Section 7.57.620. Space.

	(a)  A child care facility must have indoor and outdoor space to accommodate the physical and developmental needs of children in care.  
	(b)  A child care center and a child care group home shall provide at least  
		(1) 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child, exclusive of hallways, bathrooms, storage areas, office space, furnace and laundry rooms, crib space, and any area children are prevented from using; and  
		(2) 75 square feet of outdoor recreation space per child for the maximum number of children playing outside at any one time, except as provided in (c)(2) of this section.  
	(c)  In meeting the space requirements of (b) of this section, if  
		(1) a child care center is attached to or located in a residence, the child care facility shall designate space that is exclusive of family living areas; and  
		(2) outdoor recreation space is not available at a child care center or a child care group home, the facility may use a park or other outdoor location that is easily accessible if a plan for transportation to and from and for use of this alternative outdoor location is approved by the department.  
	(d)  A child care facility shall ensure that there is a specific place for each child to keep the child's own clothing and personal possessions.  
	(e)  Subject to (f) of this section, a child care center must have storage and work space areas convenient to the area used for child care to meet the following needs:  
		(1) record storage and administration;  
		(2) food preparation and service, if applicable;  
		(3) storage of program materials and resources for staff and parents, if applicable;  
		(4) storage of repair and maintenance supplies;  
		(5) rest area and meeting space for staff.  
	(f)  The provisions of (e) of this section do not require that rooms or areas be assigned exclusively to a single function.  
	(g)  A child care facility shall maintain a well-organized environment, arranged so that  
		(1) children have opportunities to use space, materials, and equipment to optimize learning;  
		(2) children may use what they can reach most of the time;  
		(3) children have reasonable freedom of action without recurrent accidents and collisions;  
		(4) children have a comfortable place for quiet time;  
		(5) infants may explore safely and freely, to crawl, stand, and learn to walk; and  
		(6) school-age children have a quiet place to do homework, if needed.  

Authorities

44.29.020;47.32.010;47.32.030

Notes

Authority

AS 44.29.020 AS 47.32.010 AS 47.32.030

History

Eff. 6/23/2006, Register 178