DCF 250.06(3)(a)
(a) Each center shall have a written plan for taking appropriate action in the event of an emergency, including a fire, a tornado, a flood; extreme heat or cold; a loss of building services, including no heat, water, electricity, or telephone; human-caused events, such as threats to the building or its occupants; allergic reactions; lost or missing children; vehicle accidents; or other circumstances requiring immediate attention. The plan shall include specific procedures that address all of the following:
DCF 250.06(3)(a)2.
2. Ensuring that the needs of children under age 2 and children with disabilities are met.
DCF 250.06(3)(a)4.
4. Connecting children with their parents if the center is required to evacuate the building.
DCF 250.06(3)(b)
(b) The center shall practice the fire evacuation plan monthly, and the tornado plan monthly from April through October, with the children and shall document when the plans were practiced.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: The licensee may use either the department's form, Fire Safety and Emergency Response Documentation — Family Child Care Centers, or the licensee's own form to document when the fire and tornado emergency plans were practiced. Information on how to obtain the department's form is available on the department's website,
http://dcf.wisconsin.gov, or from any regional licensing office in Appendix A.
DCF 250.06(4)(a)1.1. A center shall have a smoke detector installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and maintained in operating condition at the head of every open stairway, on each level of the center, and in all areas used for nap or rest periods.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: The smoke detector at the head of an open stairway may also serve as the smoke detector for that level of the center.
DCF 250.06(4)(a)2.
2. A center shall have an interconnected smoke detection system in operating condition if one or more children under age 2 will be cared for on a level that is more than 6 feet above or below ground level.
DCF 250.06(4)(a)3.
3. All smoke detectors shall be tested monthly, and a record shall be kept of the time, date, and results of the test. A smoke detector shall be immediately repaired or replaced if any unit or part of a unit is found to be inoperative.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: The licensee may use either the department's form,
DCF-F-CFS0460 Safety and Emergency Response Documentation – Family Child Care Centers, or the licensee's own form to record the results of smoke detector tests. The department's form is available at
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cclicensing/ccformspubs.
DCF 250.06(4)(a)4.
4. The battery in a single-station battery-operated smoke detector shall be replaced at least once each year.
DCF 250.06(4)(b)
(b) An operable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A-10BC shall be provided for the kitchen and cooking area and inspected annually, and a provider shall know how to use it. Inspection tags are not required, but documentation of the inspection must be kept on file at the center.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: Licensees or a commercial fire extinguisher inspector may inspect fire extinguishers.
DCF 250.06(4)(c)
(c) Unvented gas, oil or kerosene space heaters are prohibited.
DCF 250.06(4)(e)
(e) The center shall be equipped with an interconnected smoke detection system in operating condition if one or more children under age 2 will be cared for on a level that is more than 6 feet above or below the ground level.
DCF 250.06(6)(a)
(a) A safe supply of drinking water shall be available to children and staff at all times from a drinking fountain of the angle jet type or by use of a disposable or reusable cup or water bottle. Common use of drinkware is prohibited.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)
(b) If a center gets its water from a private well, the center shall comply with all of the following:
DCF 250.06(6)(b)1.a.a. The center shall have water samples from the well tested for total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria annually using a laboratory certified by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection as specified in ch.
ATCP 77. The laboratory report shall be available to the department upon request.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)1.b.
b. If the water test results indicate the presence of total coliform or E. coli bacteria, the water system shall be appropriately disinfected or treated and retested until it is determined to be free of bacteria. An alternative source of water shall be used for drinking and preparing food or infant formula until the well is free from bacteria.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: A list of laboratories certified to test for bacteria can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website:
www.dnr.wi.gov.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: Alternative sources of drinking water can include bottled water and water from a public water system that meets drinking water standards.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)2.a.a. The center shall have water samples from the well tested for nitrate annually using a laboratory certified under ch.
NR 149. The laboratory report shall be available to the department upon request.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)2.b.
b. If water test results indicate nitrate levels are above 10 mg/L, an alternative source of water shall be used for drinking and preparing food or infant formula until nitrate levels are below 10 mg/L.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: A list of laboratories certified to test for nitrate can be found on DNR's website:
www.dnr.wi.gov.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: Alternative sources of drinking water include bottled water, water that has been treated with a device certified by the department of safety and professional services to remove nitrate, and water from a public water system that meets drinking water standards.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)3.a.a. The center shall have the well tested for lead every 5 years using a laboratory certified by the department of natural resources under ch.
NR 149. The laboratory report shall be available to the department upon request.
DCF 250.06(6)(b)3.b.
b. If water test results indicate lead levels are above 15 micrograms per liter (
µg/L), an alternative source of water shall be used for drinking and preparing food or infant formula until action is taken to reduce lead levels below 15
µg/L as confirmed by an additional water test.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: A list of laboratories certified to test for lead can be found on DNR's website:
www.dnr.wi.gov.
DCF 250.06 Note
Note: Alternative sources of drinking water include, but are not limited to, bottled water, and water from a source known to be low in lead, such as a public water system that meets drinking water standards.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)2.
2. Each floor or level occupied by children shall have at least 2 exits.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)5.
5. The primary exit shall be a door or stairway providing unobstructed travel to the outside of the building at street or ground level.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)6.a.
a. A door or stairway that provides unobstructed travel to the outside of the building at street or ground level.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)6.b.
b. A door or stairway leading to a platform or roof with railings complying with sub.
