Chapter DCF 251

DCF 251.06(7)(b) (b) There shall be additional storage space for cots, bedding, supplies and equipment not in use.

DCF 251.06(9) (9) Kitchens.

DCF 251.06(9)(a) (a) Equipment and utensils.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)1. 1. When meals are prepared or heated on the premises, the kitchen shall be equipped with a microwave or stove with an oven, a refrigerator, a sink and utensils that are necessary to prepare and serve meals. The sink shall be used exclusively for food preparation and dishwashing.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)1m. 1m. Centers preparing or serving only snacks are not required to have a sink unless dishes or utensils requiring dishwashing are used. Centers preparing or serving only snacks are not required to have a microwave or stove unless the snacks served require heating. Refrigerators are required if the center serves milk or other perishable snacks.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)2. 2. All equipment and utensils shall have smooth, hard surfaces, be easily cleanable, in good repair, durable, non-toxic and free of cracks, seams, chips and roughened areas, and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)3. 3. Food preparation tables shall be durable, and surfaces shall be smooth, non-absorbent and easily cleanable.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)4. 4. After cleaning, utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry place and protected from contamination.

DCF 251.06(9)(a)5. 5. Single-service utensils shall be non-toxic, stored in a clean, dry place, kept covered, and may not be reused.

DCF 251.06(9)(b) (b) Dishwashing procedures.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)1. 1. All kitchen utensils and food contact surfaces used for preparation, storage or serving of food shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)2. 2. All utensils and dishes shall be scraped, sorted and prewashed under running water.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)3. 3. For manual washing of dishes and utensils, a 3-step procedure shall be used:

DCF 251.06(9)(b)3.a. a. Wash in water between 110° and 125°F., using an effective soap or detergent.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)3.b. b. Rinse by immersing dishes and utensils in clean, hot water to remove soap or detergent.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)3.c. c. Sanitize by using a product that is registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency as a sanitizer and has instructions for use as a sanitizer on the label. The sanitizer shall be used in a manner consistent with the label instructions.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)4. 4.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)4.a. a. If a center uses a commercial dishwasher to clean dishes and utensils, the dishwasher shall have a readily visible temperature gauge located in the wash compartment. If the dishwasher is a spray type or immersion type dishwasher, a temperature gauge shall also be located in the rinse water line.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)4.b. b. Wash at 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 seconds, using an effective cleaning agent, and rinse and sanitize at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 seconds or more, using an automatic rinse injector.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)4.c. c. When using a spray-type dishwashing machine, the dishes and utensils shall be washed, rinsed and sanitized in the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions. A chemical sanitizer shall be used in the final rinse.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)5. 5. If the center uses a home-type dishwasher to clean dishes and utensils, the dishes and utensils shall be washed and rinsed in the dishwasher and sanitized by using a product that is registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency as a sanitizer and has instructions for use as a sanitizer on the label. The sanitizer shall be used in a manner consistent with the label instructions.

DCF 251.06(9)(b)6. 6. All dishes and utensils shall be air-dried in racks or baskets or on drain boards.

DCF 251.06(9)(c) (c) Food sources.

DCF 251.06(9)(c)1. 1. Food shall be clean, wholesome, free from spoilage, free from adulteration or misbranding and safe for human consumption. Meat, poultry, fish, molluscan shellfish, eggs and dairy products shall be from an inspected source.

DCF 251.06(9)(c)2. 2. Only milk and milk products which are pasteurized and meet the Grade A milk standards of the Wisconsin department of agriculture, trade, and consumer protection may be served or used.

DCF 251.06(9)(c)3m. 3m. Meals shall be prepared on the premises, in a central kitchen operated by the child care center or in another location that has been inspected by a representative of a state agency.

DCF 251.06 Note Note: Chapter ATCP 75, subch. III, addresses restaurants and other public eating establishments. Chapter ATCP 75, subch. II, addresses retail food establishments.

DCF 251.06(9)(c)4. 4. Food in dented, bulging or leaking cans, or cans without labels, may not be used.

DCF 251.06(9)(c)5. 5. Hermetically sealed, non-acid or low-acid food which has been processed in a place other than a commercial food processing establishment may not be used.

