Section 2009.30 General Requirements for Group Day Care Homes

Section 408

TITLE 23: EDUCATION AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

SUBTITLE A: EDUCATION

CHAPTER XI: DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

PART 2009 LICENSING STANDARDS FOR GROUP DAY CARE HOMES

SECTION 2009.30 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP DAY CARE HOMES

Section 2009.30  General

Requirements for Group Day Care Homes

a)         The physical facilities of the home, both indoors and

outdoors, shall meet the following requirements for safety to children.

1)         The home shall have a first aid kit consisting of adhesive

bandages, scissors, non-permeable gloves, Poison Control Center telephone

number (1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-942-5969), thermometer, sterile gauze pads,

adhesive tape, tweezers, first aid cream and mild soap.

2)         The kitchen shall be equipped with a readily accessible and operable

fire extinguisher rated for Class A, B, and C fires and a flashlight in working

order.

3)         All electrical outlets that are in areas used by the day care

children shall have protective coverings.  There shall be no exposed or

uninsulated wiring.

4)         The home shall be equipped with a minimum of one approved

smoke detector in operating condition on every floor level, including basements

and occupied attics.

A)        A

smoke detector in operating condition shall be within each room where day care children

nap or sleep.  The detector shall be installed on the ceiling and at least 6

inches from any wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the

ceiling.  In addition, there shall be at least one detector at the beginning

and end of each separate corridor or hallway 200 feet or more in length in any

occupied story

in operating condition shall be within each room where day care children

nap or sleep.  The detector shall be installed on the ceiling and at least 6

inches from any wall, or on a wall located between 4 and 6 inches from the

ceiling.  In addition, there shall be at least one detector at the beginning

and end of each separate corridor or hallway 200 feet or more in length in any

occupied story.

B)        In any

facility constructed after December 31, 1987, or which undergoes substantial

remodeling of its structure or wiring system after that date, the smoke

detectors shall be permanently wired into the structure's AC power line, and,

if more than one detector is required to be installed, the detectors shall be

wired so that the activation of one detector will activate all the detectors in

the facility unit.  For purposes of this subsection (a)(4), "substantial

remodeling" represents more than 15 percent of the replacement cost of the

group day care home. For homes that did not have wired installation of smoke

detectors in each room prior to December 15, 2011, the Department may allow the

installation of a battery-operated smoke detector in each room where children

nap or sleep and deem the home to be in compliance.

C)        Compliance

with any applicable federal, State or local law, rule or building code which

requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors in a manner different

from this Section, but providing a level of safety for occupants which is equal

to or greater than that provided by this Section, shall be deemed to be

compliance with this Section

eem the home to be in compliance.

C)        Compliance

with any applicable federal, State or local law, rule or building code which

requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors in a manner different

from this Section, but providing a level of safety for occupants which is equal

to or greater than that provided by this Section, shall be deemed to be

compliance with this Section. (Section 2 of the Facilities Requiring Smoke

Detectors Act [425 ILCS 10/2])

D)        For h

omes constructed after December 15, 2011, or that underwent

substantial remodeling of structure or wiring systems after December 15, 2011,

the smoke detectors shall be permanently wired into the structure's AC power

line and, if more than one detector is required to be installed, the detectors

shall be wired so that the activation of one detector will activate all the

detectors in the facility unit.

5)         Carbon

Monoxide Detector

A)        A home

that has an attached garage and/or relies

on combustion of fossil fuel for

heating, ventilation, or hot water shall be equipped with

a minimum of

one

approved carbon monoxide detector in operating condition within 15 feet of

rooms

where children nap or sleep.

B)

The

carbon monoxide detector may be combined with smoke detector devices, provided

that the combined unit complies with

subsection (a)(4) and this subsection

(a)(5).  [430 ILCS 135/10]

6)         The

home and indoor space shall be maintained in good repair and shall provide a

safe, comfortable environment for the children.

