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a crib, swing, or similar device for more than 15 minutes without direct adult contact. The provider shall

(1) provide opportunities for a child to develop a caring and nurturing relationship with and attachment to one caregiver whose care for and responsiveness to the child ensures relief of distress, experiences of stimulation and comfort, and satisfaction of the need for a connection with the child’s caregiver;

(2) provide frequent verbal communication during feeding, changing, and cuddle times;

(3) provide physical contact through holding, rocking, and play, as well as bathing, dressing, and carrying a child;

(4) allow infants and toddlers ample supervised opportunity during the day to explore and learn on their own outside of a play yard or other restraining device; and

(5) ensure that infants are placed on their backs to sleep, unless otherwise ordered by a physician. (e) In addition to meeting the requirements in (c) of this section, an approved provider caring for school-age children as described in 7 AAC 41.025(b) shall provide

(1) a program that supplements rather than duplicates the child’s school activities, providing a change of pace and interest between school and the child care program;

(2) freedom appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level, and opportunities for self-reliance and social responsibility; and

(3) opportunities for school-age children to participate in the selection and planning of their own activities. (f) The approved provider shall treat children in care equitably with the caregiver’s own children. (g) The approved provider shall encourage parental involvement and allow parents unlimited access to their children, to the provider, and to all areas of the child care premises, to observe or participate. (h) In addition to meeting the requirements in (c) of this section, an approved provider caring for a child identified as having special needs shall

(1) ensure that the child is afforded opportunities to participate in any scheduled activities, as possible;

(2) develop a plan of care under 7 AAC 41.207(c) for that child, unless the provider has reason to believe that, even with reasonable accommodation, the provider cannot meet the child’s needs and discharges the child;

(3) implement the plan of care developed under 7 AAC 41.207(c) for each child with special needs to enhance the child’s health and developmental status; and