Section 400.8179. Program.

(1) As used in this rule:

(a)   “Confining equipment” means equipment used to assist in caring for infants and includes, but is not limited to, swings, stationary activity centers, infant seats, and molded seats.

(b)   “Media” means use of electronic devices with a screen, including but not limited to, televisions, computers, tablets, multi-touch screens, interactive white boards, mobile devices, cameras, movie players, e-book readers, and electronic game consoles.

(c)   “Interactive media” means media designed to facilitate active and creative use by children and to encourage social engagement with other children and adults.

(d)  “Non-interactive media” means media which are used passively by children.

(2)      A center shall implement a program plan which includes daily learning experiences appropriate to the developmental level of the children. Experiences shall be designed to develop all of the following:

(a)   Physical development.

(b)   Social development.

(c)   Emotional development.

(d)  Cognitive development.

(3)     The  program  shall   be  planned  to  provide  a  flexible  balance  of   all  of  the following experiences:

(a)   Quiet and active.

(b)   Individual and groups.

(c)   Large and small muscle.

(d)  Child initiated and staff initiated.

(4)    Developmentally appropriate experiences shall be designed so that throughout the day each child has opportunities to do all of the following:

(a)   Feel successful and feel good about him or herself and develop independence.

(b)   Practice social interaction skills.

(c)   Use materials and takes part in activities which encourage creativity.

(d)  Learn new ideas and skills.

(e)   Participate in imaginative play.

(f)  Participate in developmentally appropriate language and literacy experiences.

(g)   Participate in early math and science experiences.

(h)   Be physically active.

(5)   A school-age program shall supplement the areas of development not regularly provided for during the school day.

(6)   A typical daily routine shall be posted in a place visible to parents.

(7)   When awake, use of confining equipment for infants shall be minimized, not to exceed 30 minutes at a time.

(8)   Use of media is prohibited for children under 2 years of age.

(9)   When media are used with children 2 years of age and older, all of the following apply:

(a)  Activities shall be developmentally appropriate.

(b)    Interactive media shall be used to support learning and to expand children’s access to content and shall be suitable to the age of the child in terms of content and length of use per session.

(c)   Media with violent or adult content are prohibited while children are in care.

(d)  Use of non-interactive media shall not exceed 2 hours per week per child.

(e)     When media are available for children’s use, other activities shall also be available to children.

(10)   An exception to the requirements of subrule (9)(d) of this rule may be made under the following conditions:

(a)   School-age children use computers and any other electronic devices for academic and educational purposes.

(b)   Children use assistive and adaptive technology.

(11)   For children with special needs, care shall be provided according to the child’s needs as identified by parents, medical personnel, and/or other relevant professionals.

(12)    Parents may visit the center during hours of operation for the purpose of observing their children.

History: 2013 AACS.