7)         A

draft-free temperature of 65ºF to 75ºF shall be maintained during the winter

months or heating season. For infants and toddlers, a temperature of 68ºF to

82ºF shall be maintained during the summer or air-conditioning months. When the

temperature in the home exceeds 78ºF, measures shall be taken to cool the

children. Temperatures shall be measured at least 3 feet above the floor

.

7)         A

draft-free temperature of 65ºF to 75ºF shall be maintained during the winter

months or heating season. For infants and toddlers, a temperature of 68ºF to

82ºF shall be maintained during the summer or air-conditioning months. When the

temperature in the home exceeds 78ºF, measures shall be taken to cool the

children. Temperatures shall be measured at least 3 feet above the floor.

8)         Fixed space heaters, fireplaces, radiators, and other heating

sources in areas occupied by children shall be separated by partitions or a

sturdy barrier to prevent contact.  Portable space heaters may not be used in a

group day care home during the hours that child care is provided.

9)         A facility in which a wood-burning stove or fireplace has been

installed and that is used during the hours that child care is provided, shall

provide a written plan of how the stove or fireplace will be used and what

actions will be taken to ensure the children's safety when in use.

10)        In one and 2 family dwellings, children under 30 months of age

shall be housed and cared for on the second floor or below.  In other

residential buildings, children under 30 months of age shall be housed and

cared for only in areas in which OSFM states, in writing, that the combination

of remote exits, fire detection, fire suppression, and/or automatic sprinkler systems

render the residence safe for the care of infants and toddlers.

11)        No area accessible only by a ladder or folding stairs or

through a trap door shall be used for sleeping or napping.

12)        When the basement area may be used for child care, 2 exits

shall be provided.

A)        At least one exit shall be a basement exit via a door directly

to the outside (without traversing any other level of the home) or a protected

exit from a basement via a door or stairway that allows unobstructed travel

directly to the outside of the building at street or ground level.  The

stairway may not be more than 8 feet high

ay be used for child care, 2 exits

shall be provided.

A)        At least one exit shall be a basement exit via a door directly

to the outside (without traversing any other level of the home) or a protected

exit from a basement via a door or stairway that allows unobstructed travel

directly to the outside of the building at street or ground level.  The

stairway may not be more than 8 feet high.

B)        A

second exit may be a window.

i)          The window shall be operable from the inside without the use

of tools and provide a clear opening not less than 20 inches in width, 24 inches

in height, and 5.7 square feet in area.

ii)         If the window is used as a second exit, the bottom of the

window opening shall be no more than 44 inches above the floor.

iii)        When the bottom of the window opening used as a second exit

is more than 24 inches from the floor, there shall be a permanently affixed,

sturdy ramp or stairs located below the window to allow speedy access in the

event of an emergency.

C)         If the basement area does not meet these existing requirements,

the basement may be used for child care only with the prior written approval of

OSFM.

13)        All walls and surfaces shall be maintained free from lead

paint and chipped or peeling paint.

14)        Walls of rooms that children use shall be free of carpeting,

fabric or plastic products.  Inflammable or combustible artwork attached to the

walls shall not exceed 20% of any wall area.

15)        Furniture and equipment shall be kept in safe repair.

16)        First aid supplies, medication, cleaning materials, poisons,

sharp scissors, plastic bags, sharp knives, cigarettes, matches, lighters,

flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials shall be stored in places

inaccessible to children

or combustible artwork attached to the

walls shall not exceed 20% of any wall area.

15)        Furniture and equipment shall be kept in safe repair.

16)        First aid supplies, medication, cleaning materials, poisons,

sharp scissors, plastic bags, sharp knives, cigarettes, matches, lighters,

flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials shall be stored in places

inaccessible to children. Hazardous items for infants and toddlers also include

items that can cause choking, including but not limited to:  coins, balloons,

safety pins, marbles, Styrofoam (trademark) and similar products, and sponge,

soft rubber or soft plastic toys that can be bitten or broken into small

pieces.

17)        Tools and gardening equipment shall be stored in locked

cabinets, if possible, or in places inaccessible to all children.

