8VAC20-800-580: General requirements for programs

A. In order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, caregivers shall:

1. Talk to the child;

2. Provide needed help, comfort, and support;

3. Respect personal privacy;

4. Respect differences in cultural, ethnic, and family backgrounds;

5. Encourage decision-making abilities;

6. Promote ways of getting along;

7. Encourage independence and self-direction; and

8. Use consistency in applying expectations.

B. Caregivers shall provide age-appropriate activities for children in care throughout the day that:

1. Are based on the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the children;

2. Reflect the diversity of enrolled children's families, culture, and ethnic backgrounds; and

3. Enhance the total development of children.

C. Daily age-appropriate activities shall include:

1. Opportunities for alternating periods of indoor active and quiet play depending on the ages of the children;

2. Opportunities for vigorous outdoor play daily, depending upon the weather, the ages, and the health of the children;

3. Opportunities for one or more regularly scheduled rest or nap periods. Children unable to sleep shall be provided time and space for quiet play;

4. Opportunities for children to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them;

5. Opportunities for children to exercise initiative and develop independence in accordance with their ages; and

6. Opportunities for structured and unstructured play time and provider-directed and child-initiated learning activities.