Part VI. Programs
8VAC20-780-360. Daily activities.
A. The variety of daily activities for all age groups shall be age and stage appropriate and provide opportunities for teacher-directed, self-directed, and self-chosen tasks and activities; a balance of active and quiet activities; individual and group activities; and curiosity and exploration.
Exception: Specialty camps do not need to provide opportunities for self-chosen tasks and curiosity and exploration.
B. For a child who cannot move without help, staff shall offer to change the places and position of the child at least every 30 minutes or more frequently depending on the child's individual needs.
C. Children shall be allowed to sleep or rest as individually needed.
D. For a child in a therapeutic child day program, daily activities shall be in accordance with the program's individual plan for such child.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-451 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-360, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-370. Daily activities for infants.
There shall be a flexible daily schedule for infants based on their individual needs. During the day, infants shall be provided with:
1. Sleep as needed.
a. When an infant is placed in his crib, he shall be placed on his back (supine).
b. When an infant is able to easily turn over from the back (supine) to the belly (prone) position and he is placed in his crib, he shall still be put on his back (supine) but allowed to adopt whatever position he prefers. This applies unless otherwise directed by the infant's physician in writing.
c. If the side position is used, caregivers shall bring the dependent arm forward to lessen the likelihood of the infant rolling into a belly (prone) position.
d. Resting or sleeping infants shall be individually checked every 15-20 minutes.
e. An infant who falls asleep in a play space specified in subdivision 5 a of this section may remain in that space if comfortable and safe.
2. Food as specified in 8VAC20-780-560 and 8VAC20-780-570.
3. Outdoor time if weather and air quality allow based upon the Air Quality Color Code Chart as provided by the Department of Environmental Quality.
4. Comfort as needed.
5. Play spaces.
a. Play spaces may include, but are not limited to, cribs, infant seats, play yards, exercise chairs or saucers (but not walkers), infant swings, high chairs, and floor space.
b. The variety of play spaces shall cumulatively offer:
(1) Room for extensive movement (rolling, crawling, or walking) and exploration;
(2) A diversity of sensory and perceptual experiences; and
(3) Equipment and toys that support large and small motor development.
c. Staff shall provide frequent opportunities for infants to creep, crawl, toddle and walk.
d. Infants shall be protected from older children.
e. Staff shall provide awake infants not playing on the floor or ground a change in play space at least every 30 minutes or more often as determined by the individual infant's needs.
f. Staff shall change the position of an awake infant playing on the floor or ground and the selection of toys available to the infant every 30 minutes or more often as determined by the individual infant's needs.
g. Infants, who cannot turn themselves over and are awake, shall be placed on their stomachs a total of 30 minutes each day to facilitate upper body strength and to address misshapen head concerns.
6. Stimulation and language development activities, including but not limited to staff reading, talking to, showing pictures to, naming objects for, playing with and engaging in positive interactions (such as smiling, cuddling, and making eye contact) with infants.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-461 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-370, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; amended and renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-380. Daily activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
A. There shall be a posted daily schedule that allows for flexibility as children's needs require. The daily schedule need not apply on days occupied a majority of the time by a field trip or other special event. The daily schedule shall include opportunities for:
1. Outdoor activity, weather and air quality allowing, for at least:
a. Fifteen minutes per day or session if the center operates up to three hours per day or session;
b. Thirty minutes per day or session if the center operates between three and five hours per day or session; or
c. One hour per day or session if the center operates more than five hours per day or session.
2. Sleep or rest.
a. Centers operating five or more hours per day shall have a designated rest period for at least one hour but no more than two hours.
(1) Cribs, cots, beds, or mats shall be used.
(2) After the first 30 minutes, children not sleeping may engage in quiet activities.
b. A child who falls asleep in a place other than his designated sleeping location may remain in that space if comfortable and safe.
c. Sleeping toddlers shall be individually checked every 30 minutes.
3. Meals and snacks as specified in 8VAC20-780-560 and 8VAC20-780-570.
4. Small and large motor activities, language and communication experiences, sensory experiences, art or music activities, and play acting or social living.