18)        An operable telephone shall be available on the premises of

the licensee.  The number of the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 or

1-800-942-5969) and other emergency numbers shall be posted in an area that is

readily available in an emergency.

19)        Free hanging cords on blinds, shades and drapes shall be tied

or otherwise kept out of reach of children.

20)        Effective

January 1, 2013, the home shall be tested for radon at least once every 3 years.

The most current radon measurements shall be posted next to the license in the

home, on a form provided by the Department containing the required informative

statement from Section 5.8(d) of the Child Act of 1969 [225 ILCS 10].

b)         Escape

routes from the group day care home shall be designed and maintained for swift

and safe exiting in the event of an emergency.

1)         All

corridors and escape routes from the group day care home shall be kept clear of

obstructions.

2)         Dead-end

paths or corridors within the group day care home shall be a maximum of 20 feet

in length.

3)         All

escape routes from the group day care home shall have operable lighting

all be designed and maintained for swift

and safe exiting in the event of an emergency.

1)         All

corridors and escape routes from the group day care home shall be kept clear of

obstructions.

2)         Dead-end

paths or corridors within the group day care home shall be a maximum of 20 feet

in length.

3)         All

escape routes from the group day care home shall have operable lighting. The

lighting shall be activated during any hours of operation when natural lighting

is reduced to a level that prohibits visibility within the escape route.

4)         Bathroom

doors in areas accessible to day care children shall allow staff to open the

door from the outside of the bathroom if necessary.

5)         All

closet doors shall be able to be opened from inside of the closet without the

use of a key.

6)         There

shall be no more than 2 releasing devices (door knobs, hand-operated deadbolts,

thumb-turn locks, etc.) on any exit door or exit window.

7)         Exit

doors and exit windows shall be operable without the use of a key, a tool or

special knowledge to open the door from the inside and exit to the outside.

8)         Exit

doors and exit windows shall be kept clear of equipment and debris at all times.

9)         The

licensee shall hold monthly fire safety inspections of the group day care home.

10)        The

licensee or staff in the home shall inspect the group day care home daily,

prior to arrival of children, ensuring that escape routes are clear and that

exit doors and exit windows are operable.

11)        A

log of these monthly and daily inspections shall be maintained for at least one

year, and shall be available for review by the licensing representative. The

log shall reflect, at minimum, the date and time of each inspection and the

full name of the person who conducted it.

c)         The licensee shall identify those areas in the home used for

child care

it windows are operable.

11)        A

log of these monthly and daily inspections shall be maintained for at least one

year, and shall be available for review by the licensing representative. The

log shall reflect, at minimum, the date and time of each inspection and the

full name of the person who conducted it.

c)         The licensee shall identify those areas in the home used for

child care. The identified areas minus any special use areas shall be measured

to calculate the square footage available for child care.  There shall be:

1)         A minimum of 35 square feet of floor space for each child in

care; and

2)         An additional 20 square feet of floor space for each child

under 30 months of age when the play area is the same as the sleep area.

However, if portable bedding is used for napping, then removed, the licensing

representative shall approve the use of only 35 square feet of space for each

child if the applicant/licensee has adequate storage space for the bedding

materials and the bedding materials are removed before and after nap time.

d)

No person may smoke tobacco in any area of the group day

care home in which day care services are being provided to children, while

those children are present

on the premises.  In addition, no person may

smoke tobacco while providing transportation, in either an open or enclosed

vehicle, to children who are receiving child care services.

Nothing in this

subsection prohibits smoking in the home in the presence of a person's own

children or in the presence of children to whom day care services are not then

being provided.

[225 ILCS 10/5.5]

e)         Indoor space shall consist of a clean, comfortable environment

for children.

1)         The group day care home shall be well-ventilated, free from

observable hazards, properly lighted and heated, and free of fire hazards.

2)         The dwelling shall be kept clean, sanitary, and in good

repair

nce of children to whom day care services are not then

being provided.

[225 ILCS 10/5.5]

e)         Indoor space shall consist of a clean, comfortable environment

for children.

1)         The group day care home shall be well-ventilated, free from

observable hazards, properly lighted and heated, and free of fire hazards.

