General minimum requirements for equipment and furniture

(1) Each facility shall have certain minimum equipment and furniture of the right size, type and number for the children using the facility, because equipment and furniture are important factors in the learning process which extend or limit the day care experiences of children. (2) The equipment and furniture at every day care facility shall be– (a) the right-size, number and type for the children using the facility; (b) safe and in good mechanical repair; and (c) durable. (3) Toys and educational materials shall correspond to the abilities, interests and social needs of the children. (4) Infant specific toys shall be– (a) safe, washable, and not too small to swallow or cause choking; (b) free of sharp edges and tiny pieces or pieces that can break off easily; (c) free of lead-based paint and chipping paint; (d) age-appropriate; and (e) scaled to size to enable the infant to grasp, chew, and manipulate them. 30 Social Service Agencies (5) The following minimum requirements shall also apply– (a) mobiles should be seen, but kept out of the reach of infants; (b) structures should be padded for safe exploration; (c) low-play structures should be provided for climbing; (d) books should be sturdy; and (e) mirrors should be placed where infants can observe themselves but should be out of their reach. SUB-PART D