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5. The use of safe sleep practices for children is required as follows:
• Individual beds, cots, mattresses, pads, or other acceptable equipment shall be used for rest periods, and children shall not be placed directly on the floor for rest periods. Bed linens, such as blankets or sheets, cannot be used in place of a bed, cot, mattress, or pad. These shall be kept in a sanitary condition. Once a sheet or blanket has been used by a child, it shall not be used by another child until it has been laundered.
• Rest period equipment shall be clean and covered with a waterproof cover.
• Nap pads/cots are designed for use by one (1) child only at a time.
• Nap pads utilized by more than one (1) child shall be sanitized after each child’s use. Nap pads utilized by only one (1) child shall be sanitized immediately when soiled or at least weekly.
• Nap pads and nap cots without mattresses are not acceptable for use in 24-hour programs. Beds, cribs, or roll away cots are the only acceptable bedding for 24-hour centers.
• The facility shall provide a crib or other similarly commercially purchased bed unit, approved and designated for the purpose of sleeping. Mobile infants, at a minimum of eight (8) months, may be placed on a mat during the transition period of crawling to walking. If such mat is used, it shall be a flame retardant, minimum of two (2) inch commercially purchased sleep mat, especially designated for the purpose of sleeping. All cribs, sleep units, and mats must be maintained clean, in sanitary condition and without chips, holes, fraying, tears, or stains. Cribs, cots, and mats are to be a minimum of 24 inches apart or separated by a solid barrier. A minimum of 36 inches is recommended.
• Children are not allowed to sleep in shared places, such as infant seats, strollers, swings, cozy areas, or on tables. If a child falls asleep in a shared place, he or she should be moved immediately to a sanitary individual sleeping place.
Administration of Medication, Consistent with Standards for Parental Consent
A record shall be maintained of any medication administered by the director or caregiver showing the date, time, and signature of dispensing employee. A medication record may be destroyed ninety (90) days after administered the medication. Signed written authorization to obtain emergency medical treatment and to administer medication must be signed by parent or guardian and kept in child’s record/file. The use of any food or medication in any manner or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended is prohibited.