Section 408.100  Children with Special Needs

a)         Children identified as having special needs shall have activities relating to those needs that are planned with parents and/or physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, physical and occupational therapists, educators and other technical and professional persons whose expertise is utilized in providing specialized services to child(ren) with special needs.

b)         Parents shall be fully informed and in agreement with all procedures undertaken in relation to the child's needs.

c)         There shall be suitable space and equipment so that the child can function as safely and independently as possible.

1)         Areas of the home shall be adapted as necessary if special devices are required for the child to function independently.

2)         Space needs shall be determined by considering such factors as age and size of the child, activity recommendation, and ambulation problems.

d)         In determining license capacity, discipline, nutritional needs, equipment, child(ren) who have special needs due to physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities shall be considered at the age level at which they function.  The age level at which the child functions for purposes of determining child/staff ratios shall be determined by the Department in consultation with personnel involved in providing care or services for the child.