§ 18-77. Physical facilities.

(a)

Uses endangering children. During the hours that the child care center is in operation, no portion of the building shall be used for any purpose which endangers the health and safety of the children.

(b)

Toxic materials. All surfaces or items accessible to children shall be free of toxic materials. Lead base paint is prohibited.

(c)

Animals. Animals or fowl must be properly immunized and free of disease.

(d)

Rooms occupied by children. Rooms occupied by children shall have the following:

(1)

A minimum of 20 footcandles of natural or artificial light.

(2)

An inside minimal temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

(e)

Medicines, flammables or poisons. Medicines, cleaning supplies, flammables and other potentially poisonous supplies shall be stored out of a child's reach and in such manner as to ensure the safety of children.

(f)

Reserved.

(g)

Smoking. Staff members may smoke only in areas designated by the operator. Designated areas shall not include any areas in which children are present.

(h)

Indoor play space.

(1)

There shall be a minimum of 20 square feet of usable floor space per child. Shelves or storage for toys and other materials shall be considered as usable floor space if accessible to children.

(2)

Where infants are in care, they shall have open play space outside of cribs and playpens. If cribs and playpens are stored out of the way during play time, the space used for play may be interchangeable with space used for cribs and playpens.

(i)

Outdoor play space.

(1)

There shall be a minimum of 45 square feet of usable, safe and sanitary outdoor play area per child. Play area shall be calculated at the rate of 45 square feet per child in any group using the play area at one time. A minimum play area shall be provided for one-half of the licensed capacity.

(2)

The outdoor play area shall be clean, free of litter, nails, glass and other obvious hazards. All stationary equipment shall be firmly anchored. All equipment shall be free of sharp and jagged edges.

(3)

The outdoor play area shall provide both sun and shade.

(4)

All children in outdoor play areas shall be supervised at all times in all areas.

(5)

The outdoor play area shall have safe and adequate fencing or a wall at a minimum of four feet in height.

(6)

Sawdust boxes used in the outdoor play area shall be constructed to allow for drainage and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.

(7)

All water hazards, such as pools, swimming pools, wading pools, ditches, fish ponds, etc., shall be adequately fenced in accordance with accepted safety practices.

(8)

Any swimming pool or wading pool used by a child care facility must be constructed and operated in compliance with F.A.C. ch. 10D-5, Swimming Pools and Bathing Places.

(j)

Napping space.

(1)

Each facility must include a designated area where a child may sit quietly or lie down to rest or nap. The capacity of napping space must be a minimum of 20 square feet of usable space per child at rest at any one time. Napping space and play area may be used interchangeably.

(2)

All bedding, such as cots, beds, cribs or floor pads (mats), shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

(3)

Linens, if used, shall be individually labeled and laundered at least once each week and more often if necessary. Linen, if used for more than one child, shall be laundered between usage.

(4)

A minimum distance of 18 inches must be maintained between individual napping spaces.

(5)

No double or multidecked cribs, cots or beds may be used.

(6)

Infants up to one year of age must be in cribs or playpens with sides. Cribs must meet the construction regulations as outlined in 16 CFR subchapter C, Hazardous Substances.

(7)

Nursery cots may be used for children of one year of age and above.

(k)

Toilet and bath facilities.

(1)

Each child care facility shall be provided with conveniently located toilet and bath facilities.

(2)

There shall be one toilet with seat and one washbasin for the first 15 children. There shall be one toilet and one basin for every 30 children thereafter.

a.

If only diaper babies are cared for in the facility, there need be only one toilet seat plus two basins for each 30 infants.

b.

If potty chairs are used, these shall be in addition to the toilet facilities described in this subsection.

(3)

No toilet facility shall open directly into an area where food is prepared. Where the indoor play space also serves as the dining area and the children are closely supervised while using toilet and bath facilities, a toilet facility may be open directly into areas where food is served.

(4)

Toilets and washbasins shall be constructed at such a level as to allow the children to conveniently use them. If toilets or washbasins are not installed at this level, a platform shall be constructed. Platforms must be of safe construction, have a nonporous covering and be easily cleanable.

(5)

Children must be continuously supervised while bathing.

(6)

At least one portable or permanent bath facility shall be available for bathing children.

(7)

Running water must be available.

(8)

Each child should have his own towel marked, if disposable towels are not used.

(l)

Isolation area. Each facility must include a designated area for a child who becomes ill at the center. Such space shall be adequately ventilated and heated and equipped with a bed or cot and materials that can be sanitized easily. Linens and disposables shall be changed after each use.

(m)

Fire safety.

(1)

All child care facilities shall conform to state standards prepared by the state fire marshal, F.A.C. ch. 4A-36, Minimum Standards for Life Safety and Fire Prevention in Child Care Facilities.

(2)

There shall be a working telephone which is neither locked nor a pay station in the child care facility.

(n)

Health and sanitation.

(1)

All child care facilities shall conform to state and local water and sewage disposal standards.

(2)

All other buildings, unless air conditioned, must be adequately screened to prevent entrance of insects and rodents. Open-air classrooms and picnic areas are permitted.

(3)

Drinking water shall be freely available to children of all ages. If drinking fountains are provided, they shall be slant type, protected fountains and shall be sufficient for the child's needs. If disposable cups are used, they must be discarded after each use.

(4)

When infants are in care, there shall be an adequate supply of clean diapers, clothing and sheets at all times. Soiled items shall be placed in covered containers which shall be emptied, cleaned and disinfected daily. Children's wet or soiled clothing and crib sheets shall be changed promptly.

(o)

Equipment.

(1)

Indoor equipment. A child care facility shall have indoor equipment and toys which are safe and can be maintained in a sanitary condition.

(2)

Outdoor equipment. There shall be outdoor equipment to provide suitable activities for the children served. All equipment must be installed safely and maintained in safe condition.

(Code 1958, § 8A-2, ch. 8, exhibit A, § 3; Ord. No. 1041-2011, § 1, 10-11-11)

State law reference

Physical facilities, F.S. § 402.305(5); square footage per child, F.S. § 402.305(6); health and sanitation, F.S. § 402.305(7).