(2) (g), which has an area of at least 25 square feet, is at least 4 feet long, and is not more than 15 feet above ground level.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)6.c.
c. Except in an upstairs duplex, a window that is not more than 46 inches above the floor, capable of being opened from the inside without the use of a tool or removal of a sash, and which has a nominal window opening size of at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)6.d.
d. A center located in the upstairs unit of a duplex shall have 2 exits leading directly to the ground floor or to a platform as described in subd.
6. a. and
b. DCF 250.06(7)(a)7.a.
a. The primary exit shall be a door or stairway that provides unobstructed travel to the outside of the building at street or ground level.
DCF 250.06(7)(a)7.b.
b. The secondary exit shall be either a door or stairway leading to the ground level or a window not more than 46 inches above the floor that is capable of being opened from the inside without the use of tool or removal of a sash, and which has a nominal window opening size of at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height. The window shall open directly to the ground or to a window well with an area of at least 6 square feet that is not more than 46 inches below the ground.
DCF 250.06(7)(b)1.1. Every closet door latch shall be capable of being opened by children from inside the closet.
DCF 250.06(7)(b)2.
2. Every toilet room door lock shall be designed to permit the locked door be opened from the outside in an emergency, and the opening device shall be readily accessible to a provider.
DCF 250.06(7)(b)3.
3. Windows that are capable of being opened and located in areas of the center that are accessible to children shall have screens.
DCF 250.06(9)(a)(a) Equipment and utensils for preparing, serving and storing food shall be clean and equipped for the safe handling of food. Eating surfaces shall be washed before use.
DCF 250.06(9)(b)
(b) Reusable eating and drinking utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and hot water and rinsed after use. Single use articles such as food containers designed to be used only once and discarded including plastic silverware, paper or styrofoam cups and plates may not be reused.
DCF 250.06(9)(c)
(c) Food shall be clean, wholesome, free from spoilage and from adulteration and misbranding, and safe for human consumption. Meat, poultry, fish, molluscan shellfish, eggs, and dairy products shall be from an inspected source.
DCF 250.06(9)(d)
(d) Food shall be covered and stored at temperatures that protect against spoilage. Refrigerators shall be maintained at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and freezers shall be maintained at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
DCF 250.06(9)(e)
(e) Extra food that was prepared but not served shall be dated, refrigerated promptly, and used within 36 hours, or frozen immediately for use within 6 months.
DCF 250.06(9)(f)
(f) Food shall be provided based on the amount of time children are in care, as specified in Table 250.06.
DCF 250.06(9)(g)
(g) Food shall be served at flexible intervals, but no child may go without nourishment for longer than 3 hours.
DCF 250.06(9)(h)
(h) At a minimum, children shall be provided food for each meal and snack that meets the U.S. department of agriculture child and adult care food program minimum meal requirements.
DCF 250.06(9)(i)
(i) Additional portions of vegetables, fruits, bread, and milk shall be available.
DCF 250.06(9)(j)
(j) Accurate records of meals and snacks served to children shall be available for review by parents and the licensing representative. Written records of meals and snacks served to children shall be retained for 3 months.
DCF 250.06(9)(k)
(k) When food for a child is provided by a child's parent, the licensee shall give the parent information about the requirements for food groups and quantities specified by the U.S. department of agriculture child and adult care food program minimum meal requirements.
DCF 250.06(9)(L)
(L) A child enrolled in school who is in attendance at the center when a meal or snack is served shall be offered the meal or snack.
DCF 250.06(9)(m)
(m) A special diet based on a medical condition, excluding food allergies, but including nutrient concentrates and supplements, may be served only upon written authorization of a child's physician and upon the request of the parent.
DCF 250.06(9)(n)
(n) A special diet based on a food allergy may be served upon the written request of the parent.
DCF 250.06(11)(a)
(a)
Requirement for outdoor play space. A center shall have outdoor play space if any child is receiving care for more than 3 hours a day.
DCF 250.06(11)(b)
(b)
Required features of outdoor play space. Except when an exemption is requested and approved by the department under par.
(c), a center shall comply with all of the following requirements for outdoor play space:
DCF 250.06(11)(b)2.
2. There shall be at least 75 square feet of outdoor play space for each child using the space at a given time. A center with a licensed capacity of 8 children is required to have a minimum of 600 square feet.
DCF 250.06(11)(b)3.
3. Structures such as playground equipment, railings, decks, and porches accessible to children and built with CCA-treated lumber shall be sealed with an oil-based sealant or stain at least every 2 years.
DCF 250.06(11)(b)3m.
3m. Wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol (PCP), including railroad ties, may not be used in areas accessible to children.
DCF 250.06(11)(b)4.
4. A permanent enclosure not less than 4 feet high shall be provided to protect the safety of children in care. Fencing, plants, or landscaping may be used to create a permanent enclosure. The permanent enclosure may not have any open areas that are greater than 4 inches.
DCF 250.06(11)(b)5.
5. Concrete and asphalt are prohibited under climbing equipment, swings and slides.
DCF 250.06(11)(c)1.1. In this paragraph, “main thoroughfare" means a heavily traveled street or road used by vehicles as a principal route of travel.
DCF 250.06(11)(c)2.
2. If a center has no outdoor play space available on the premises of the center, the licensee may request an exemption from the requirements under subd.
3. for the center's outdoor play space.
DCF 250.06(11)(c)3.
3. A request for an exemption under subd.
2. shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a plan for outdoor play space that does all the following:
DCF 250.06(11)(c)3.a.
a. Identifies and describes the location to be used, the travel distance from the center to that location and the means of transporting the children to that location.
DCF 250.06(11)(c)3.b.
b. Provides for adequate supervision of the children as specified in Table 250.055.
