STATEMENTS OF POLICY
Title 55--PUBLIC WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
[55 PA. CODE CHS. 3270 AND 3280]
Supervision of Children
[26 Pa.B. 3552] The purpose of this statement of policy is to clarify the requirement for supervision of children in child day care centers and group day care homes in order to assure that children in care are supervised at all times.
Discussion
The proper supervision of children in care is a critical health and safety issue. Children who are not properly supervised are more likely to be injured or wander into unsafe situations. Facilities are required to maintain staff: child ratios as specified in regulations at all times when children are in the care of the facility, including times when children are transported by the facility on a vehicle and when children are on a facility field trip.
The Department of Public Welfare (Department) reviewed the requirements relating to supervision of children in child day care centers and group day care homes and determined that it is necessary to issue policy clarifying the requirement to supervise children at all times (§§ 3270.113(a) and 3280.113(a)).
Interpretation
The phrase ''supervised at all times'' means that each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group. The staff person must be physically present with the children in this group.
Contact Person
Comments and questions regarding this statement of policy should be directed to Jennifer Lau, Bureau of Child Day Care Services, 4th Fl. Bertolino Bldg., 1401 N. 7th St., Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675, (717) 787-8691.
Effective Date
This statement of policy shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,
Secretary(Editor's Note: The regulations of the Department, 55 Pa. Code Chapters 3270 and 3280, are amended by adding statements of policy at §§ 3270.113a and 3280.113a to read as set forth in Annex A.)
Fiscal Note: 14 BUL-44. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 55. PUBLIC WELFARE
PART V. CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES MANUAL
Subpart D. NONRESIDENTIAL AGENCIES, FACILITIES AND SERVICES
ARTICLE I. LICENSING/APPROVAL
CHAPTER 3270. CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS
PROGRAM § 3270.113a. Supervision of children--statement of policy.
The phrase ''supervised at all times'' means that each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group. The staff person shall be physically present with the children in his group.
CHAPTER 3280. GROUP DAY CARE HOMES
PROGRAM § 3280.113a. Supervision of children--statement of policy.
The phrase ''supervised at all times'' means that each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group. The staff person shall be physically present with the children in his group.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1209. Filed for public inspection July 26, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
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