Rule 5180:2-9-28 | Bedrooms.
(A) What are the space requirements for bedrooms in a children's residential center (CRC)?
All bedrooms contained within a CRC are to have seventy-four square feet for the initial occupant and an additional fifty square feet for each additional occupant, and a ceiling height of at least seven feet, six inches.
(1) If a residential facility certified prior to the effective date of this rule has an approved variance for the square footage requirement, the facility may still remain in operation as long as the agency has a copy of the approved variance on file for review by the department of children and youth (DCY).
(2) All facilities certified after the effective date of this rule are to adhere to the square footage requirements of this paragraph.
(B) How are bedrooms to be assigned in a CRC or group home?
Bedrooms in a CRC or group home are to be used to sleep children of the same sex.
(C) What is the maximum number of children allowed per bedroom?
No bedroom in a residential facility, constructed or put into use after January 1, 1991, can be used to sleep more than four children.
(D) Can non-ambulatory children sleep on upper floors?
A residential facility is not to permit non-ambulatory children to sleep above the entry level of a building, unless the facility is specifically approved for such children by the state fire marshal or a local certified fire safety inspector.
(E) What are the window requirements for bedrooms?
Each bedroom in a residential facility is to have at least one outside wall window. The window is to be equipped with a means for providing privacy. The window is also to be screened and capable of opening and closing, unless the room is provided with a ventilation system which provides a regular change of fresh air such as a central air conditioning system.
(F) Do live-in child care staff need separate sleeping spaces?
Residential facilities are to provide separate sleeping space for live-in child care staff.
(G) Can bedrooms be accessed through another bedroom or bathroom?
Bedrooms in a residential facility must not require a child to pass through another bedroom or bathroom, and no other person should need to pass through a child's bedroom to access another room.
(1) If a residential facility certified prior to December 1, 2010, has an approved variance for the pass through requirement, the facility may still remain in operation as long as the agency has a copy of the approved variance on file for review by DCY.
(2) All facilities certified after December 1, 2010, are to adhere to the pass through requirements of this paragraph.
(H) Are there other requirements for bedrooms?
All bedrooms in a residential facility are to have a standard door that is capable of opening and closing.
(I) What are the requirements for beds in a residential facility?
Each bedroom in a residential facility is to have one bed for each child assigned to the bedroom. Beds are not to be less than thirty inches wide and not less than five feet in length and appropriate to the child's size. Each bed is to have a clean and comfortable mattress. A child's bed should not be used by another child when the child is temporarily away from the facility.
(1) If a residential facility certified prior to December 1, 2010, has an approved variance for any requirement of this paragraph, the facility may still remain in operation as long as the agency has a copy of the approved variance on file for review by DCY.
(2) All facilities certified after December 1, 2010, are to adhere to the requirements of this paragraph.
(J) How often should bedding be changed and laundered?
(1) Sheets and pillowcases are to be changed and laundered at least weekly or more frequently if needed. Waterproof mattress coverings are to be provided to a child as needed.
(2) Each child in a residential facility is to be provided with clean sheets, pillowcases, a pillow, and blankets.
(K) What are the bunk bed safety requirements?
(1) Bunk beds in residential facilities should provide a safe and secure sleeping environment. To ensure safety, upper bunks need to have protective safety rails for children under ten or for those who may require extra support due to physical, mental, or emotional needs.
(2) Children under six years of age are to sleep on lower bunks.
(3) Bunk beds can be no higher than two tiers.
(4) Bunk beds can not be used in a residential parenting facility.
(L) Are children to be provided with storage space and an area for hanging clothes?
(1) Each child is to have storage for clothing and personal items in their bedroom and a space in their bedroom for hanging clothes.
(2) Each teenage mother in a residential parenting facility is to be provided with storage space and a space in their bedroom for hanging clothes for herself, and for her child's clothing, in her bedroom.
(M) What happens if required bedroom items are removed for safety?
If a residential facility removes any necessary items from a child's bedroom, the facility is to document the reason for the removal and is to have a statement showing the removal of the items was necessary for the safety and well-being of the child signed by one of the following:
(1) A licensed social worker.
(2) A licensed independent social worker.
(3) A licensed professional counselor.
(4) A licensed professional clinical counselor.
(5) A civil service employee engaging in social work or professional counseling for a residential facility operated by a public children services agency (PCSA) or a local public entity (LPE) as described in rule 5180:2-5-02 of the Administrative Code. If a civil service employee is not a licensed social worker or licensed counselor, the employee is not to sign statements for any other facility except a residential facility operated by the PCSA they are employed with.
(N) Can teenage mothers and their children share a bedroom with others?
(1) In a residential parenting facility, no teenage mother and her child is to share a bedroom with another teenage mother and her child.
(2) In a residential parenting facility, each teenage mother is to have a bed of her own and is not permitted to sleep with her child in the same bed.
(O) What are the crib safety requirements?
Each infant, toddler or preschool age child is to have an age appropriate bed. A bassinet is to be used only for infants under three months of age or less than fifteen pounds in weight. An infant or toddler under thirty-five inches in height is to be provided with a full sized crib which meets the following requirements:
(1) Cribs with a documented manufacture date after June 28, 2011, have to meet the new federal standards to be sold. The date of manufacture shall be attached to the crib.
(2) Any crib manufactured before June 28, 2011, shall have a certificate of compliance (COC) on file. The facility may have to contact the manufacturer of the crib to receive a COC if they do not request one from the retailer when they purchase the crib.
(3) Each crib shall be of sturdy construction and have:
(a) Each crib is to have a firm mattress which is at least one and one-half inches thick and covered with a waterproof material. The mattress is to fit snugly enough in the frame so that there is no more than a one and one-half inch gap between the mattress and the sides of the crib.
(b) The facility is responsible for monitoring for recall and safety information as issued by the consumer product safety commission (CPSC).
Last updated August 13, 2026 at 8:26 AM
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