DCF 251.06(9)(d) (d) Food storage.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)1. 1. Foods shall be stored at temperatures which protect against spoilage. The following measures shall be taken to prevent spoilage:

DCF 251.06(9)(d)1.a. a. Perishable and potentially hazardous food which includes all custard-filled and cream-filled pastries, milk and milk products, meat, fish, shellfish, gravy, poultry stuffing and sauces, dressings, salads containing meat, fish, eggs, milk or milk products, and any other food or food product likely to spoil quickly if not kept at the proper temperature shall be continuously maintained at 40°F. or below or 140°F. or above, as appropriate, except during necessary periods of preparation and service.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)1.b. b. Each refrigeration unit shall be maintained at 40°F. or lower and each freezing unit shall be maintained at 0°F. or lower.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)1.c. c. Each cold storage facility shall be equipped with a clearly visible accurate thermometer.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)1.d. d. Food shall be covered while refrigerated, except when being cooled.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)2. 2. Foods not requiring refrigeration shall be stored in clean, dry, ventilated and lighted storerooms or areas which shall be protected from contamination by sewage, wastewater backflow, condensation, leakage or vermin. In addition:

DCF 251.06(9)(d)2.a. a. Dry foods, such as flour, sugar, cereals and beans shall be stored in bags with zip-type closures or metal, glass or food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting covers and shall be labeled. In this paragraph, “food grade plastic” means any plastic material used in the manufacture of dishes or utensils which has been found not harmful to human health by the national sanitation foundation.

DCF 251.06(9)(d)2.b. b. Foods stored in the basement shall be stored at least 8 inches above the floor, and food stored in other areas shall be stored high enough above the floor to provide for air circulation and to facilitate cleaning.

DCF 251.06(9)(f) (f) Food handling.

DCF 251.06(9)(f)1. 1. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be washed before being served or cooked.

DCF 251.06(9)(f)2. 2. Food returned from individual plates or from dining tables shall be discarded.

DCF 251.06(9)(f)3. 3. 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 251.06(9)(f)4. 4. Food delivery vehicles shall be equipped with clean containers or cabinets to store food while in transit. Containers for cold food shall be capable of maintaining the temperature at or below 40°F. and containers for hot food shall be capable of maintaining the temperature at or above 140°F.

DCF 251.06(9)(f)5. 5. Potentially hazardous frozen foods shall be thawed in the refrigerator, under cold running water or on the defrost setting in a microwave oven. No potentially hazardous frozen food may be thawed by leaving it at room temperature.

DCF 251.06(9)(g) (g) Meal preparation personnel.

DCF 251.06(9)(g)1. 1. Personnel who help prepare meals shall:

DCF 251.06(9)(g)1.b. b. Wear clean clothing and effective hair restraints such as hair nets or caps.

DCF 251.06(9)(g)1.c. c. Wash their hands with soap and warm running water before starting work, before and after handling food, and after using the toilet. Hands shall be dried with single use towels.

DCF 251.06(9)(g)2. 2. No one with an open or infected wound or sore may work in the food preparation area unless the wound or sore is covered and, if it is on a hand, a nonporous glove is worn on that hand.

DCF 251.06(10) (10) Washroom and toilet facilities.

DCF 251.06(10)(a) (a) A group child care center shall provide at least the number of washbasins and toilets with plumbing indicated in Table 251.06. Urinals may be substituted for up to 1/3 of the total required toilets.

DCF 251.06(10)(b) (b) When a center is licensed for more than 70 children, one additional toilet shall be provided for each additional 15 children or fraction thereof and washbasins shall be provided in the ratio of one for every 2 additional toilets and urinals or fraction thereof.

DCF 251.06(10)(c) (c) Children under the age of 30 months need not be included when determining the required fixtures under par. (a). However, in all cases, at least one toilet and one washbasin shall be provided.

DCF 251.06(10)(d) (d) If potty chairs are used for children under 30 months of age, the potty chairs shall be provided in a ratio of one for every 4 children or fraction thereof.

DCF 251.06(10)(dm) (dm)

DCF 251.06(10)(dm)1. 1. Toilet rooms and fixtures shall be in a sanitary condition at all times.

DCF 251.06(10)(dm)2. 2. Potty chair receptacles shall be emptied and rinsed after use and the potty chair and receptacle shall be disinfected immediately using a product registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency as a disinfectant that has instructions for use as a disinfectant on the label. The disinfectant shall be used according to label instructions.

DCF 251.06(10)(e) (e) Steps or blocks shall be provided if the washbasins and toilets are not proportioned to the size of the children.

