Rule 5180:2-12-12 | Safe equipment and environment for a licensed child care center.
(A) What are the safe equipment requirements for a child care center licensed by the Ohio department of children and youth (DCY)?
(1) Equipment, materials, and furniture shall be sturdy, safe, easy to clean and maintain, and in good condition.
(2) Furniture, equipment and materials which are not usable due to breakage or being a hazard shall be removed immediately and stored away from children until repaired or replaced.
(3) Air conditioners, heat pumps, electric fans and space heaters shall be mounted or placed out of the children's reach or have safeguards which prevent children from being injured. All heaters utilized by the child care center shall be approved in writing by the fire department and/or the building department.
(4) Indoor swings (excluding infant swings), slides, climbers, and climbing apparatuses shall not be placed over carpet, concrete, tile, or any similarly hard surface. There shall be shock absorbent protective covering under and around this equipment. If climbing equipment is over three feet high, landing mats at least one and one half inches thick shall be used. The protective covering shall be used and placed according to manufacturers' guidelines.
(5) All children's equipment shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
(6) General-use trampolines, ball pits, and inflatable play equipment intended for climbing and bouncing, including but not limited to slides and bounce houses shall not be permitted for use at the center. Individual-use, personal-sized therapy trampolines no larger than forty-eight inches in diameter may be used by children under direct supervision.
(B) What are the safe environment requirements for a licensed child care center?
(1) Weapons, firearms, and ammunition materials shall be kept inaccessible to children, out of sight of children, and secured in locked storage areas. The following groups may be permitted to have weapons in a child care center, unless specifically not permitted by the child care center owner or prohibited pursuant to division (C)(3)(a) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code:
(a) Handguns may be carried by an individual with a valid concealed handgun license and must be kept out of sight of the children.
(b) Weapons may be carried by an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces if also carrying valid military identification and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.
(c) Weapons may be carried by a law enforcement official who can document that his or her jurisdiction requires ready and immediate access to the weapon or as otherwise permitted pursuant to section 2923.1214 of the Revised Code.
(2) Illegal drugs and substances shall not be on the premises. Alcohol shall only be kept in areas not approved or used for child care.
(3) In accordance with section 2923.1212 of the Revised Code, the center shall post a sign that contains a statement in substantially the following form: "Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person's control, convey or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance onto these premises."
(4) The center shall maintain an indoor temperature of at least sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. If the center's indoor temperature exceeds eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit, ventilation that produces air movement or air conditioning shall be provided.
(5) Children in care shall be protected from any items and conditions which threaten their health, safety, and well-being, including but not limited to: stoves, bodies of water, window covering pull cords, telephone cords, electrical cords, extension cords, lead hazards, asbestos, wells, traffic, employee's personal belongings and other environmental hazards and dangerous situations. If a potential lead hazard is identified, DCY will make a referral to the appropriate agency.
(6) Floor surfaces shall be maintained to not cause a slipping or tripping hazard.
(7) Toys or other materials small enough to be swallowed shall be kept out of the reach of infants and toddlers.
(8) Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and supplies shall be stored in a space that is inaccessible to children. Cleaning agents, aerosol cans and all other chemical substances shall be stored in a designated area in their original containers and/or clearly labeled.
(a) School-age children may use cleaning equipment, supplies, and cleaning agents with adult supervision.
(b) The cleaning equipment, supplies, and cleaning agents may be accessible in spaces only used by school-age children.
(9) Mercury thermometers shall not be used.
(10) Electrical outlets, including surge protectors, within the reach of children shall have child proof receptacle covers when not in use unless designed with safety guards, except for space used only by school-age children.
(11) Renovations and remodeling to areas in which child care is provided shall be conducted in a safe manner to ensure that lead poison hazards are not introduced into the environment as required by Chapter 3742. of the Revised Code.
(12) Unless toilets and sinks are of suitable height for use by the children, the center shall provide a sturdy, nonslip platform on which the children may stand.
(13) Lawnmowers, sharp tools, machinery and other equipment shall not be used or stored where children have access to them.
(14) All areas used by children shall be ventilated and shall provide protection from rodents, insects and other hazards.
(15) Aerosol spray products shall not be used in rooms where children are in attendance.
(C) What are the regulations for having pets in a licensed child care center?
(1) Pets and animals are permitted if they present no apparent threat to the safety or health of the children.
(2) All local and state ordinances governing the keeping of animals (exotic or domesticated) shall be followed.
Last updated July 1, 2026 at 8:34 AM
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