Section 407.220  Special Requirements for School-Age Children

a)         A center receiving children within the school-age range shall comply with standards prescribed for all day care centers except when inconsistent with the special requirements prescribed by this Section.

b)         The facility shall provide a designated area so that the older children's presence shall not interfere with the needs and care of younger children. School-age children may be combined in the same group as younger children only as allowed by Section 407.190.

c)         Clear definitions of legal responsibility and procedures shall be established among parent, facility and school when children move to and from school.

1)         A parent shall be legally responsible for the child en route to the center unless transportation or escort service is provided by the center or the school.

2)         Plans for transportation shall be established and agreed upon in writing by the parents, the school and the facility. Parents must sign a written consent allowing school-age children to be transported to another location or to their home where they are placed on their own supervision. Transportation plans may include, but are not limited to:

A)        Children leaving the center to go to school;

B)        Children leaving school to go to the center; and

C)        Children leaving the center.

d)         The day care center shall provide a program and activities that recognize the developmental and educational needs of school-age children who need group care before and after school.

1)         Quiet activities such as, but not limited to, puzzles,  table games, reading books, simple art or special projects, and opportunities to do homework shall be accessible to children on a free choice basis.

2)         Children who have been in school all day shall have time set aside for relaxation and recreation immediately upon arrival from school.

3)         Opportunity shall be available for the development of skills in areas such as, but not limited to, sports, art, and music.

4)         Multiple formats for activities (individual, small group or large group) shall be available to children.

5)         Special  activities outside the confines of the  center shall be provided, such as trips to the library.  The frequency is to be determined by the center.

6)         The program shall be flexible to allow the children to participate in after-school activities sponsored by the school.

e)         The daily and weekly schedule shall provide a balance of activities in consideration of each child's total daily and weekly experience.

f)         A variety of developmentally appropriate activities and materials shall be provided to help children achieve the following goals:

1)         Positive self-concept, sense of independence and wise use of leisure time;

2)         Social skills, including an awareness of community;

3)         Cognitive skills;

4)         Physical development and skills;

5)         Sound health, safety and nutritional practice;

6)         Creative expression; and

7)         Respect for diversity.

g)         Opportunities for long-term projects for older children (eight years and up) or developmentally advanced children shall be provided at least quarterly.

h)         Opportunities shall be provided for homework, if requested by the parents, that may include peer or adult assistance.

i)          Developmentally appropriate materials and equipment shall be available and stored in an orderly, easily visible manner.

j)          Equipment and materials shall offer a range of complexity to meet the specific needs and interests of school-age children. This shall be reflected both in the nature of the equipment and materials provided and in the length of time in which children are encouraged to complete projects.

k)         Staff shall be aware of the whereabouts of each child at all times and shall regularly monitor all children.

(Source:  Added at 22 Ill. Reg. 1728, effective January 1, 1998)