B. Staff shall encourage language development by having conversations with children that give them time to initiate and respond, by labeling and describing objects and events, having storytelling time and by expanding the children's vocabulary.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-471 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-380, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; amended and renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-390. Daily activities for school age children.
A. Before or after school, the center shall provide an opportunity for children to do homework or projects or hobbies in a suitable area. In the afternoon, there shall be an opportunity for large motor activities at least 25% of the time.
B. On nonschool days, the daily activity shall include opportunities for large motor activities at least 25% of the time; small motor activities; projects, hobbies, or homework in a suitable place; art or music activities; outdoor activity in accordance with 8VAC20-780-380 A 1 and food as specified in 8vAC20-780-560 and 8VAC20-780-570.
Exception: Specialty camps are not required to meet the requirements of this subsection.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-481 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-390, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; amended and renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-400. Behavioral guidance.
A. In order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with the child and one another to provide needed help, comfort, support and:
1. Respect personal privacy;
2. Respect differences in cultural, ethnic, and family backgrounds;
3. Encourage decision-making abilities;
4. Promote ways of getting along;
5. Encourage independence and self-direction; and
6. Use consistency in applying expectations.
B. Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.
C. When time out is used as a behavior guidance technique:
1. It shall be used sparingly and shall not exceed one minute for each year of the child's age;
2. It shall be appropriate to the child's developmental level and individual needs;
3. It shall not be used with infants or toddlers;
4. The child shall be in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated place, and within actual sight and sound of a staff member; and
5. The child shall not be left alone inside or outside the center.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-484 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-400, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. October 13, 2021.
8VAC20-780-410. Forbidden actions.
The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden:
1. Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercise as punishment;
2. Enclosure in a small confined space or any space that the child cannot freely exit himself; however, this does not apply to the use of equipment such as cribs, play yards, high chairs, and safety gates when used with children preschool age or younger for their intended purpose;
3. Punishment by another child;
4. Separation from the group so that the child is away from the hearing and vision of a staff member;
5. Withholding or forcing of food or rest;
6. Verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child;
7. Punishment for toileting accidents; and
8. Punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-487 derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-410, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-420. Parental involvement.
A. Before the child's first day of attending, parents shall be provided in writing the following:
1. The center's philosophy and any religious affiliation;
2. Operating information, including the hours and days of operation and holidays or other times closed, and the phone number where a message can be given to staff;
3. The center's transportation policy;
4. The center's policies for the arrival and departure of children, including procedures for verifying that only persons authorized by the parent are allowed to pick up the child, picking up children after closing, and when a child is not picked up for emergency situations including inclement weather or natural or man-made disasters;
5. The center's policy regarding any medication or medical procedures that will be given;
6. The center's policy regarding application of:
a. Sunscreen;
b. Diaper ointment or cream; and
c. Insect repellent.
7. Description of established lines of authority for staff;
8. Policy for reporting suspected child abuse as required by § 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia;
9. The custodial parent's right to be admitted to the center as required by § 22.1-289.054 of the Code of Virginia;
10. Policy for communicating an emergency situation with parents;
11. The appropriate general daily schedule for the age of the enrolling child;
12. Food policies;
13. Discipline policies including acceptable and unacceptable discipline measures; and
14. Termination policies.
B. Staff shall promptly inform parents when persistent behavioral problems are identified; such notification shall include any disciplinary steps taken in response.
C. A custodial parent shall be admitted to any child day program. Such right of admission shall apply only while the child is in the child day program (§ 22.1-289.054 of the Code of Virginia).
D. The center shall provide opportunities for parental involvement in center activities.
E. Communication.
1. For each infant, the center shall post a daily record which can be easily accessed by both the parent and the staff working with the child. The record shall contain the following information:
a. The amount of time the infant slept;
b. The amount of food consumed and the time;
c. A description and time of bowel movements;
d. Developmental milestones; and
e. For infants, who are awake and cannot turn over by themselves, the amount of time spent on their stomachs.
2. If asked by parents, staff shall provide feedback about daily activities, physical well-being, and developmental milestones.
