[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Child Care Code"
of the Montgomery Board of Health.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety
and welfare of children by setting minimum standards for certain child
care providers.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall
have the following meanings:
CHILD
Shall mean any person under 14 years of age.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER OR PROVIDER
Shall mean an individual in whose private residence child
care services are regularly provided to no fewer than three and no
more than five children at any one time for no fewer than 15 hours
per week.
CHILD CARE RESIDENCE
Shall mean any private residence in which a child care provider
renders child care services.
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
Shall mean an agreement between a provider and a parent to
exchange child care services in lieu of a fee for child care services.
FEE FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES OR FEE
Shall mean the payment of money or the provision of any service(s)
other than child care, by the parent(s) of enrolled children, in exchange
for child care services by the provider.
PARENT
Shall mean a natural, foster or adoptive parent, guardian
or any person with responsibility for, or custody of, a child.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
The following minimum standards are hereby established for the
safe and healthful operations of child care providers.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
No individual shall provide services as a child care provider without having first received a permit therefor in accordance with the Land Development Ordinance (Chapter
16) of the Township of Montgomery.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
The provider shall ensure that:
a. Thirty square feet of floor space per child is available for the
children's activities.
b. The temperature of rooms used by children is maintained at 65°
F.
c. Floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, equipment and other surfaces
are kept clean and in good repair.
d. Adequate ventilation is provided by means of open windows, fans,
air conditioning or other mechanical ventilation systems.
e. Warm and cold running water are available.
f. Working indoor toilets are easily accessible to children.
g. Play equipment, materials and furniture for indoor and outdoor use
are of sturdy and safe construction, non- toxic, easy to clean and
free of hazards that may be injurious to young children.
h. The home contains sufficient furniture and equipment to accommodate
the needs of the children in care.
i. A working telephone is available in the home.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
The provider shall ensure that the home and its furnishings
present no hazard to the health and safety of the children in care,
including but not limited to the following:
a. All corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes,
medicines, poisonous plants, and all toxic substances are stored out
of the reach of children.
b. Non-permanent safety barriers are installed to prevent children from
falling from stairs, ramps, balconies, porches or elevated play areas.
c. All electrical outlets that are accessible to the children have protective
covers.
d. A working flashlight is available for emergency lighting.
e. All sharp objects are out of reach of the children.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
If outdoor activity is provided, the provider shall ensure that
an adequate, safe outdoor play area is available either adjacent to
or within a reasonable and safe walking distance of the home.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
Whenever the provider transports enrolled children, the provider shall be in possession of a valid automobile driver's license and valid vehicle inspection sticker and shall comply with all applicable state laws and rules regarding the use of infant seats, child passenger restraint systems, and seat belts. Such transportation requires parental permission as set forth in subsection
BH17-4.14a.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1]
When coming into contact with bodily fluids or secretions, the
provider shall use disposable gloves whenever possible; when not possible,
the provider shall immediately wash with soap and water any exposed
area of the child and of the provider and, whether or not gloves are
used the provider shall sanitize any contaminated surface or equipment
with an approved disinfectant, such as a 1:100 part solution of chlorine
bleach and water.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1; Ord. #93-5, S 3]
a. The provider shall inform the Montgomery Township Board of Health
and the parents of enrolled children regarding the circumstances under
which sick children will be admitted to or excluded from the home.
b. If the provider chooses to care for sick children in the home, the
provider shall report by telephone to the Montgomery Township Health
Officer the suspected or confirmed presence of any of the communicable
diseases set forth in Exhibit A, which is annexed to and made a part
hereof. Said Exhibit A is based upon the listing of reportable
diseases set forth in N.J.A.C. 8:57-1.3 et seq.
[Ord. #93-1, S 1; Ord. #99-01, S 8]
In the event a provider or prospective provider believes that an extreme hardship will result from the strict enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter, a written application for a temporary variance from such provision may be filed with the Health Officer, who shall render a decision no later than seven working days after receipt of a written variance request and inform the Board of such decision at the next regularly scheduled meeting. In the event the provider or prospective provider is dissatisfied with the determination of the Health Officer, an appeal may be filed with the Board of Health in accordance with the procedures set forth in section
BH1-3.