Each unit in a multi-unit child care center shall meet the following staff/child ratios and group sizes for children:

1. (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group;

2. (2) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and children under two years of age are in care, that person shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties which are not direct child care responsibilities;

   1. (a) The unit shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief and who can respond within a reasonable period of time; or
   2. (b) There shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. This second adult may be a person in another licensed unit within the multi-unit center or support staff within the building.

History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-86; 110-88; 110-91;
Eff. January 1, 2024.