2)         The dwelling shall be kept clean, sanitary, and in good

repair.

3)         There shall be provision for isolating a child who becomes ill

or who is suspected of having a communicable, infectious or contagious disease.

4)         When used for child care, floors shall have protective

covering such as, but not limited to, tile, carpet or linoleum.  Paint or

sealer alone is not acceptable as a protective covering.

5)         When children under 30 months of age are in care, stairs

leading to second levels, attics or basements shall be fitted with a sturdy

gate, door or other barrier to prevent the children's access to the stairs

without adult supervision.  Such a barrier shall be moveable enough so as not

to impede evacuation, if necessary.

f)         The kitchen shall be clean, equipped for the preservation,

storage, preparation and serving of food, and reasonably safe from hazards.

g)         Garbage and refuse containers used to discard diapering

supplies, food products or disposable meal service supplies in areas for child

care shall be disinfected daily unless plastic liners are used and disposed of

daily.

h)         A safe and sanitary water supply shall be maintained.  If a

private water supply is used instead of an approved public water supply, the

applicant shall supply written records of current test results indicating the

water supply is safe for drinking.  New test results must be provided prior to renewal

of license.  If nitrate content exceeds 10 ppm, bottled water must be used for

children under 15 months of age

ry water supply shall be maintained.  If a

private water supply is used instead of an approved public water supply, the

applicant shall supply written records of current test results indicating the

water supply is safe for drinking.  New test results must be provided prior to renewal

of license.  If nitrate content exceeds 10 ppm, bottled water must be used for

children under 15 months of age.

i)          Any group day care home currently

licensed as of January 1, 2019 shall submit a survey provided by its day care

licensing office that includes the construction date of the home.  The construction

date for new day care home applicants is captured on the CFS 597-DCI form.

j)

Any group day care home

serving children under 6 years of age housed in a building constructed on or

before January 1, 2000 shall be subject to lead in water testing by an IEPA

laboratory or an IEPA-certified laboratory.

A

current list of certified laboratories can be obtained by contacting the Day

Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829, or can be accessed online through https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/LeadTesting.aspx.

Water sampling guidelines followed by certified laboratories may also be

accessed through this link.  T

est results and mitigation plans, when

required, shall be submitted to the local licensing office within 120 days

after notification of test results of 2.01 ppb or above.

1)         All

lead in water test results (at, above or below 2.01 ppb) shall be posted in the

home in a visible location and submitted by the applicant or licensee directly

to his or her local licensing office;

2)         A

mitigation plan shall be made available to parents and submitted to the local

licensing office if test results indicate the presence of lead for each

drinking water source with a result of 2.01 ppb or above and shall specify:

A)        Interim

measures the applicant/licensee will take to ensure a safe drinking water

supply during mitigation;

B)        Mitigation

plan start and planned comp

A

mitigation plan shall be made available to parents and submitted to the local

licensing office if test results indicate the presence of lead for each

drinking water source with a result of 2.01 ppb or above and shall specify:

A)        Interim

measures the applicant/licensee will take to ensure a safe drinking water

supply during mitigation;

B)        Mitigation

plan start and planned completion dates;

C)        Retesting

dates, to include one test to occur no later than six months following the

completion of the mitigation plan and a second test no later than one year

after the completion of the mitigation plan;

D)        Each

drinking water source that tested at 2.01 ppb or above and the planned

mitigation activity for each source.  Examples of acceptable mitigation

strategies include, but are not limited to, installation of mechanical flushing

devices, replacement of lead-based lines or fixtures, or reverse osmosis

filters installed at affected drinking water fixtures; and

E)        In

extenuating circumstances in which mitigation cannot be readily undertaken

(e.g., lead in the municipal water source), alternative external sources of

water that tests below 2.01 ppb, such as bottled water with that test result,

may be used subject to Department approval.

3)         Following

successful mitigation that results in two consecutive tests below 2.01 ppb,

further testing is only required if there has been any change to the water

profile of the building, including, but not limited to, replacement of the hot

water heater, change in the water source, or change to, or replacement of, the

water service lines.

