DCF 251.07(1)(g)2.2. Use of materials and engagement in activities which for the most part do not duplicate materials or activities planned for the major part of the program.
DCF 251.07(1)(h)(h) The program as implemented shall reflect the center’s written policies.
DCF 251.07(2)(2)Child guidance.
DCF 251.07(2)(a)(a) In this subsection:
DCF 251.07(2)(a)1.1. In this subsection, “time-out period” means a break from the large group that a child care worker offers a child to provide the child an opportunity to calm and regain composure while being supported by the child care worker.
DCF 251.07(2)(a)2.2. “Redirection” means directing the child’s attention to a different program activity.
DCF 251.07(2)(b)(b) Each child care center shall develop and implement a written policy that provides for positive guidance, redirection, and the setting of clear-cut limits for the children. The policy shall be designated to help a child develop self-control, self-esteem, and respect for the rights of others.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)(c) A center may use a time-out period to handle a child’s unacceptable behavior only if all of the following conditions are met:
DCF 251.07(2)(c)1.1. The child is 3 years of age or older.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)2.2. The child care worker offers the child the time-out period in a non-humiliating manner.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)3.3. The time-out period does not exceed 3 minutes.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)4.4. The child is not isolated.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)5.5. The child is not removed from the classroom setting.
DCF 251.07(2)(c)6.6. If the child care worker needs additional adult support, another child care worker comes to the classroom setting.
DCF 251.07(2)(e)(e) Actions that may be psychologically, emotionally or physically painful, discomforting, dangerous or potentially injurious are prohibited. Examples of prohibited actions include all of the following:
DCF 251.07(2)(e)1.1. Spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, slapping, twisting, throwing or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment.
DCF 251.07(2)(e)2.2. Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the child or the child’s family.
DCF 251.07(2)(e)3.3. Physical restraint, binding or tying to restrict movement or enclosing in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle.
DCF 251.07(2)(e)4.4. Withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps.
DCF 251.07(2)(e)5.5. Actions that are cruel, aversive, frightening or humiliating to the child.
DCF 251.07(2)(f)(f) A child may not be punished for lapses in toilet training.
DCF 251.07 NoteNote: Prohibited actions by an employee or volunteer to a child by a staff member must be reported to the department within 24 hours after the occurrence under s. DCF 251.04 (3) (i).
DCF 251.07(3)(3)Equipment and furnishings.
DCF 251.07(3)(a)(a) Indoor furnishings and equipment shall be safe and durable. The equipment and furnishings shall be:
DCF 251.07(3)(a)1.1. Scaled to the developmental level, size and ability of the children.
DCF 251.07(3)(a)2.2. 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 251.07(3)(a)3.3. Placed to avoid danger of injury or collision and to permit freedom of action.
DCF 251.07(3)(a)4.4. Placed over an energy-absorbing surface, when equipment is 4 feet or more in height.
DCF 251.07(3)(a)5.5. Used in accordance with all manufacturer’s instructions and any manufacturer’s recommendations that may affect the safety of children in care.