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176 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan

F. Equipment and Toys (1) All indoor and outdoor furniture, activity materials, and equipment shall be used: (a) In a safe and appropriate manner by each Employee and child in attendance; and (b) In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, recommendations, and intended use. (2) All equipment and furniture shall be used only by the age-appropriate group of children. Equipment and furniture shall be: (a) Free from hazardous conditions such as, but not limited to, sharp rough edges or toxic paint; (c) Placed so as to permit the children’s freedom of movement and to minimize danger of accident and collision; (d) Secured if equipment and furniture is of a weight or mass that could cause injury from tipping, falling, or being pulled or pushed over. Potentially unstable equipment and furniture that might injure a child if not secured include, but are not limited to, televisions, chests of drawers, bookcases, shelving, cabinets and fish tanks. Examples of items not required to be secured include, but are not limited to, child-sized tables and chairs, rocking chairs, and cribs.

J. Policies and Procedures (1) Program shall have a written policy regarding the following: (f) The handling and appropriate disposal of bodily fluids and storage of hazardous materials (soiled clothing and bedding)

L. Physical Plant (1) Required approvals. The construction of a new building or any planned structural changes to an existing program building shall obtain approval from the local zoning authorities, fire safety agencies and local building authorities. Construction and maintenance work shall take place only in areas that are not accessible to the children. (2) Fire Safety. A program must be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations issued by the state fire marshal, the proper local fire marshal or state inspector, including a certificate of occupancy if required prior to receiving any children for care. (3) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

M. Playgrounds (1) Fence or Approved Barriers. It is recommended that playgrounds shall be protected from traffic or other hazards by a four (4) foot or higher secure fence or other barrier. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be