4)         The Department reserves the right to require testing upon

suspicion of the group day care home misrepresenting the construction date of

the building, submitting false or altered testing results, failing to follow

mitigation remedies, or committing other actions that may compromise the health

and welfare of children

r source, or change to, or replacement of, the

water service lines.

4)         The Department reserves the right to require testing upon

suspicion of the group day care home misrepresenting the construction date of

the building, submitting false or altered testing results, failing to follow

mitigation remedies, or committing other actions that may compromise the health

and welfare of children. Any group day care home that fails to insure testing

and reasonable mitigation action when necessary may be subject to enforcement

action, up to and including revocation of, or refusal to renew, the license.

k)         Hot and cold running water shall be provided.  When children

under age 10 or who are developmentally disabled are cared for, the maximum hot

water temperature from all faucets of sinks designated for children washing

hands shall be no more than 115° Fahrenheit.  Caregivers shall always test the

hot water before allowing children less than 5 years of age to use the water.

l)          The group day care home shall provide one toilet for each 10

persons or portion thereof who are present during the hours the group day care

home is in operation.  These 10 persons include caregivers, child care

assistants, members of the household and children other than those under 30

months of age for whom a potty chair is provided.

m)        There shall be a minimum of 75 square feet of outdoor space per

child for the total number of children using the area at any one time.  At

least 25% of the required space shall be on the premises of the group day care

home.  The remainder may be a public park, playground or other outdoor

recreation area within walking distance (1000 feet) of the group day care home

provided the caregiver or an adult assistant accompanies children to this

outdoor area.

n)         There shall be safe outdoor space for active play.

1)         Space shall be provided for play in yards, nearby parks or

playgrounds under adult supervision

e remainder may be a public park, playground or other outdoor

recreation area within walking distance (1000 feet) of the group day care home

provided the caregiver or an adult assistant accompanies children to this

outdoor area.

n)         There shall be safe outdoor space for active play.

1)         Space shall be provided for play in yards, nearby parks or

playgrounds under adult supervision.

2)         Space shall be protected by physical means (e.g., fence, tree

line, chairs, ropes, etc.) against all water hazards, including, but not

limited to, pools, ponds, standing water, ornamental bodies of water, and

retention ponds, regardless of the depth of the water, and by adult caregiver

supervision at times when children in care are present.  Other hazards, such

as, but not limited to, heavy traffic and construction, shall be inaccessible

to children in care through a physical barrier and adult supervision. Further,

outdoor space shall be partitioned or supervised in such a manner that young

children are not endangered by the activities of older children.

3)         Play areas shall be well drained and safely maintained.

4)         All pieces of outdoor equipment used by children 5 years of

age and younger on the day care premises that is purchased or installed on or

after April 1, 2001 shall meet the following standards to guard against

entrapment or situations that may cause strangulation.

A)        Openings in exercise rings shall be smaller than 4½ inches or

larger than 9 inches in diameter.

B)        There shall be no openings in a play structure with a dimension

between 3½ inches and 9 inches (except for exercise rings).  Side railings,

stairs and other locations that a child might slip or climb through shall be

checked for appropriate dimensions.

C)        Distances between vertical slats or poles, where used, must be

3½ inches or less (to prevent head entrapment)

in diameter.

B)        There shall be no openings in a play structure with a dimension

between 3½ inches and 9 inches (except for exercise rings).  Side railings,

stairs and other locations that a child might slip or climb through shall be

checked for appropriate dimensions.

C)        Distances between vertical slats or poles, where used, must be

3½ inches or less (to prevent head entrapment).

D)        No opening shall form an angle of less than 55 degrees unless

one leg of the angle is horizontal or slopes downward.

E)        No opening shall be between ⅜ inch and one inch in size

(to prevent finger entrapment).

5)         The use of a trampoline by children in care is prohibited.