DCF 251.06(10)(f) (f) Soap, toilet paper, disposable paper towels or blower-type air dryers and a wastepaper container shall be provided and accessible to children using the facilities.

DCF 251.06(10)(g) (g) Toilet room door locks shall be openable from the outside and the opening device shall be readily accessible to the staff.

DCF 251.06(10)(h) (h) The hot water temperature may not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit for sinks, showers, or bathtubs used by or accessible to children in care.

DCF 251.06(11) (11) Outdoor play space.

DCF 251.06(11)(a) (a) Requirement for outdoor play space. A center shall have outdoor play space if children are present for more than 3 hours per day or if outdoor play is included in the center program.

DCF 251.06(11)(b) (b) Required features of outdoor play space. Except when an exemption is requested and is approved by the department under par. (c), a center shall comply with all of the following requirements for outdoor play space:

DCF 251.06(11)(b)1. 1. The outdoor play space shall be on the premises of the center.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)2. 2. There shall be at least 75 square feet of outdoor play space for each child 2 years of age or older using the space at a given time.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)3. 3. There shall be at least 35 square feet of outdoor play space for each child under 2 years of age using the space at a given time except as provided in subd. 4.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)4. 4. The total outdoor play space of a center shall accommodate not less than 1/3 of the number of children for which the center is licensed or shall be a minimum of 750 square feet, whichever is greater. The number of children under one year of age need not be included for purposes of computing the minimum required outdoor play space if the center provides spaces in wheeled vehicles such as strollers and wagons equal to the number of children under one year of age.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)5. 5. An energy-absorbing surface, such as loose sand, pea gravel, or pine or bark mulch, in a depth of at least 9 inches is required under climbing equipment, swings, and slides whenever the play equipment is 4 feet or more in height and in a fall zone of 4 feet beyond the equipment. Shredded rubber and poured surfacing shall be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications based on the height of the equipment.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)6. 6. Structures such as playground equipment, railings, decks, and porches accessible to children that have been constructed with CCA treated lumber shall be sealed with an exterior oil based sealant or stain at least every 2 years.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)6m. 6m. Wood containing creosote or pentachlorophenol (PCP), including railroad ties, may not be accessible to children.

DCF 251.06(11)(b)7. 7. The boundaries of the outdoor play space shall be defined by a permanent enclosure not less than 4 feet high to protect the children. 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 251.06(11)(b)8. 8. Concrete and asphalt are prohibited under climbing equipment, swings and slides.

DCF 251.06 Note Note: The Consumer Products Safety Commission has a publication entitled Handbook for Public Playground Safety, Pub. No. 325 which provides information on playground safety guidelines designed to help child care centers build safe playgrounds. To obtain copies of this publication and a related public playground safety checklist, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov or 1-800-638-2772.

DCF 251.06(11)(bm) (bm) Equipment. Outdoor equipment shall be safe and durable. The outdoor equipment shall be all of the following:

DCF 251.06(11)(bm)1. 1. Used in accordance with all manufacturer’s instructions and any manufacturer’s recommendations that may affect the safety of children in care.

DCF 251.06(11)(bm)2. 2. Scaled to the developmental level, size, and ability of the children.

DCF 251.06(11)(bm)3. 3. Of sturdy construction with no sharp, rough, loose, protruding, pinching, or pointed edges, or areas of entrapment, in good operating condition, and anchored when necessary.

DCF 251.06(11)(bm)4. 4. Placed to avoid danger of injury or collision and to permit freedom of action.

DCF 251.06(11)(c) (c) Exemption for off-premises play space.

DCF 251.06(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 251.06(11)(c)1m. 1m. 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 par. (b) for a center’s outdoor play space.

DCF 251.06(11)(c)2. 2. A request for an exemption under subd. 1m. shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a plan for outdoor play space which does all the following:

DCF 251.06(11)(c)2.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 251.06(11)(c)2.b. b. Provides for adequate supervision of the children as specified in Table 251.055.

DCF 251.06(11)(c)2.c. c. Provides for daily vigorous exercise in the out-of-doors for the children.

DCF 251.06(11)(c)2.d. d. Describes the arrangements to meet the toileting and diapering needs of the children.

DCF 251.06(11)(c)2.e. e. Affirms the center’s compliance with the requirements included in subds. 3. to 6.

DCF 251.06 Note Note: Send the request for an exemption and the off-premises outdoor play space plan to the appropriate regional office in Appendix A.