<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="09" heading="Program Requirements" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="17">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" 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>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Rest Furnishings.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>There shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>A suitable cot or mat for each child 2 to 5 years old present in the facility for more than 4 hours, and for children 5 years old or older who regularly take rest periods in the facility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>A suitable bed for each child who is present in the facility during those hours that are usual nighttime sleep hours for that child; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>An adequate supply of clean bedding provided for each child who takes rest periods at the facility.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>When in use, all cots, mats, and beds shall be appropriately spaced to facilitate safe movement and evacuation of staff and children.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Storage.">
    <text>There shall be appropriate storage for:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Materials and equipment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Mats, cots, beds, and bedding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>Portable equipment intended for outdoor use;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>Each child's clothing and possessions in an individual space; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="E.">
      <text>Materials, equipment, furnishings, and supplies being held in reserve.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Education Article §§9.5-115, 9.5-401, 9.5-404, 9.5-405, 9.5-409, 905-411, and 9.5-413—9.5-418; Family Law Article §§5-550 and 5-551;General Provisions Article, §4-333; Human Services Article, §1-202; Annotated Code of MarylandAgency Note: Federal Statutory Reference—Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.);Pro-Children Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. §6081 et seq.)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 20, 2008 (35:21 Md. R. 1827)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01E adopted effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md. R. 883)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01F adopted effective March 17, 2025 (52:5 Md. R. 238)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>