6)         In-ground swimming pools located in areas accessible to

children shall be fenced.  The fence shall be at least 5 feet in height and

secured by a locked gate.  Group day care homes that are licensed or have a

permit on April 1, 2001 and are in compliance with the requirement for a 3½

foot fence shall be considered in compliance with the fence requirement.

7)         All above-ground pools shall have non-climbable sidewalls that

are at least 4 feet high or shall be enclosed with a 5 foot fence that is at

least 36 inches away from the pool's side wall and secured with a locked gate.

When the pool is not in use, steps shall be removed from the pool or otherwise

protected to insure the pool cannot be accessed.  Group day care homes that are

licensed or have a permit on April 1, 2001 and are in compliance with the

requirement for a 3½ foot fence shall be considered in compliance with the

fence requirement.

8)         Portable wading pools shall be emptied daily and disinfected

before being air-dried.

9)         All hot tubs shall have securely locked covers or otherwise be

inaccessible to children.

10)        Children shall be closely supervised by the caregiver when public

parks or playgrounds are used for play, during play and while traveling to and

from the area

e with the

fence requirement.

8)         Portable wading pools shall be emptied daily and disinfected

before being air-dried.

9)         All hot tubs shall have securely locked covers or otherwise be

inaccessible to children.

10)        Children shall be closely supervised by the caregiver when public

parks or playgrounds are used for play, during play and while traveling to and

from the area.

11)        Supervision shall be provided during outdoor play by

caregivers who meet the requirements of Section 2009.45.

o)         A caregiver who relies upon outdoor space shared with other

residents in a multiple family dwelling shall have a written agreement with the

other residents or the owners of the outdoor area authorizing the use of the

space by the group day care home and the children cared for.

p)         Insect and rodent control shall be maintained.

1)         All outside doors except those with operable self-closing

devices, operable windows, and other openings used for ventilation shall be

screened.

2)         Chemicals for insect and rodent control shall be applied in

minimum amounts and shall not be used when children are present.

Over-the-counter products may be used only according to package instructions.

Commercial chemicals, if used, shall be applied by a licensed pest control

operator and shall meet all standards of the Department of Public Health

(Structural Pest Control Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 830).  A record of any

pesticides used shall be maintained.

q)         Healthy household pets that present no danger to children are

permitted.

1)         A licensed veterinarian shall certify that the animals are

free of diseases that could endanger the children's health and that dogs and

cats have been inoculated for rabies.

2)         If certification is not available, animals shall be confined

at all times in an area inaccessible to children.

3)         There shall be careful supervision of children who are

permitted to handle and care for the animals

veterinarian shall certify that the animals are

free of diseases that could endanger the children's health and that dogs and

cats have been inoculated for rabies.

2)         If certification is not available, animals shall be confined

at all times in an area inaccessible to children.

3)         There shall be careful supervision of children who are

permitted to handle and care for the animals.

4)         Immediate treatment shall be available to any child who is

bitten or scratched by an animal.

5)         The presence of monkeys, ferrets, turtles, iguanas, psittacine

birds (birds of the parrot family) or any wild or dangerous animal is

prohibited in areas accessible to children during the hours the group day care

home is in operation.  Wild and dangerous animals include, but are not limited

to, venomous and constricting snakes, undomesticated cats and dogs, raccoons,

and other animals determined to be dangerous by local public health

authorities.

r)          The Department shall request that the Illinois Department of

Public Health or a local health department authorized by it and/or the Office

of the State Fire Marshal or the local fire department authorized by it inspect

the group day care home and its premises whenever the Department has reason to

believe that conditions in the home or its premises pose potential health or

safety hazards to the children cared for in the home.

s)         Written emergency preparedness plans shall be developed and

shall specify the actions to be taken in the event of a fire, tornado or other emergency.

All caregivers and assistants in the group day care home shall be familiar

with these plans. The emergency preparedness plans shall include, but are not

limited to:

1)         A fire evacuation plan identifying exits from each area used

for child care and specifying the evacuation route.

2)         A fire evacuation plan identifying a safe assembly area

outside of the home

r other emergency.

