DCF 251.06 NoteNote: Send the request for an exemption and the off-premises outdoor play space plan to the appropriate regional office in Appendix A.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)3.3. The off-premises outdoor play space shall be free of hazards such as bodies of water, railroad tracks, unfenced in-ground swimming pools, heavily wooded areas and nearby highways and main thoroughfares.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)4.4. 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, and at least 35 square feet of outdoor play space for each child under 2 years of age using the space at a given time.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)5.5. No climbing equipment, swing or slide in the play space may have concrete or asphalt under it.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)6.6. When the off-premises outdoor play space is reached by walking, the center shall transport children under 3 years of age in wheeled vehicles, such as strollers or wagons, with a seating capacity equal to the number of children under 3 years of age to be transported.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)7.7. A center’s plan for use of an off-premises outdoor play space is subject to approval by the department. Within 30 days after receipt of a plan and request for an exemption from the requirements of par. (b), the department shall either approve the plan and grant the exemption or not approve the plan and therefore deny the request for exemption. The department shall notify the center in writing of its decision and, if it does not grant an exemption, shall state its reasons for not granting the exemption.
DCF 251.06(11)(c)8.8. If any circumstance described in an approved plan for use of off-premises outdoor play space changes or if any condition for plan approval is not met or is no longer met, the department may withdraw its approval of the plan and cancel the exemption. A center with an approved plan shall immediately report to the department’s licensing representative any significant change in any circumstance described in the plan.
DCF 251.06(12)(12)Swimming areas.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)(a)
DCF 251.06(12)(a)1.1. Aboveground and in-ground swimming pools on the premises may not be used by children in care.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)2.2. Swimming pools shall be enclosed by a 4-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching door. Spaces between the vertical posts of the fence shall be 4 inches or less.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)3.3. If access to the pool is through a gate, the gate shall be closed and visibly locked during the licensed hours of the center.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)4.4. If access to the pool is through a door, the door shall be closed, visibly locked, and equipped with an alarm at the door that signals when someone has entered the pool area. The door may not be used as an exit.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)5.5. Locks shall be located so that the locks cannot be opened by children.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)6.6. The free-standing wall of an aboveground pool may not serve as an enclosure unless it is at least 4 feet in height and not climbable. If a ladder is present, the ladder shall be removed or raised up so that it is inaccessible to children.
DCF 251.06(12)(a)7.7. The area around the pool enclosure shall be free of toys or equipment that would allow a child to climb or otherwise gain access to the pool.
DCF 251.06(12)(am)(am) A beach on the premises may not be used by children in care. Access to a beach shall be controlled so that children may not enter the area.
DCF 251.06(12)(b)(b) A wading pool on the premises may be used if the water is changed and the pool is disinfected daily. Supervision and staff-to-child ratio requirements under s. DCF 251.055 (1) and (2) shall be met.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)(c) A wading pool, pool, water attraction or beach that is not located on the center premises may be used by children, if all the following conditions are met:
DCF 251.06(12)(c)1.1. The construction and operation of the pool shall meet the requirements of chs. SPS 390 and ATCP 76 for public swimming pools. A beach shall comply with any applicable local ordinance.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)2.2. Certified lifesaving personnel shall be on duty.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)3.3. While children are in the water of a pool, wading pool, water attraction or beach, staff-to-child ratios for child care workers who can swim shall be:
DCF 251.06(12)(c)3.a.a. For children under 3 years of age: 1:1.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)3.b.b. For children 3 years of age: 1:4.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)3.c.c. For children 4 and 5 years of age: 1:6.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)3.d.d. For children 6 years of age and older: 1:12.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)4.4. When a mixed age group of children are swimming, the staff-to-child ratio shall be adjusted based on the number of children in the water and each child’s age.
DCF 251.06 NoteNote: A worksheet to help calculate the staff to child ratio for mixed aged groupings during swimming is available from the department. Requests may be made to the licensing representative or regional licensing office listed in Appendix A.
DCF 251.06(12)(c)5.5. A child shall be restricted to the area of the pool or beach that is within the child’s swimming ability.