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Prohibited discipline that is frightening to a child includes binding or trying to restrict the child's movement or enclosing the child in a confined space such as a closet, basement, locked room, box, or similar cubicle.
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The provider shall provide positive guidance and redirection for the children and set clear limits for the children.
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The provider shall help each child develop self-control, self-esteem, and respect for the rights of others.
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The provider may not use time-out periods for a child under 3 years of age. A provider may use time-outs that do not exceed 5 minutes for a child who is 3 years old or older. A “time-out" is defined as an interruption of unacceptable behavior by the removal of the child from the situation.
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The provider may not punish a child for lapses in toilet training.
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The provider shall respond promptly to a crying infant or toddler's needs.
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The provider shall provide physical contact and attention to each infant and toddler throughout the day, including holding, rocking, talking to, singing to, and taking on walks inside and outside the home.
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The provider shall periodically change the position and location in the room of a non-walking child who is awake.
Children's activities. The standards on children's activities and equipment are amended to clarify that the requirement that each child engage in outdoor activities daily, weather permitting, includes infants and toddlers. The provider shall encourage each child to play with a variety of toys and equipment. Activities shall include opportunities for each child to be involved in a variety of activities during a week, including opportunities for play that enhance creativity, language development, use of large and small motor skills, and imagination. Activities shall also include reading to the children each day. There shall be opportunities for a non-walking child who can creep or crawl to move freely in a safe, clean, open, warm, and uncluttered area during each day.
Transporting children. The standards on transporting children are amended to require that a provider ensure that a written permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is on file and children are not left unattended in a vehicle.
Rest. The standards on rest are amended to require that each infant be placed to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, unless otherwise directed by the child's physician. All sleeping arrangements for children under one year of age shall use firm mattresses and may not use soft bedding materials, such as comforters, pillows, fluffy blankets, or stuffed toys. A safe crib or playpen shall be available for each child under one year of age to use for napping.
Provider–parent communication. The standards on provider-parent communication are amended to require that the provider use information obtained on the department-provided “day care intake for child under 2 years" form, which collects essential information for infants and toddlers, to individualize the program of care for each child under 2 years of age. The provider shall inform a child's parent of any disciplinary action taken or any injury to the child that occurred during day care hours. The provider shall also inform the parent in writing of the amount of insurance coverage on the premises.
Monitoring compliance. The provider shall permit a day care certification worker to conduct home inspections to monitor compliance with the certification standards.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The proposed rules affect certified child care providers. The proposed changes require no significant professional skills or reporting or bookkeeping procedures for compliance with the rule.
Fiscal Impact
The proposed rule changes affect county and tribal child care certification agencies but the changes have no significant fiscal effect.
Contact Information
A paper copy may be obtained at no charge by contacting:
Elaine Pridgen
Office of Legal Counsel
Dept. of Workforce Development
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
(608) 267-9403
Written Comments
Written comments on the proposed rules received at the above address no later than February 15, 2002, will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearing.
