Minimum requirements for the protection of children

(1) Every operator registered and licenced under these Regulations shall ensure that the child is adequately protected while at the day care facility by complying with the minimum requirements for the protection of children specified in subregulation (2) below. (2) The minimum requirements referred to in subregulation (1) above are– (a) ensuring that no corporal punishment is inflicted on a child attending the day care facility; (b) ensuring that no cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment, or any other harsh or degrading measures which would humiliate a child or undermine his self-esteem and confidence, are inflicted on a child attending the day care facility; (c) ensuring that every child attending the day care facility is not deliberately deprived of the basic necessities conducive to learning, including food, water, shelter, clothing, and bedding where necessary; and (d) ensuring that every child attending the day care facility does not engage in sexual activities with another child while at the day care facility. (3) In addition to the minimum requirements specified in subregulation (2) above, every operator shall be required to report to the Registrar and to the Ministry for investigation, every case of actual or suspected child abuse which occurs at the day care facility and which comes to his attention. 22 Social Service Agencies (4) Failure by an operator to comply with the provisions of subregulation (3) above is an offence and the operator shall, upon summary conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.