DCF 57.36(5)(b) (b) Childcare may be provided off premises only by a child care provider that is licensed or certified under ch. DCF 250, 251, or 252, as applicable.

DCF 57.36(6) (6) Non-custodial parents. The licensee shall give children of residents the opportunity and encouragement to maintain involvement with non-custodial parents.

DCF 57.36(7) (7) Space requirements. In addition to the floor space required for bedrooms under s. DCF 57.40 (6) (b) 3., there shall be at least 35 square feet of additional floor space in a bedroom for each child sharing a bedroom with a parent.

DCF 57.36(8) (8) Water supply. The annual test of private well water under s. DCF 57.40 (3) (a) 2. shall include testing for nitrate levels. If nitrate levels are determined to be over 10 milligrams per liter, the licensee shall give notice to the department field office that serves the group home within 48 hours.

DCF 57.36 History History: CR 04-067: cr. Register September 2005 No. 597, eff. 1-1-06; corrections in (1), (2) (intro.), (5), (7) and (8) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635; EmR1106: emerg. am. (8), eff. 9-16-11; CR 11-026: am. (8) Register December 2011 No. 672, eff. 1-1-12.

DCF 57.37 DCF 57.37 Additional requirements for care of children 6 years of age or younger.

DCF 57.37(1) (1) Applicability. If a group home is licensed under s. DCF 57.51 or approved under s. DCF 57.515 to admit children under 6 years of age as residents or if the group home provides care to a resident who is the custodial parent of a child under the age of 6, the group home shall meet the additional requirements of this section.

DCF 57.37(2) (2) Definitions. In this section:

DCF 57.37(2)(a) (a) “Infant” means a child under one year of age.

DCF 57.37(2)(b) (b) “Toddler” means a child at least one year of age but less than 2 years of age.

DCF 57.37(2)(c) (c) “SIDS” means Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

DCF 57.37(3) (3) Treatment plan. A treatment plan is not required for children of residents. The treatment plan developed under s. DCF 57.23 (2) for a resident under 6 years of age shall include:

DCF 57.37(3)(a) (a) Schedule of meals and feeding and types of food introduced.

DCF 57.37(3)(b) (b) Toileting and diapering procedures.

DCF 57.37(3)(c) (c) Sleep and nap schedule.

DCF 57.37(3)(d) (d) Communication methods and comforting techniques.

DCF 57.37(3)(e) (e) Developmental history.

DCF 57.37(3)(f) (f) Medical history and medication management.

DCF 57.37(4) (4) Staff training. Each staff member who provides care to a child under this section shall successfully complete at least 10 hours of training in infant and toddler care; at least 40 hours or 3 credits of early childhood training and training in infant and child CPR within 6 months after beginning employment, unless the staff member has previously received such training and certification is current. The training in infant and toddler care shall include instruction on SIDS risk reduction and shall be approved by the department.

DCF 57.37(5) (5) Diapering. Wet or soiled diapers and clothing shall be changed promptly. Each child shall be changed on a surface that is cleaned with soap and water and a disinfectant solution after each use. Soiled diapers shall be placed in a plastic-lined, covered container, which shall be emptied, washed and disinfected daily.

DCF 57.37(6) (6) Furnishings and bedding.

DCF 57.37(6)(a) (a) Each child shall be provided with a bassinet, crib, or bed that is safe and appropriate to the needs of the child. Cribs shall have crib slats that are securely fastened in place and are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Crib mattresses shall fit snugly. Bassinets and cribs shall be washed and disinfected between changes in occupancy. The top bunk of a bunk bed shall not be used for a child under 4 years of age. The top bunk shall have a safety rail if occupied by a child under 8 years of age.

DCF 57.37(6)(b) (b) Pillows and sheepskins shall not be used with infants.

DCF 57.37(6)(c) (c) The group home shall provide eating utensils and cups, infant seats, high chairs, car seats, strollers, rocking chairs, tables and seating and other furnishings and equipment appropriate for size and developmental level and the needs of children under 6 years of age.

DCF 57.37(7) (7) Safety measures.

DCF 57.37(7)(a) (a) Strings and cords long enough to encircle a child’s neck shall not be accessible to children.

DCF 57.37(7)(b) (b) When infants and toddlers are present, open stairways shall be protected at the top and bottom with child safety gates. Gates shall have latching devices that adults can open easily in an emergency. Pressure gates or accordion gates shall not be used.

DCF 57.37(7)(c) (c) Steam radiators, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, electric fans, electric outlets, electric heating units and hot surfaces, such as pipes, shall be protected by screens or guards.

DCF 57.37(7)(d) (d) Differences of elevation, including platforms, walkways, balconies and open sides of stairways shall be protected by railing at least 36 inches in height and with bars no greater than 4 inches apart.