29. Indoor Equipment

Question 1

Indoor Equipment

Answer 1

~ all equipment should be sturdy, safe, in good repair, free from visible soil, clean, and maintained in a sanitary condition following a routine of cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting
~ walls, ceilings, floors, furnishings, equipment, toys, and other surfaces should be developmentally appropriate and suitable to the child care program
~ the equipment and furnishings should be placed to minimize collisions and injuries, and ensure proper supervision
~ the placement of equipment and furnishings should allow movement by the children and achievement of program goals
~ furnishings that children can easily climb, such as chairs, should be kept away from cabinets and shelves to discourage climbing
~ items that may tip, such as tall shelves or televisions, should be anchored or mounted
~ child care programs must provide age-appropriate seating for the number of children eating meals and snacks at one time
~ child care programs should monitor the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for recommendations for use of equipment and recalls
~ a child care program must make toys, equipment, and furnishings available that are developmentally appropriate and of a quantity to accommodate the children in care
~ toys that are exposed to bodily fluids, such as saliva, must be cleaned and sanitized or disinfected immediately after exposure or prior to another child’s use
~ indoor climbing structures must have padding or carpet for landing
~ moveable or non-stationary indoor climbing structures require padding for landing and must meet the same requirements for installation and use as similar outdoor equipment
~ bathtubs, buckets, diaper pails, and other open containers of water must be emptied immediately after use
~ accommodations should be made to the physical environment so children with special needs can participate