14 Del. Admin. Code § 935-53.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025

Section 935-53.0 - Physical Environment for Residential Child Care Facilities

53.1 A licensee shall ensure the living units have designated space for daily living activities, including dining, recreation, indoor activities, and areas where children may visit with their parent, relatives, and friends.

53.2 A licensee shall make adequate provisions for storing a child's clothing and other personal belongings while the child is enrolled, so that clothing used by a child does not come into contact with clothing used by another child.

53.3 A licensee shall ensure a dining area is provided which is kept in a clean manner, well-lighted, and ventilated. A licensee shall ensure that dining room tables and chairs or benches are sturdy and appropriate for the sizes and ages of the children in care.

53.4 A licensee shall ensure there are toilet and bathing accommodations that meet the following specifications:

53.4.1 For every 8 residents, there shall be at least one toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower;

53.4.2 These toileting and bathing facilities shall not be located more than one floor from any bedroom;

53.4.3 Bathrooms shall have at least one mirror fastened to the wall at an age-appropriate height; and

53.4.4 Toilet paper, liquid soap, and paper towels, mechanical hand dryer, or cloth towels for individual use shall be provided in each bathroom.

53.5 A licensee shall ensure children's bedrooms include:

53.5.1 At least 50 square feet per child, excluding closet space;

53.5.2 Sufficient space for beds to be at least 3 feet apart at the head, foot, and sides;

53.5.3 No more than 4 children for sleeping per room;

53.5.4 A door that may be closed;

53.5.5 A direct source of natural light;

53.5.6 A window shade or curtain to ensure privacy; and

53.5.7 Lights with safety covers or shields.

53.6 A licensee shall provide each child with the following items:

53.6.1 A bed;

53.6.2 A non-porous mattress;

53.6.3 Clean bed linens at least every seven days, or more often if needed;

53.6.4 A pillow; and

53.6.5 Bedding appropriate for the season.

53.7 A licensee shall use cots or portable beds in an emergency only and for no longer than a period of 72 hours.

53.8 A licensee shall ensure there are no more than 2 tiers when bunk beds are used. In addition, the facility shall ensure the distance between the top bunk mattress and ceiling is large enough to enable the child to sit upright in bed without the child's head touching the ceiling.

53.9 A licensee shall provide a dresser, storage bin, or other furniture in the bedroom for the storage of clothing and other personal belongings for each child.

53.10 A licensee shall not permit a child to share the same bed with any other child.

53.11 A licensee shall ensure children of the same sex may share a bedroom.

53.12 A licensee shall ensure children in care age 18 years and older must be housed in separate bedrooms from children in care under 18 years of age, unless, a parent and child share a bedroom, when one or both is a child in care.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 935-53.0

27 DE Reg. 599 (2/1/2024) (Final)