<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 13A.17.09.01" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="09" heading="Activities, Materials and Equipment.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An operator shall provide to each group of children in care a sufficient quantity and variety of materials and equipment for indoor and outdoor activities according to the number and ages of the children.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Activity materials and equipment provided to a child shall be:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Appropriate to the child's age and developmental status;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Safe;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In good repair;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Clean;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Nontoxic; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Free from hazards, including lead paint.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Furnishings used by a child shall be scaled in proportion to the child's size.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The operator shall provide multipurpose tables and chairs.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Viewing Restrictions. Except as set forth in §E(4) of this regulation, a child in attendance may not be permitted to view more than 30 minutes of age-appropriate, educational passive technology per week.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Exceptions.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>An occasional exception to the weekly passive technology viewing limit set forth in §E(3) of this regulation may be made for a special event or project, including a holiday or birthday celebration.</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 operator 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="F.">
    <text>Upon the request of a parent of a child in care, the operator 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>