable heavy equipment, furniture, or other items that a child could pull down on himself.

B. Inside areas occupied by children shall be maintained no lower than 65°F and shall not exceed 80°F unless fans or other cooling systems are in use.

C. In areas used by children of preschool age or younger, the following shall apply:

1. Fans, when used shall be out of reach of children, and cords shall be secured so as not to create a hazard.

2. Electrical outlets shall have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children.

D. Sharp kitchen utensils and other sharp objects shall be inaccessible to children unless being used by the caregiver or with children under close supervision.

E. The home shall have an in-service, nonpay telephone.

F. No equipment, materials, or furnishings shall be used if recalled or identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as being hazardous.

G. Radiators, oil and wood burning stoves, floor furnaces, fireplaces, portable electric heaters, and similar heating devices located in areas accessible to children shall have barriers or screens and be located at least three feet from combustible materials.

H. Unvented fuel burning heaters, such as portable oil-burning (kerosene) heaters; portable, unvented liquid or gas fueled heaters; and unvented fireplaces, shall not be used when children are in care.

I. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces and associated chimneys, if used, shall be inspected annually by a knowledgeable inspector to verify that the devices are properly installed, maintained, and cleaned as needed. Documentation of the inspection and cleaning shall be maintained by the vendor.

J. All flammable and combustible materials, including matches, lighters, lighter fluid, kerosene, turpentine, oil and grease products, aerosol cans, and alcohol, shall be stored in an area inaccessible to children.

K. Stairs shall not be accessible to children less than two years of age and children older than two years of age who are not developmentally ready to climb or descend stairs without supervision.

L. Stairs with three or more risers that do not have protective barriers or guardrails on each side shall not be accessible to children over the age of two years.

M. Decks, porches, lofts, or balconies that do not have protective barriers or guardrails shall not be accessible to children.

N. Windows and doors used for ventilation shall be securely screened.

O. Machinery in operation, such as lawnmowers and power tools shall be inaccessible to the children in care.