Bright Giggles Learning Center Academy

Policies- complete, implemented: The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include, but not necessarily be limited to discipline, when a child is not picked up as planned, multi-hazard and medical emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, administrative oversight and personnel policies. The operator shall notify the parent(s), staff and the Office of Early Childhood within five (5) days of changes in these policies, plans and procedures.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7).

Consultants: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role. Specific duties of the education consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, annual site visits to the facility, reviewing daily plans, curriculum documents, and educational policies for the developmental and age appropriate practices, observing program staff interactions, use of materials and equipment, implementation of plans and approaches to classroom management; and providing feedback on documentation review and classroom observations to the director and head teacher. A health consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the health of the children and the health program. Specific duties of the health consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, quarterly site visits to facilities that serve children three years of age and older; or for group child care homes, facilities that operate no more than three hours per day, or facilities that enroll only school age children, semi-annual site visits. Facilities that are closed during the summer months may omit the summer quarterly visit. Site visits shall be made by the health consultant during customary business hours when the children are present at the facility. Specific duties include, but are not limited to reviewing health and immunization records of children and program staff, reviewing the contents, storage and plan for maintenance of first aid kits, observing the indoor and outdoor environments for health and safety, observing children’s general health and development, observing diaper changing and toileting areas and diaper changing, toileting and hand washing procedures, reviewing the policies, procedures and required documentation for the administration of medications, including petitions for special medication authorizations needed for programs that administer medication, assisting in the review of individual care plans for children with special health care needs or children with disabilities, as needed; and quarterly review of all injury, illness, incident and accident reports. A social service consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the emotional needs, program staff support and the social service program. A registered dietitian consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding nutrition and food service for those programs that prepare or plan meals. A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative service shall include, but not be limited to an annual review of written policies, plans and procedures that relate to the services provided by the consultant, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person, of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and program staff about specific problems, acting as a resource person to program staff and the parent(s) to include coordinating services and assisting families and program staff in identifying necessary resources, and seeking and supporting the collaboration of multiple consultants serving the program. The activities and observations required by each consultant shall be documented in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.

Rule 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F).

Ensuring the safety & health of children: The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and applicable endorsements in such a manner as to ensure the safety, health and development of the children while in the operator’s care.

Rule 19a-79-3a(a). From a complaint.

Parent notification of illness or injury: The operator shall immediately notify the parent of a child enrolled if such child exhibits or develops an illness or is injured while in the care of the child care center or group child care home.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(3)(B). From a complaint.

Toys and other objects: Toys used for infants shall be kept separate, washed and sanitized at least daily. Toys for toddlers, including floor and riding toys, shall be washed and sanitized at least weekly and as needed. Toys and other objects with a diameter of less than one and one-quarter inches, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than one and one-quarter inches, balloons and Styrofoam objects shall not be accessible to children under three years of age unless such objects are part of a designated and directly supervised activity. Plastic bags, not in use, shall be stored out of reach and inaccessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags, while in use, may be stored within reach of children under three years of age provided access to such bags is only under direct and immediate supervision.

Rule 19a-79-10(h)(1)-(2).

Consultants: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role. Specific duties of the education consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, annual site visits to the facility, reviewing daily plans, curriculum documents, and educational policies for the developmental and age appropriate practices, observing program staff interactions, use of materials and equipment, implementation of plans and approaches to classroom management; and providing feedback on documentation review and classroom observations to the director and head teacher. A health consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the health of the children and the health program. Specific duties of the health consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, quarterly site visits to facilities that serve children three years of age and older; or for group child care homes, facilities that operate no more than three hours per day, or facilities that enroll only school age children, semi-annual site visits. Facilities that are closed during the summer months may omit the summer quarterly visit. Site visits shall be made by the health consultant during customary business hours when the children are present at the facility. Specific duties include, but are not limited to reviewing health and immunization records of children and program staff, reviewing the contents, storage and plan for maintenance of first aid kits, observing the indoor and outdoor environments for health and safety, observing children�s general health and development, observing diaper changing and toileting areas and diaper changing, toileting and hand washing procedures, reviewing the policies, procedures and required documentation for the administration of medications, including petitions for special medication authorizations needed for programs that administer medication, assisting in the review of individual care plans for children with special health care needs or children with disabilities, as needed; and quarterly review of all injury, illness, incident and accident reports. A social service consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the emotional needs, program staff support and the social service program. A registered dietitian consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding nutrition and food service for those programs that prepare or plan meals. A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative service shall include, but not be limited to an annual review of written policies, plans and procedures that relate to the services provided by the consultant, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person, of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and program staff about specific problems, acting as a resource person to program staff and the parent(s) to include coordinating services and assisting families and program staff in identifying necessary resources, and seeking and supporting the collaboration of multiple consultants serving the program. The activities and observations required by each consultant shall be documented in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.

Rule 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F).

Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff: An individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities when it is necessary that special care be taken or provided while a child is in attendance shall be developed and implemented with the child’s parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary. The plan shall include appropriate care of the child to prevent and respond to a medical or other emergency and shall be signed by the parent and program staff responsible for the care of the child.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

Water supply- water testing: Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be adequate, safe and in compliance with all applicable sections of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Water from at least one drinking fountain or drinking, beverage and food preparation sink, and from two such sources if the facility has more than one, shall be tested every two years for lead content. The water sample shall have been standing in plumbing pipes at least six hours and the results shall be submitted to the local director of health and kept on file at the facility. New child care facilities shall submit lead test results from each drinking, beverage and food preparation sink to the Office with the facility�s initial application. Whenever water is obtained from other than a public water system that is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two years for bacterial and chemical quality and the results submitted to the local director of health. The water analysis shall include tests for bacteria, physical parameters (color, odor, turbidity, pH), and sanitary chemicals (nitrogen series, chloride, hardness, iron, manganese and sodium). Additional tests may be required as deemed necessary by the Office. Drinking water shall be available and accessible to children at all times including at all meals and snacks.

Rule 19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C).

Toileting: Where toilets and sinks are shared by children and adults, a written policy shall be developed and implemented that requires supervision of children when using the shared toilet room. Programs shall provide changing and sanitary facilities appropriate to meet the individual needs of children who are enrolled at the facility who need assistance with toileting or who are not independent with toileting. Facilities using potty chairs in addition to the required toilets shall ensure that they are of a nonporous, synthetic product, and emptied into the toilet, cleaned and disinfected after each individual use. For programs serving children under five years of age there shall be at least one toilet and one sink with hot and cold running water for every sixteen children, or fraction thereof. For programs serving only school age children, there shall be at least one toilet and one sink with running water for every twenty-five children, or fraction thereof. Toilet facilities shall be designed in such a manner to allow individual privacy. Sinks with running water shall be readily accessible to the toilet rooms if not located within them. Toilet tissue, soap, a mechanism for individual hand drying and a waste receptacle shall be accessible to the toilets and sinks. Staff, program staff, and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting. Each toilet and sink shall be located at the facility or licensed premises, as applicable, of the child care center or group child care home. Each toilet room shall be well lighted and ventilated to the outside atmosphere. In child care centers constructed or renovated after January 1, 1994, all toilet facilities shall be mechanically ventilated to the outside atmosphere.

Rule 19a-79-7a(d)(10)(A-H).

Potentially hazardous substances, materials � labeled, inaccessible to children: Potentially hazardous substances and materials in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a labeled container identifying the exact contents and dilutions, used according to the manufacturer�s instructions and for the intended purpose, handled in a safe manner and inaccessible to children.

Rule 19a-79-7a(e)(10).

Indoor climbing play equipment- shock absorbing materials under and around: Indoor play equipment for climbing shall have a shock absorbing surface, under and around, that shall effectively cushion the fall of a child. Carpet is not considered a shock absorbing surface.

Rule 19a-79-7a(g)(6).

Outdoor space: There shall be access to a minimum of seventy-five (75) square feet per child of outdoor space for the number of children using the space at any one time. The outdoor area shall be fenced or protected for safety. Outdoor play equipment shall have a shock absorbing surface, under and around, that shall effectively cushion the fall of a child, except where the child is sitting or standing at ground level. The shock absorbing surface shall be maintained at a depth of at least eight inches, be free of water and not allowed to become compacted. Acceptable shock absorbing surfaces may include mulch, sand, and wood chips. Synthetic material that is less than eight inches in depth, including but not limited to, rubber mats or tiles may be acceptable surfaces provided the operator maintains documentation on the licensed premises that the synthetic material is manufactured for this purpose, installed in accordance with the manufacturer�s specifications and sufficient to cushion the fall of a child. Concrete, asphalt, grass and dirt shall not be considered a shock absorbing surface. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards. Nuts, bolts and screws shall be tight; and those that protrude shall be covered or protected. Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability when recommended by the manufacturer. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. The operator shall provide documentation to the Office, upon request, by a certified playground safety inspector that newly constructed playgrounds and all newly installed playground equipment that are set in position and anchored in such a way to last indefinitely are designed and installed in accordance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards. Drinking water shall be available and accessible to children. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents. All play equipment, fences, and structures shall not pose a hazard.

Rule 19a-79-7a(h)(1-9).

Authorized prescriber/parent permission: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child’s parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least three years after the child is no longer attending the program.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B).

Child behavior management: The operator and program staff shall manage child behavior using techniques based on developmentally appropriate practice, including positive guidance, redirection and setting clear limits that encourage children to develop self-control, self-discipline and positive self-esteem and communicate acceptable techniques to all staff.

Rule 19a-79-3a(b)(7)(A).

Hand Washing Policy Posted/Followed: The hands of the staff and the children shall be washed before and after each diaper change. Diapering and hand washing policies and procedures shall be posted in each diapering area.

Rule 19a-79-10(e)(7) and/or 19a-79-10(e)(8). From a complaint.

Policies: The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include, but not necessarily be limited to discipline, when a child is not picked up as planned, emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, and personnel policies. The operator shall notify the parent(s), staff and the Office of Early Childhood within five (5) days of changes in these policies, plans and procedures. Where toilets and sinks are shared by children and adults, a written policy shall be developed and implemented that requires supervision of children when using the shared toilet room.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A). From a complaint.

