Rule 5101:2-14-08 | Supervision of children and child guidance for a certified in-home aide.
(A) What are the requirements for supervision for a certified in-home aide (IHA)?
The IHA is to:
(1) Leave no child unsupervised. Supervision means the IHA has knowledge of a child's needs and accountability for a child's care at all times, including, but not limited to, developmental and behavioral needs and parental preferences. Supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the activity of each child and being near enough to respond and reach children immediately, including responding to the child's basic needs and protecting them from harm.
(2) Ensure all children in care are always within sight or hearing of the IHA. Within sight or hearing means without the use of mechanical devices such as baby monitors, video cameras or walkie talkies. The use of mirrors to view children in another room does not meet the supervision requirements of this rule.
(3) Not be under the influence of any substance that impairs the IHA's ability to supervise children and/or perform duties.
(4) Not be involved in any activities that interfere with the care of the children. This includes not being involved in other employment during the hours in which care is provided.
(5) Always have immediate access to a working telephone on the premises which is available and capable of making outgoing calls and receiving incoming calls.
(6) Not permit children to be exposed to inappropriate language or media.
(7) Provide supervised outdoor play in suitable weather for any infant over twelve months of age, toddler, preschool and school-age child cared for by the IHA for four or more consecutive daylight hours. Suitable weather is at a minimum of twenty-five to ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
(a) The IHA is to identify traffic hazards when outdoors and protect children from vehicular traffic.
(b) The IHA is to remain outdoors with infants, toddlers and preschoolers at all times.
(c) School-age children may be permitted in the outdoor play space without the IHA as long as the children remain within sight and hearing of the IHA if both of the following occur:
(i) The children are not engaged in higher risk activities such as, but not limited to, swimming, activities with animals, or using equipment with motors or moving parts.
(ii) The IHA is always able to intervene if needed.
(d) When the outdoor play space is not on the premises, the IHA is to accompany and supervise all children in transit and at the outdoor play space.
(e) Provide access to restroom facilities and drinking water during outdoor play times.
(B) What are the requirements for supervision of school-age children?
(1) With written parent permission, school-age children may leave the home for specific activities, including:
(a) Walking to and from school.
(b) Walking home or to another destination.
(2) The written permission is to specify:
(a) Child's name.
(b) Location of the activity.
(c) Arrangements for going to and from the activity.
(d) Start and end time of the activity.
(e) Time period for when the permission is given.
(f) Parent signature and date.
(C) What are the staff/child ratio and maximum group size requirements?
The IHA is to:
(1) Care for no more than six children at any one time. No more than three of the children may be under two years of age.
(2) Not exceed the maximum capacity at any time.
(3) Be the sole provider of care in the child's home.
(4) Care for no more than two of the IHA's own children in the child's home. These children are to be counted in the maximum group size of children as designated on the certificate.
(D) What are the child guidance techniques to be used by the IHA?
(1) The IHA is to follow appendix A to this rule regarding child guidance techniques to be used with the children, including the IHA's own children.
(2) The IHA is to communicate and consult with the parent prior to implementing a specific behavior management plan. This plan is to be in writing, signed by the parent, and is to be consistent with the requirements of this rule.
(E) What are the child abuse and neglect reporting requirements?
If the IHA suspects that a child has been abused or neglected, the IHA is to immediately notify the public children services agency (PCSA).
Last updated November 13, 2023 at 8:21 AM
Supplemental Information
Amplifies: 5104.019
Five Year Review Date: 11/12/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1982, 5/20/1983, 10/1/1983, 9/1/1986, 2/15/1988, 5/1/1989, 11/1/1991 (Emer.), 1/20/1992, 7/1/1995, 3/15/1996, 10/15/1996, 10/1/1997 (Emer.), 12/30/1997, 1/1/2001, 4/1/2003, 1/1/2007, 8/14/2008, 12/1/2009, 11/15/2010, 7/1/2011, 8/3/2013, 1/1/2014, 11/1/2015, 12/31/2016, 10/29/2017, 10/29/2021