14 Del. Admin. Code § 933-IV-27.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 933-IV-27.0 - Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision

27.1 A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children is provided at all times. This supervision occurs through the assignment of qualified staff members who are physically present and working with children. The licensee shall maintain the minimum staff/child ratio, except as stated in subsection 27.5, and maximum group size for each age group as listed in the table below:

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27.2 A licensee shall maintain the staff-to-child ratio for infants at all times. A staff member shall be assigned to care for specific infants and toddlers within the staff member's group.

27.3 For mixed age groups, the staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements are for the age of the youngest child present.

27.4 While maintaining staff-to-child ratio, maximum group size may be exceeded when 12 or fewer children are present in the center.

27.5 During nap times when children one year and older are sleeping, a licensee shall ensure at least half of the required staff members are present and directly observing the children.

27.5.1 A staff member may not sit between multiple classrooms or areas and monitor groups of napping children.

27.5.2 Maximum group size may not be exceeded.

27.6 A licensee shall ensure a staff member who is qualified as at least an early childhood teacher is present at all times during the hours of operation. A licensee shall have at least two staff present when seven or more children one year and older are present. The licensee shall have and follow emergency procedures providing immediate access to emergency services and an additional staff when only one staff member is present with children.

27.7 A licensee shall ensure infants and toddlers are cared for in rooms and outdoor play areas suitable for these age groups separate from older children except in the following situations:

27.7.1 When 12 or fewer children in total are present, provided that no more than nine of the 12 children are school-age;

27.7.2 During the first 90 minutes and last 90 minutes of the hours of operation, provided that no more than nine school-age children are present in one area;

27.7.3 When toddlers turn three years old and remain with their classes until new classrooms are assigned; or

27.7.4 During special events or occasions.

27.8 A licensee shall ensure when 10 or more school-age children are present, the school-age children are cared for in an area physically separated from younger children.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 933-IV-27.0

25 DE Reg. 1115 (6/1/2022) (Final)