Section 57.37. Additional requirements for care of children 6 years of age or younger.

 

(1)   Applicability. If a group home is licensed under s. DCF 57.51 or approved under s. DCF 57.515 to admit children under 6 years of age as residents or if the group home provides care to a resident who is the custodial parent of a child under the age of 6, the group home shall meet the additional requirements of this section.

(2)   Definitions. In this section:

(a) "Infant" means a child under one year of age.

(b) "Toddler" means a child at least one year of age but less than 2 years of age.

(c) "SIDS" means Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

(3)   Treatment plan. A treatment plan is not required for children of residents. The treatment plan developed under s. DCF 57.23 (2) for a resident under 6 years of age shall include:

(a) Schedule of meals and feeding and types of food introduced.

(b) Toileting and diapering procedures.

(c) Sleep and nap schedule.

(d) Communication methods and comforting techniques.

(e) Developmental history.

(f) Medical history and medication management.

(4)   Staff training. Each staff member who provides care to a child under this section shall successfully complete at least 10 hours of training in infant and toddler care; at least 40 hours or 3 credits of early childhood training and training in infant and child CPR within 6 months after beginning employment, unless the staff member has previously received such training and certification is current. The training in infant and toddler care shall include instruction on SIDS risk reduction and shall be approved by the department.

(5)   Diapering. Wet or soiled diapers and clothing shall be changed promptly. Each child shall be changed on a surface that is cleaned with soap and water and a disinfectant solution after each use. Soiled diapers shall be placed in a plastic-lined, covered container, which shall be emptied, washed and disinfected daily.

(6)   Furnishings and bedding.

(a) Each child shall be provided with a bassinet, crib, or bed that is safe and appropriate to the needs of the child. Cribs shall have crib slats that are securely fastened in place and are spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Crib mattresses shall fit snugly. Bassinets and cribs shall be washed and disinfected between changes in occupancy. The top bunk of a bunk bed shall not be used for a child under 4 years of age. The top bunk shall have a safety rail if occupied by a child under 8 years of age.

(b) Pillows and sheepskins shall not be used with infants.

(c) The group home shall provide eating utensils and cups, infant seats, high chairs, car seats, strollers, rocking chairs, tables and seating and other furnishings and equipment appropriate for size and developmental level and the needs of children under 6 years of age.

(7)   Safety measures.

(a) Strings and cords long enough to encircle a child's neck shall not be accessible to children.

(b) When infants and toddlers are present, open stairways shall be protected at the top and bottom with child safety gates. Gates shall have latching devices that adults can open easily in an emergency. Pressure gates or accordion gates shall not be used.

(c) Steam radiators, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, electric fans, electric outlets, electric heating units and hot surfaces, such as pipes, shall be protected by screens or guards.

(d) Differences of elevation, including platforms, walkways, balconies and open sides of stairways shall be protected by railing at least 36 inches in height and with bars no greater than 4 inches apart.

(8)   Water. If an infant under 6 months old is in care, the annual test of private well water required under s. DCF 57.40 (3) (a) 2. , shall include testing for nitrate levels. If nitrate levels are determined to be over 10 milligrams per liter, the licensee shall give notice to the department field office that serves the group home within 48 hours.

(9)   Nutrition and feeding.

(a) Food shall be available to infants and toddlers in accordance with the meal patterns consistent with those specified in Appendices B and C, as applicable.

(b) If a microwave is used to heat or prepare food, procedures for heating and cooking infant formula, milk, or food in a microwave oven shall be posted near the microwave.

(c) Bottles shall not be propped. A child unable to hold a bottle shall be held whenever a bottle is given.

(d) Infants and toddlers shall not be put to bed with a bottle.

(10)   Medical care. Each child shall receive routine physical examinations and immunizations pursuant to s. 252.04 , Stats., and ch. DHS 144 , by a licensed medical professional.

CR 04-067 : cr. Register September 2005 No. 597 , eff. 1-1-06; corrections in (1), (3) (intro.) and (8) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register November 2008 No. 635 ; EmR1106 : emerg. am. (8), r. (11), eff. 9-16-11; CR 11-026 : am. (8), r. (11) Register December 2011 No. 672 , eff. 1-1-12.