Section 413.70  Requirements for Sleeping Arrangements

a)         Each host home child shall be provided their own separate bed.

b)         The supervising agency can require that a host home parent occupy sleeping quarters on the same level of the home as a host home child who has medical or behavioral issues that warrant close supervision.

c)         There shall be a minimum of 40 square feet, excluding the closet and wardrobe area, for the first child occupying a bedroom and a minimum of 35 square feet for each additional child sharing the room. However, the supervising agency may approve a smaller room size on an individual basis when such approval is in the best interests of the children. Such approvals shall be in writing and shall contain the names and birth dates of the children for whom the approval was issued. These approvals shall be reviewed at each license renewal.

d)         Licensees shall provide host home children with bedding that is appropriate, safe, clean, in good condition and equal to other bedding used by other household members. The springs and mattresses on each bed requiring such shall be level, clean, unsoiled with no rips or tears in the mattress or mattress cover, and not infested with insects.  The bedding shall be suitable for the season. 

e)         Linens shall be changed at least weekly for all host home children or as frequently as required to maintain clean and sanitary conditions.  Clean linens must be in place for each new host home child placement.

f)         Waterproof mattress covers shall be provided for all beds for children with enuresis and/or encopresis.

g)         Sleeping rooms shall be comfortable and shall be furnished suitably for the age of the host home child.