All caregivers and assistants in the group day care home shall be familiar

with these plans. The emergency preparedness plans shall include, but are not

limited to:

1)         A fire evacuation plan identifying exits from each area used

for child care and specifying the evacuation route.

2)         A fire evacuation plan identifying a safe assembly area

outside of the home.  It shall also identify a nearby indoor location for

post-evacuation holding if needed.

3)         A fire evacuation plan requiring that the home be evacuated immediately

and the children's safety insured before calling the local emergency number 911

or attempting to combat the fire.

4)         Monthly fire drills to  be conducted for the purpose of

removing children from the group day care home as quickly as possible during an

emergency.

5)         Monthly tornado drills to be conducted for the purpose of

getting children accustomed to moving to a position of safety in event of a

tornado.  The alphabetic card file required by Section 2009.120(a)(2) shall

accompany the caregiver during the drills.

6)         A tornado plan specifying actions that will be taken in the

event of tornado or other severe weather warning, including designation of

those areas of the group day care home to be used as safe spots.

7)         Specific procedures for notifying parents if evacuation is

necessary and how they will be reunited with their children.

8)         Specific procedures for evacuating children who are less than

30 months of age and/or for evacuating special needs children, when applicable.

t)          Fire and tornado drills shall be documented and that

documentation shall be maintained on file for a period of 3 years.  The

licensee shall hold monthly fire safety inspections of the group day care home

and maintain documentation on file for a period of 1 year

for evacuating children who are less than

30 months of age and/or for evacuating special needs children, when applicable.

t)          Fire and tornado drills shall be documented and that

documentation shall be maintained on file for a period of 3 years.  The

licensee shall hold monthly fire safety inspections of the group day care home

and maintain documentation on file for a period of 1 year.

u)

Handguns are prohibited on the premises of the group day

care home except in the possession of peace officers or other adults who must

possess a handgun as a condition of employment and who reside in the group day

care home.

The licensee shall post a "no firearms" sign, as

described in Section 65(d) of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act [430 ILCS

66/65(d)] in a visible location where parents pick up children.

v)

Any firearm, other than a handgun in the possession of a

peace officer or other person as provided

in subsection (s), shall be kept

in a disassembled state, without ammunition, in locked storage in a closet,

cabinet, or other locked storage facility inaccessible to children.

1)

Ammunition for such

firearms

shall be kept in

locked storage separate from that of the disassembled

firearms,

inaccessible to children.

2)

The operator of the group home shall notify the

parents

or guardian of any child accepted for care that

firearms

and

ammunition are stored on the premises.  The operator shall also notify the

parents

or guardian that such firearms and ammunition are in locked storage

inaccessible to children.

(Section 7 of the Child Care Act of 1969 [225

ILCS 10/7])  The notification need not disclose the location where the firearms

and ammunition are stored.

w)        A group day care home operator relying upon a cooperative or

lending arrangement to meet the equipment requirements of this Part shall

provide a copy of a written agreement specifying which equipment required by

this Part is covered by the agreement

Child Care Act of 1969 [225

ILCS 10/7])  The notification need not disclose the location where the firearms

and ammunition are stored.

w)        A group day care home operator relying upon a cooperative or

lending arrangement to meet the equipment requirements of this Part shall

provide a copy of a written agreement specifying which equipment required by

this Part is covered by the agreement.  Further, the operator shall demonstrate

to the satisfaction of the Department that the equipment covered by the

agreement is both available and utilized by the group day care home as required

by this Part.

x)         Operation of other business on the premises must not interfere

with the care of children.

y)         A group day care home may not house bedridden or chronically

ill persons except by permission of the Department.  The Department shall grant

such permission unless the person has a reportable contagious or communicable

disease or requires care that adversely affects the ability of the caregiver to

supervise children.

z)         A

group day care home shall have certification that all cribs used by the group

home meet or exceed the federal safety standards in 16 CFR 1219 or 1220 (2011).

This certification from the manufacturer shall be available for inspection by

the licensing representative.  In the absence of a manufacturer's certificate,

proof that the crib was manufactured on or after June 28, 2011 will meet the

required standard.