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maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates should be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area. If the outdoor play space has no fence or barrier, the program official must submit a plan to ensure children are protected from vehicular traffic, water hazards, and any other potential hazards while participating in outdoor play. (2) Equipment. Playground equipment shall provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. The outdoor equipment shall be free from hazards such as, but not limited to, lead- based paint, sharp corners, and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children. Climbing and swinging equipment shall be anchored and have a resilient surface beneath the equipment.

(3) Fall-zone and Surfacing. Requires climbing and swinging equipment to have a resilient surface beneath the equipment and the fall zone from such equipment must be adequately maintained by the program to ensure continuing resiliency. (4) Safety and Upkeep of Playground. Playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete or equipment.

P. Staff Training (1) Prior to assignment to children or tasks, all Employees (i.e., volunteers, students-in-training, independent contractors, etc.) and Provisional Employees must receive initial program orientation.

(2) The initial program orientation must include the following subjects: (b) The portions of these standards dealing with the care, health and safety of children; (e) Emergency weather plans; and the program’s emergency preparedness plan; (j) Fire Safety; (k) Water Safety;

(3) Health & Safety Orientation training. Each staff member with direct care responsibilities shall complete health and safety orientation training within the first 90 days of employment. The state-approved training hours obtained will count toward required first year training hours. The training must address the following health and safety topics. The training must address the following health and safety topics: (e) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic;

(4) Annual training. (a) Every calendar year after the first year of employment, the Director,