3. Parents shall be provided at least semiannually in writing information on their child's development, behavior, adjustment, and needs.
a. Staff shall provide at least semiannual scheduled opportunities for parents to provide feedback on their children and the center's program.
b. Staff shall request at least annually parent confirmation that the required information in the child's record is up to date.
c. Such sharing of information shall be documented.
d. Short-term programs (as defined in 8VAC20-780-10) are exempt from this requirement.
4. Parents shall be informed of reasons for termination of services.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-490 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.5, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-420, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; amended and renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. October 13, 2021.
8VAC20-780-430. Equipment and materials.
A. Furnishings, equipment, and materials shall be of an appropriate size for the child using it.
B. Materials and equipment available shall be age and stage appropriate for the children and shall include an adequate supply as appropriate for each age group of arts and crafts materials, texture materials, construction materials, music and sound materials, books, social living equipment, and manipulative equipment.
C. Play equipment used by children shall meet the following requirements:
1. Openings above the ground or floor which allow a 3-1/2 inch by 6-1/4 inch rectangle to fit through shall also allow a nine-inch circle to fit through;
2. S-hooks where provided may not be open more than the thickness of a penny; and
3. Have no protrusions, sharp points, shearing points, or pinch points.
D. The unenclosed climbing portion of slides and climbing equipment used by toddlers and preschool children shall not be more than seven feet high and must be located over resilient surfacing where outdoors, and shall not be more than five feet high where indoors.
E. Centers may not install after June 1, 2005, any slide or climbing equipment to be used by preschoolers or toddlers when the climbing portion of the equipment is more than six feet in height.
F. The climbing portions of indoor slides and climbing equipment over 18 inches shall not be over bare flooring.
G. The climbing portions of indoor slides and climbing equipment 36 inches or more shall be located over a resilient surface.
H. Trampolines may not be used.
EXCEPTION: The requirements of subsections A through H of this section shall not prohibit child day programs providing care for school-age children at a location that is currently approved by the Department of Education or recognized as a private school by the State Board of Education for school occupancy and that houses a public or private school during the school year from permitting school-age children to use outdoor play equipment and areas approved for use by students of the school during school hours.
I. If combs, toothbrushes, or other personal articles are used, they shall be individually assigned.
J. Disposable products shall be used once and discarded.
K. Provision shall be made for an individual place for each child's personal belongings.
L. Infant walkers shall not be used.
M. Play yards where used shall:
1. Meet the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements and shall retain the manufacturer's label documenting product compliance with current safety standards at the time they were manufactured;
2. Not be used after recalled;
3. Not use any pillows or filled comforters;
4. Not be used for the designated sleeping areas;
5. Not be occupied by more than one child; and
6. Be sanitized each day of use or more often as needed.
N. Upon being informed that a product has been recalled, center staff shall remove the item from the center.
O. Where portable water coolers are used, they shall be of cleanable construction, maintained in a cleaned condition, kept securely closed and so designed that water may be withdrawn from the container only by water tap or faucet.
P. Drinking water which is transported to camp sites shall be in closed containers.
Q. Therapeutic child day programs and special needs child day programs serving children who use wheelchairs shall provide cushioned vinyl-covered floormats for use when activities require children to be out of their wheelchairs.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-500 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.6, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; Volume 28, Issue 7, eff. January 5, 2012; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-430, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-440. Cribs, cots, rest mats, and beds.
A. Cribs, cots, rest mats or beds shall be provided for children during the designated rest period and not be occupied by more than one child at a time.
B. Cribs, cots, rest mats, and beds shall be identified for use by a specific child.
C. Double decker cribs, cots, or beds, or other sleeping equipment when stacked shall not be permitted.
D. Occupied cribs, cots, rest mats, and beds shall be at least 2-1/2 feet from any heat producing appliance.
E. There shall be at least 12 inches of space between occupied cots, beds, and rest mats.
Exception: Twelve inches of space are not required where cots, beds, or rest mats are located adjacent to a wall or a divider as long as one side is open at all times to allow for passage.
F. If rest mats are used, they shall have cushioning and be sanitized on all sides weekly or before use by another child.
G. Cribs shall be used for children under 12 months of age and for children over 12 months of age who are not developmentally ready to sleep on a cot or mat.
