OCFP Office of Child and Family Policy	Department of Children and Family Services
	Index No: 2000.10	Issuance Date: June 21, 2000
	Origin of Request: Central Office of Licensing
	Distribution: Licensing Staff, Administrative Staff, Office of Child and Family Policy (A,L,P)
	Key Words: 89 IAC 406, Licensing Standards For Day Care Homes, 89 IAC 408, Licensing Standards For Group Day Care Homes, Beds, Cots, Napping.
	Approved by:

Interpretation

Question: Is a separate bed or cot required for school-aged children in a day care home or group day care home?

Applicable To: Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes and Group Day Care Homes

Policy Citation: 406.14(h)(2): A separate sleeping arrangement, such as a bed, cot, crib, or playpen with individual bedding shall be provided for each child. A twin size bed may be used, for two children under age 4, provided each child shall have individual sheets.

408.70(d)(2) A separate sleeping arrangement, such as a bed, cot, crib, or playpen with individual bedding shall be provided for each child. A twin size bed may be used, for two children under age four, provided each child shall have individual sheets.

(Source: Amended at 21 Ill. Reg., effective April 1, 1997)

Discussion: The intent of subsections 406.14(h)(2) and 408.70(d)(2) is to ensure that napping children in day care homes and group day care homes are provided with a suitable sleeping arrangement.

During the daytime, many children 5 and older do not sleep or take naps. These subsections are not intended to require separate sleeping arrangements for children who will not be sleeping.

Response: Day care homes or group day care homes are not required to have separate cots or beds for daytime care of children five years of age and older who do not nap while in care. Determination of the napping requirements for children five years of age or older should be determined through discussion with the child care staff and the child and his or her primary caregivers.