1. A. Materials and Equipment. In addition to any other requirements of law or regulation, the therapeutic nursery program shall:

   1. (1) Provide a sufficient quantity and variety of materials and equipment for indoor and outdoor activities, according to the numbers and ages of the children enrolled, including materials and equipment for:

      1. (a) Vigorous play;
      2. (b) Creative or dramatic play;
      3. (c) Socialization;
      4. (d) Manipulation, including construction, exploration of art, music, language arts, and science; and
      5. (e) Individual pursuits;
   2. (2) Store materials and equipment so that they are accessible to a child at the appropriate time; and

   3. (3) Ensure that the materials and equipment used by children in the therapeutic nursery are:

      1. (a) Safe;
      2. (b) Clean;
      3. (c) Nontoxic;
      4. (d) Free from hazards, including lead paint;
      5. (e) In good repair; and
      6. (f) Age appropriate.

2. B. Furnishings. In addition to any other requirements of law or regulation, the therapeutic nursery program shall provide:

   1. (1) Furnishings that are proportional to a child's size; and

   2. (2) At least the following:

      1. (a) Multipurpose tables and chairs; and
      2. (b) A suitable crib, bed, cot, or mat and clean bedding for each child who requires a rest period during the hours of operation of the therapeutic nursery.

3. C. Storage. In addition to any other requirements of law or regulation, the therapeutic nursery program shall:

   1. (1) Provide storage for:

      1. (a) Materials and equipment that are for a child's use;
      2. (b) Portable equipment intended for outdoor use;
      3. (c) Beds and bedding when they are not in use;
      4. (d) Each child's clothing and possessions in a space designated for each child; and
      5. (e) Materials, equipment, furnishings, and supplies being held in reserve; and

   2. (2) Ensure that all potentially hazardous items, including knives, tools, poisonous and toxic materials, prescription and nonprescription medicines, cleaning materials, and matches, are stored:

      1. (a) In a safe manner;
      2. (b) When applicable, in original containers; and
      3. (c) Out of the reach of children.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§10-901 and 10-902, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: January 2, 1995 (21:26 Md. R. 2187)