1. A. For indoor and outdoor activities, an operator shall provide to each group of children in care a sufficient quantity and variety of activity materials, equipment, and furnishings according to the numbers, ages, and developmental needs of the children.

2. B. Activity materials and equipment shall be:

   1. (1) Provided for:

      1. (a) Vigorous play;
      2. (b) Creative and dramatic play;
      3. (c) Socialization;
      4. (d) Manipulation, including construction materials;
      5. (e) Exploration of art, music, language arts, and science; and
      6. (f) Individual pursuits;
   2. (2) Appropriate to each child's individual development of cognitive, social, emotional, and fine and gross motor skills;
   3. (3) Easily accessible to each child for whose use they are intended; and
   4. (4) In good repair, clean, nontoxic, and free from hazards including lead paint.
3. C. In reviewing materials and equipment in before-school and after-school programs, the office shall take into consideration that the child has attended an instructional program during regular school hours.
4. D. Furnishings used by a child shall be scaled in proportion to the child's size.
5. E. The operator shall provide multipurpose tables and chairs for children who are 2 years old or older.

Authority: Education Article, §§9.5-115, 9.5-401, 9.5-404—9.5-411, and 9.5-413—9.5-418; General Provisions Article, §4-333;
Human Services Article, §1-202; Annotated Code of Maryland
Agency Note: Federal Statutory Reference — Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.);
Pro-Children Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. §6081 et seq.);
Child Care Development Block Grant (45 CFR Parts 98 and 99 and 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.);
Social Security Act §418 (42 U.S.C. 618)

Effective date: October 20, 2008 (35:21 Md. R. 1826)

Regulation .01A amended effective April 29, 2024 (51:8 Md. R. 367)

Regulation .01C adopted effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md. R. 883)

Regulation .02D adopted effective March 17, 2025 (52:5 Md. R. 238)

Regulation .04 amended effective April 29, 2024 (51:8 Md. R. 367)

Regulation .04G adopted effective January 13, 2020 (47:1 Md. R. 14)