General minimum programming requirements

(1) Each residential care facility for children shall develop and implement a flexible written program plan composed of activities that meet and enhance the individual needs of children with different cultural, language, and developmental differences and special needs. (2) The program plan referred to in subregulation (1) above shall be available to parents, staff members and the Ministry, and shall includeSocial Service Agencies 89 (a) indoor and outdoor physical activities which provide opportunities for fine and gross motor development; (b) creative experiences which allow them opportunity to develop and express their own ideas, feelings, and culture in all parts of the program; (c) a counselling program that utilizes individual and group techniques and addresses the counselling needs of residents; (d) an education program that ensures that the education needs of all residents are met, especially those with special needs. Local schools should be utilized where possible providing that such schools are of an acceptable standard, accessible, and meet the standards of the Ministry of Education. Facilities that provide home schooling shall ensure that the curriculum used is approved by the Ministry of Education; (e) experiences that promote self-reliance and self- esteem including care of the body, clothing, possessions, and shared group responsibility for equipment and materials and other life skills; (f) health education that includes good health and nutrition practices, safety awareness, sex and sexuality and HIV/AIDS; and (g) any other program that may be needed to meet the needs of specialized populations.