8VAC20-790-690: Daily activities

A. The variety of daily activities for all age groups shall be age and stage appropriate and provide opportunities for teacher-directed, self-directed, and self-chosen tasks and activities, a balance of active and quiet activities, indoor and outdoor activities, individual and group activities, and curiosity and exploration.

B. For a child who cannot move without help, staff shall offer to change the place and position of the child at least every 30 minutes or more frequently depending on the child's individual needs. For an awake infant not playing on the floor or ground a change in play space shall be provided by staff at least every 30 minutes or more often as determined by the individual infant's needs.

C. There shall be a flexible daily schedule for infants based on their individual needs.

D. Infants shall be allowed to sleep when needed.

1. When an infant is placed in his crib, he shall be placed on his back (supine).

2. When an infant is able to easily turn over from the back (supine) to the belly (prone) position and is placed in his crib, he shall still be put on his back but allowed to adopt whatever position he prefers. This applies unless otherwise directed by the infant's physician or health care provider in writing.

3. Resting or sleeping infants shall be individually checked every 15 to 20 minutes.

E. Infants shall be provided comfort when needed.

F. Staff shall provide frequent opportunities for infants to creep, crawl, toddle, and walk.

G. Infants who cannot turn themselves over and are awake shall be placed on their stomachs for at least 30 minutes each day to facilitate upper body strength and to address misshapen head concerns.

H. Infants shall be protected from older children.