1. (a) To qualify for a license to operate a class I child care home under this chapter, a person must do the following:

   1. (1) Provide documentation to the division that the licensee has received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate as described in IC 12-14-5-2 .

   2. (2) Provide documentation to the division that the licensee:

      1. (A) has completed;
      2. (B) is enrolled in; or

      3. (C) agrees to complete within the next three (3) years;

         a child development associate credential program or a similar program approved by the division.

   3. (3) Complete the training course taught or approved by the division concerning safe sleeping practices for a child within the person's care as described in IC 12-17.2-2-1 (10).

      The division may grant a waiver or variance of the requirement under subdivision (2).

2. (b) A class I child care home may serve a school age child during a break in the school year that exceeds four (4) weeks if the following conditions are met:

   1. (1) The school age child:

      1. (A) was in the home part time during the four (4) months preceding the break; or
      2. (B) has a sibling attending the child care home.

   2. (2) The child care home meets the following requirements:

      1. (A) Provides at least thirty-five (35) square feet for each child.
      2. (B) Maintains the child to staff ratio required under rules adopted by the division for each age group of children in attendance.
      3. (C) Provides age appropriate toys, games, equipment, and activities for each age group of children enrolled.

      4. (D) If the licensee does not reside in the child care home, the child care home has:

         1. (i) at least two (2) exits that comply with the exit requirements for an E-3 building occupancy classification under the Indiana building code adopted by the fire prevention and building safety commission; and
         2. (ii) an illuminated exit sign over each required exit or emergency lighting for each required exit.

   3. (3) The licensee for the child care home has maintained a class I child care home license for at least twelve (12) children:

      1. (A) for at least one (1) year; and
      2. (B) without any citations for noncompliance.

As added by P.L.247-2001, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.162-2005, SEC.3.