1. (a) There shall be a posted daily schedule that includes age-appropriate activities, including alternating periods of active play and quiet activities throughout the day.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Staff shall plan and provide experiences that meet children’s needs and stimulate learning in the following developmental areas found in Arkansas’s Early Learning Standards:

      1. (A) Physical;
      2. (B) Social and emotional;
      3. (C) Creative and aesthetic; and
      4. (D) Cognitive and intellectual and language.
   2. (2) Experiences that promote self-concept development for infants and toddlers shall also be provided if that age group is in care.

3. (c) There shall be meaningful interaction between staff and children, to include but not be limited to the following:

   1. (1) Comfort children who are upset;

   2. (2) Engage in frequent, multiple, and rich social interchanges such as:

      1. (A) Smiling;
      2. (B) Talking;
      3. (C) Touching; and
      4. (D) Singing;
   3. (3) Interact with children by being their play partner as well as protector;
   4. (4) Help children identify and label feelings by being attuned to children’s needs;
   5. (5) Communicate consistently with parents or guardians; and
   6. (6) Interact with children and develop a relationship in the context of everyday routines.
4. (d) The caregiver or caregivers shall not engage in activities or experiences that may be damaging to children’s self-esteem and positive self-image.
5. (e) There shall be an opportunity for a supervised rest period that does not exceed two (2) hours.

6. (f)

   1. (1) There shall be an opportunity for a supervised rest period.
   2. (2) The supervised rest period shall be at least one (1) hour but shall not exceed two (2) hours.
   3. (3) If children do not fall asleep, they shall be allowed to participate in a quiet activity either on their cots, in the area, or in another room under direct supervision.

7. (g)

   1. (1) There shall be a total of at least one (1) hour of outdoor play per day in suitable weather.

   2. (2) When deciding if children should play outside, staff shall consider the following environmental factors:

      1. (A) When the heat index is forecast to be ninety degrees (90°) or above, it is recommended that:

8. (i) Outdoor play be scheduled during early morning hours; or

   1. (ii) The length of time spent outdoors should be reduced to avoid heat stress;

      1. (B) When outdoor play occurs during the hotter part of the day, it is recommended that children:

         1. (i) Have a shaded area;
         2. (ii) Have an ample supply of water; and
         3. (iii) Should be monitored closely for signs of heat stress; and
      2. (C) When outdoor play occurs during the winter months and when temperatures are extremely cold, it is recommended that the time scheduled for outdoor play be reduced or suspended depending on the temperature and other weather conditions.

9. (h)

   1. (1) There shall be a total of thirty (30) minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

   2. (2) This could be included in outdoor play time if it meets this criterion.

      1. (i) Indoor activity equipment shall be adequate for the number and ages of children in the home to meet their physical and developmental needs.

10. (j)

    1. (1) Children shall have a variety of toys, books, creative materials, and equipment that are easily accessible and arranged to support learning.

    2. (2) This includes equipment for:

       1. (A) Large muscle activities, such as climbing and running; and
       2. (B) Manipulative activities, such as things done with the hands.

11. (k) The use of television, DVD, videocassette viewing, and computer or video games and other screen time activities shall meet the following requirements:

    1. (1)

       1. (A) Shall be limited to programs that are age-appropriate.
       2. (B) It is recommended that programs have educational value;

    2. (2)

       1. (A) Shall not exceed one (1) hour daily per child or group of children.

       2. (B) Children:

          1. (i) Shall not be required to participate in screen time activities; and
          2. (ii) Shall be offered other choices.

       3. (C) Viewing time may be extended for special events or occasions such as:

          1. (i) A current event;
          2. (ii) A holiday;
          3. (iii) A birthday celebration; or
          4. (iv) For the occasional viewing of age-appropriate movies or other programs that may exceed one (1) hour in length; and

    3. (3) Computer learning periods for children below age five (5) may not exceed two (2) hours a day per child or group of children.

       1. (l) A verbal or written system of communication shall be used by caregivers to share with parents or guardians day-to-day happenings, such as:
    4. (1) Significant changes in a child’s physical or emotional state; or

    5. (2) Information regarding any known cuts, bruises, or injuries that may require attention or evaluation by a physician.

       1. (m) It is recommended that the caregiver encourage parents to be involved in planning and participating in activities at the childcare family home.
12. (n) The caregiver shall distribute materials developed or approved by the Department of Health on prevention of shaken baby syndrome to all parents of infants upon enrollment.
13. (o) Photos or video recordings shall not be made of any child without prior written parental permission.
14. (p) Photos or video recordings of children shall not be placed on social media websites without prior written parental permission.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules contained the following at the end of subsection (n) of this section: "(Carter's Law, Act 1208)".