218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-70-00-1.6

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 218-RICR-70-00-1.6 - Definitions

A. Age categories are defined as follows:

1. "Infant" means a child between the ages of six (6) weeks and eighteen (18) months.

2. "Younger infant" means a child between the ages of six (6) weeks to twelve (12) months.

3. "Older infant" means a child between the ages of twelve (12) months to eighteen (18) months.

4. "Toddler" means a child between the ages of eighteen (18) months and thirty-six (36) months.

5. "Preschool" means a child between three (3) and five (5) years of age.

6. "Preschool 3" means a child three (3) years of age.

7. "Preschool 4" means a child four (4) years of age.

8. "Preschool 5-6" means a child between the ages of five (5) and six (6) years old, and not yet in kindergarten.

9. "School age" means a child at least five (5) years of age, and in kindergarten, but under sixteen (16) years of age.

10. "School age K" means a child at least five (5) years of age, and in kindergarten.

11. "School age G1-G7+" means a child in first (1st) through seventh (7th) grade or above, but under sixteen (16) years of age

B. Terms related to licensing are defined as follows:

1. "Capacity" means the maximum number of children permitted to be in a licensed child care center or school age program at any one time.

2. "Comprehensive background check" means an all-inclusive set of State and Federal criminal background checks and child abuse and neglect registry checks that are required to work with children in a licensed child care center. The Comprehensive Background Check must include:

a. State and national criminal and sex offender registries in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 40-13.2;

b. Child abuse and neglect clearances, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 40-13.2;

c. Any additional background checks as required by State or Federal law; and

d. In any circumstance where an individual lives or has lived outside of the State of Rhode Island in the previous five (5) years, out of State background checks are also required.

3. "Department" means the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, also referred to as DHS.

4. "Licensing unit" means the unit within the Department responsible for issuing Child Care Licenses.

5. "Plan of corrective action" means a plan that is developed as a result of a non-compliant monitoring visit. This plan includes the specific noncompliance observed, a timeframe for correction and additional next steps needed to come into compliance.

6. "Probationary license" means a license issued when a program is at risk for licensing action due to non-compliance with the Regulations. A probationary license results in more frequent unannounced monitoring visits as well as required participation in technical assistance to ensure future compliance.

7. "Provisional license" means a new license that is provided to a child care program for the first six (6) months of operation. Once a monitoring visit has been completed and any non-compliances have been addressed, the license will become a regular license for the remaining six (6) months of the licensing period.

8. "Stable Groups" means the same individuals, children and teachers, who are in the same group each day.

a. Children shall not change from one group to another.

b. Stable Groups must occupy the same space each day.

9. "Summary suspension" means an immediate suspension of a license as a result of a significant non-compliance that causes imminent risk of harm to a child or children in care; or an event that impacts public health, safety or welfare that requires immediate action.

10. "Usable floor space" means the term used to describe space, which is available for use by children for activities throughout the day. Only usable floor space will be factored into the measurement of classroom and activity rooms.

11. "Variance" means administrative decision that allows a child care provider to meet a standard for licensure in a manner other than that specified in the Regulations. A variance is granted on a case-by-case basis only when the purpose of the licensing standard is achieved and the safety of the child is maintained.

12. "Waiver" means an administrative decision that allows a child care provider to be exempted from a standard for licensure. A waiver is granted on a case-by-case basis only when the purpose of the licensing standard is achieved and the safety of the child is maintained.

218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-70-00-1.6

Adopted effective 10/28/2019
Amended effective 4/19/2021
Amended effective 2/2/2022
Amended effective 11/2/2022
Amended effective 11/29/2023