Section 411.160  Recreation and Leisure Time Activities

a)         The facility shall have a recreation worker who directs and supervises all recreation programs required in the program plan.   Recreation workers shall have a bachelor's degree and the capacity to accept supervision and to work cooperatively with other staff and a variety of persons external to the program.  Recreation workers shall demonstrate an ability to assess and meet the recreation and activity needs of the children.

b)         Children and youth shall be granted access to recreational opportunities and equipment that are appropriate for their age, maturity, and physical development, including outdoor exercise when the climate, medical, and safety and security concerns permit.  Cold temperatures, snow and rain, alone, are an insufficient basis to deny outdoor exercise.

c)         A variety of fixed and movable equipment shall be provided for indoor and outdoor recreation suitable for the security requirements of the children and youth being served. Care shall be taken to limit access to potential weapons. Staff shall maintain line of sight supervision of all activities. Contact sports shall not be permitted. Medical screening shall govern child and youth participation.

d)         Recreation and leisure-time shall be provided for at least one hour per day of large muscle activity and one hour of structured leisure-time activities, except for limitations imposed by the secure child care facility director on a limited basis. Each child or youth shall be offered at least one hour of access to outdoor exercise areas daily.  Cold temperatures, snow and rain, alone, are an insufficient basis to deny outdoor exercise. Limitations shall be based on medical, administrative, or safety or security concerns and require the approval of the child's or youth's caseworker.