General minimum requirements of the physical environment

(1) Every operator registered and licensed under these Regulations shall ensure that every day care facility under his management and control is a place where children learn and play safely, as well as engage in a variety of activities without risk to their own safety. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subregulation (1) above, every day care facility registered under these Regulations shall at all times comply with the minimum physical requirements specified in subregulation (3) below. (3) The minimum physical requirements referred to in subregulation (2) above are as follows– (a) the facility and equipment shall be kept clean, in good repair, and free from anything that may be dangerous to children; (b) poisonous substances (paint, cleaning liquid insecticides, medicines, etc.) and peeling paint 26 Social Service Agencies that contains any lead content shall not be accessible to children enrolled at the facility; (c) the buildings or facility should be handicap- accessible, preferably a one-storey building with no open stairwells, and stairs should have railings and gates; (d) the building shall have adequate space and size for the number and ages of children using it. There should be a minimum of 22 square feet per child indoors for rest and play areas which should be separate. This does not include space for the kitchen, storage or entrances; (e) there should be appropriate child care areas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. (4) The buildings at the facility must have– (a) lockable doors easily opened for emergencies to prevent children from exiting and unauthorized individuals from entering; (b) sufficient exits for evacuation purposes and fire safety; (c) screens against flies and mosquitoes; (d) floors made from material which is easy to clean; (e) proper ventilation and lights to ensure the health and comfort of the children; (f) adequate water supply for hygiene and drinking purposes; Social Service Agencies 27 (g) separate kitchen area, that is not accessible to children, for food preparation; (h) separate staff area for office work or rest (where feasible); (i) storage space for materials and equipment; (j) electricity and safe electrical outlets that are out of reach of the children, or covered with plug covers if at the child’s level; (k) safe and sanitary sewerage and drainage systems; and (l) working telephone (where available) with emergency numbers posted in conspicuous places within the facility. (5) Bathroom facilities in the building housing the day care facility shall accommodate the number of children at the facility and have– (a) at least two toilets and one sink for every fifteen children enrolled at the facility; and (b) separate staff bathroom, where possible. (6) The facility shall have sufficient outdoor playing space for the children, that ensures the safety and comfort of children while undertaking appropriate games and activities. (7) The playground at the day care facility shall have the following features– (a) child-safe barriers for the protection of children from traffic, bodies of water, gullies, drains, or other similar physical hazards; 28 Social Service Agencies (b) adequate fencing with appropriate childproof locks; (c) enough space for each child to play in safety and comfort; (d) shady areas to protect children from the sun, wind and rain; (e) appropriate lawns of soft grass, or areas covered with soft sand, where children may climb on swings and other similar play equipment and jump therefrom to the ground; (f) hard areas where children may ride their toys; (g) safe and sturdy play equipment with no protruding nails, any loose features, or other similar characteristics which pose a danger to the safety of the children; (h) a clean environment free from broken bottles, holes, poisonous plants and other hazards which pose a danger to the safety of the children; and (i) a design that ensures effective supervision of the children at all times by the operator, provider, assistants or members of staff. (8) The Ministry shall inspect the facility of every applicant to ensure that the minimum requirements of the physical environment at a day care facility comply with the provisions of these Regulations before the issue of a licence. Social Service Agencies 29 SUB-PART C