Adequate Sinks in Program Space: In child care centers that serve children under three years of age, there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of staff and children in the program space. Visual contact with all other children shall be maintained while changing diapers or using the sink. Child care centers which staff three (3) adults to a group size of eight (8) infants or toddlers may use an accessible diaper changing facility if it is immediately adjoining the program area. Separate sinks shall be available for purposes other than hand washing after diaper changing within child care centers. Group child care homes shall have a sink accessible for hand washing other than the sink used for food preparation.

Rule 19a-79-10(d)(1).

Free Standing Cribs: Each child care center and group child care home that serves children under three years of age shall have equipment and furniture to meet the developmental needs of the children served. Furniture shall include well constructed free standing cribs, not stacked cribs, each of which has slats no more than two and three-eighths (2 3/8) inches apart and a fully waterproofed, firm, snug-fitting mattress for infants.

Rule 19a-79-10(d)(2)(A).

No Toys/Objects Less than 1 1/4: Toys and other objects with a diameter of less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.

Rule 19a-79-10(h)(2).

Outdoor Equipment Available/Developmentally Appropriate: The equipment available to the infants and toddlers shall be developmentally appropriate for the ages of the children.

Rule 19a-79-10(l)(2).

Administration-Ensuring the safety, health & development of children: The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and applicable endorsements in such a manner as to ensure the safety, health and development of the children while in the operator’s care.

Rule 19a-79-3a.

Notification of Change: The operator shall notify the Office of Early Childhood, the parent(s) and staff of any changes in programs or services. Notification of personnel changes shall be made within five (5) business days after the change. If the change is for a head teacher, a plan for interim head teacher coverage shall be submitted to the Office of Early Childhood. A qualified head teacher or a plan approved by the commissioner shall be in place within thirty (30) days of change of a qualified head teacher. Notification of changes related to the licensed capacity, fees, services or voluntary closing shall be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the proposed change. A change of location, change of operator or a change of ownership requires a new initial application.

Rule 19a-79-3a(c).

Professional Development: A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include documentation of professional development for each program staff person who cares for the children, including new employee orientation and annual training for current staff on programs policies, plans and procedures. Professional development for program staff shall be required for one (1) per cent of the total annual hours worked. The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall develop, implement and maintain a written plan for professional development in child care. The operator shall have documentation of a professional development plan for each program staff member which shall be maintained on site at the facility and made available for review.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g).

Designated Head Teacher/60%: A designated head teacher shall be on site for sixty percent (60%) of the time the child care center or group child care home is in operation on a weekly basis. A program providing care for one (1) or more hours between the hours of ten (10) P.M. and five (5) A.M. shall have a person on the licensed premises designated as the person in charge who shall meet the head teacher qualifications.

Rule 19a-79-4a(c)(1), 19a-79-11(f)&/or19a-79-12(b)(1).

Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff): The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child’s parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child’s parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe: The building, equipment and services shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

Rule 19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a.

Proper Refrigeration -45 degrees: There shall be proper refrigeration of no more than forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit for perishable foods in all child care centers and group child care homes and on field trips. The kitchen in child care centers or group child care homes that is used for the preparation and serving of food to children shall be clean, well lighted and ventilated, protected by window screening and provided with hot and cold running water, adequate and safe storage for food and supplies and refrigeration.

Rule 19a-79-6a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)6).

Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked: Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

Rule 19a-79-7a(e)(10).

Playground Free From Hazards: Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

Rule 19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h).

Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment: Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.

Rule 19a-79-7a(h)(2).

Nonprescription Topical Medications: Labeling/Storage: Nonprescription Topical Medications shall be stored in the original container and shall be appropriately labeled and shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s).

Rule 19a-79-9a(a)(3).

Administration of Medications: Training Outline/Med Training: Upon completion of the required medication administration training program, the training approval and an outline of the curriculum content shall be on file at the facility.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b).

Med Trained Staff/Certificates: Prior to the administration of any medication, the director(s), head teacher(s), program staff or group child care home provider(s) who are responsible for administering the medications shall first be trained by a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse in the methods of administration of medications and shall receive written approval from the trainer which indicates that the trainee has successfully completed a training program. A director(s), head teacher(s), program staff or group child care home provider(s) trained and approved to administer medication shall be present whenever a child who has orders to receive medication is present at the facility. The training in the administration of medications shall be documented. A copy of the approval shall be on file at the facility where the director, head teacher, program staff or group child care home provider is employed and shall be available to Office of Early Childhood staff upon request.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(1) &/or 19a-79-9a(b)(2).

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child’s parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least two (2) years after the child is no longer attending the program.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4).

Policies: The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include, but not necessarily be limited to discipline, when a child is not picked up as planned, emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, and personnel policies. The operator shall notify the parent(s), staff and the Office of Early Childhood within five (5) days of changes in these policies, plans and procedures. Where toilets and sinks are shared by children and adults, a written policy shall be developed and implemented that requires supervision of children when using the shared toilet room.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A).

Supervision: The operator shall be responsible for assuring the supervision of the children at all times while the children are at the facility, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips. At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.

Rule 19a-79-4a(c)(4)(D).