<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 13A.15.09.01" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="15" chapter_num="09" heading="Activities.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The provider shall prepare, post, and follow a written schedule of daily activities and offer activities that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Promote the sound emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth of each child;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Are appropriate to the age, needs, and capabilities of the individual child based on the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, such as short periods of tummy time, under adult supervision, while awake for a child under 12 months old;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include opportunities for individual and group participation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Include a balance between self-selected and provider-directed activities;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Include a balance between active and quiet periods;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Include periods of rest appropriate to the age, needs, and activities of the child; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Include outdoor play in the morning and afternoon, except that outdoor play need not be included:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>When the weather is inclement; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the provider is only caring for school age children before school hours.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Screen Time Activities.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Definitions. In this section, the following terms have the meanings indicated:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>“Interactive technology” means educational and age-appropriate technology, including programs, applications (apps), noncommercial television programming, videos, streaming media, and ebooks, that is designed to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Facilitate active and creative use of technology; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Encourage social engagement with other children and adults.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>“Passive technology” means noninteractive television, videos, and streaming media.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Limited use of appropriate interactive technology may support, but may not replace, creative play, physical activity, hands-on exploration, outdoor experiences, social interactions, and other developmentally appropriate learning activities for children 2 years old or older.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Viewing Restrictions. Except as set forth in §B(4) of this regulation, a child in attendance who is:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Younger than 2 years old may not be permitted to view any passive technology; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>2 years old or older may not be permitted to view more than 30 minutes of age-appropriate, educational passive technology per week.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Exceptions.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>An occasional exception to the weekly passive technology viewing limit set forth in §B(3) of this regulation may be made for a special event or project, including a holiday or birthday celebration, or for educational content that is related to the family child care home's curriculum.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If an exception to the weekly passive technology viewing limit is made, a written record of the exception shall be made and retained on file that documents the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Nature and duration of the programming viewed; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Reason for the exception.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>No child may be permitted to view any:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Passive or interactive technology during a meal or a snack; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Media with brand placement or advertising for unhealthy or sugary food or beverages.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The provider shall give the parent of each enrolled child a written screen time policy that addresses the use of passive and interactive technology during child care hours.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Upon the request of a parent of a child in care, the provider shall assist the parent with scheduling a time and convenient location for the local lead agency responsible for administering the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program to provide the appropriate screening for the child.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>