An Administrator's Guide to California Private School Law

Chapter 21 – Child Care Centers/Preschools

 Pools or other bodies of water must be inaccessible to children and the preschool must install protective fences around any pools or bodies of water; 2824  Fencing is not required for inflatable or portable plastic wading pools, however these pools must be emptied after each use; 2825  Pool inaccessibility does not relieve preschools from the obligation to appropriately supervise children, especially near pools or bodies of water;  All disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, or similar items must be stored in an location inaccessible to children behind lock and key; 2826  Firearms or other weapons are not permitted at the child care center; 2827  One or more appropriate carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in the facility 2828 ; and  Medications must be stored in a safe place inaccessible to children. 2829

Additionally, all facilities must have working telephone service on the premises. 2830

1. D ISASTER A ND M ASS C ASUALTY P LAN O F A CTION Every facility must develop and implement a written disaster and mass casualty plan of action. 2831 This plan, also known as the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610), must include contingency plans for action during fires, floods, and earthquakes and set forth staff assignments in emergencies. The contingency plans must set forth the means of exiting, relocation sites, transportation arrangements, supervision of children during and after relocation, and means of contacting local agencies. 2832 Disaster drills should be conducted at least every six months and records reflecting the drills should be documented and maintained by the preschool for at least one year. 2833 The drills should ensure children are aware of the exit routes, but children need not actually travel to relocation sites during drills. 2834 Preschools should also take the time to reduce the potential threats of disasters and emergencies by maintaining adequate water, food, and emergency supplies at the preschool. The Disaster and Mass Casualty Plan of Action (LIC 610) must be submitted to CCLD as part of the application process. 2. F IRE C LEARANCE All child care centers must secure and maintain a fire clearance approved by the city or county fire department, the district providing fire protection services, or the State Fire Marshal. 2835 A new fire clearance may be necessary if, after licensure, the preschool proposes a change in its capacity or location. 2836 B. O UTDOOR A CTIVITY S PACE Facilities must contain at least 75 square feet per child of outdoor activity space based on the preschool’s total licensed capacity. 2837 For example, if the preschool has a total licensed capacity of 100 children, the facility must offer at least 7,500 square feet of outdoor activity space. This

An Administrator’s Guide to California Private School Law ©2019 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 643