H. Cribs shall meet the following requirements:
1. They shall meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards at the time they were manufactured;
2. They shall not have been recalled;
3. There shall be no more than six centimeters or 2-3/8 inches of space between slats;
4. There shall be no more than one inch between the mattress and the crib; and
5. End panel cut-outs in cribs shall be of a size not to cause head entrapment.
I. Cribs shall be placed where objects outside the crib such as cords from blinds or curtains are not within reach of infants or toddlers.
J. There shall be at least:
1. Twelve inches of space between the sides and ends of occupied cribs except where they touch the wall; and
2. Thirty inches of space between service sides of occupied cribs and other furniture where that space is the walkway for staff to gain access to any occupied crib.
K. Crib sides shall be up and the fastenings secured when a child is in the crib, except when a staff member is giving the child immediate attention.
L. Pillows and filled comforters shall not be used by children under two years of age.
M. Use of crib bumper pads shall be prohibited.
N. Toys or objects hung over an infant in a crib and crib gyms that are strung across the crib may not be used for infants over five months of age or infants who are able to push up on their hands and knees.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-510 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.7, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-440, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-450. Linens.
A. Cribs, cots, mats and beds used by children other than infants during the designated rest period or during evening and overnight care shall have linens consisting of a top cover and a bottom cover or a one-piece covering which is open on three edges. Cribs when being used by infants shall have a bottom cover.
B. Linens shall be assigned for individual use.
C. Linens shall be clean and washed at least weekly.
1. Crib sheets shall be clean and washed daily.
2. When centers wash the linens, the water shall be above 140°F or the dryer shall heat the linens above 140°F as verified by the manufacturer or a sanitizer shall be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
D. Pillows when used shall be assigned for individual use and covered with pillow cases.
E. Mattresses when used shall be covered with a waterproof material which can be cleaned and sanitized.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-520 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.8, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-450, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.
8VAC20-780-460. Swimming and wading activities; staff and supervision.
A. The staff-to-children ratios required by 8VAC20-780-350 B and 8VAC20-780-355 A and B shall be maintained while children are participating in swimming or wading activities.
1. Notwithstanding the staff-to-children ratios already indicated, at no time shall there be fewer than two staff members supervising the activity.
2. The designated certified lifeguard shall not be counted in the staff-to-children ratios.
B. If a pool, lake, or other swimming area has a water depth of more than two feet, a certified lifeguard holding a current certificate shall be on duty supervising the children participating in swimming or wading activities at all times when one or more children are in the water.
C. The lifeguard certification shall be obtained from an organization such as the American Red Cross, the YMCA, or the Boy Scouts.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-540 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.10, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-460, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; amended and renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. October 13, 2021.
8VAC20-780-470. Pools and equipment.
A. When permanent swimming or wading pools are located on the premises of the center, the following shall apply:
1. The manufacturer's specifications for operating the pool shall be followed as well as any local ordinances and any Department of Health requirements for swimming pools;
2. Pools constructed, renovated, or remodeled after April 1, 1986, shall have a statement in writing of their inspection and approval from the local building official when such approval is required;
3. Outdoor swimming pools shall be enclosed by safety fences and gates which are in compliance with the applicable edition of the Virginia USBC (13VAC5-62) and shall be kept locked when the pool is not in use;
4. Entrances to indoor swimming pools shall be locked when the pool is not in use; and
5. A whistle or other audible signaling device, a buoy or a lemon line, a reach pole, and a backboard shall be available at the swimming or wading site.
B. If children are allowed to swim in a lake or other place other than a pool, safe swimming areas shall be clearly marked and there shall be appropriate water safety equipment.
C. Piers, floats, and platforms shall be in good repair and where used for diving, the minimum water depth shall be stated on the deck or planking.
D. If portable wading pools without integral filter systems are used, they shall be emptied after the use of each group of children, rinsed, and filled with clean water, or more frequently as necessary.
E. Children who are not toilet trained may not use portable wading pools.
F. After each day's use, portable wading pools shall be emptied, sanitized, and stored in a position to keep them clean and dry.
Statutory Authority
§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Former 22VAC15-30-550 derived from VR175-08-01 § 6.11, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. March 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. September 1, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. June 1, 2005; amended and renumbered as 22VAC40-185-470, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2012; renumbered Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.