(1) In a family home early learning program, the licensee must have a written plan for when the licensee will be absent but the program remains open for the care of children. If a family home licensee is absent more than ten consecutive operating days, the licensee must submit a written notification to the department and each child's parent or guardian at least two business days prior to the planned absence.

(2) In a center early learning program, the licensee must have a written plan for when the director, assistant director, and program supervisor will be simultaneously absent but the program remains open for the care of children. If the director, assistant director, and program supervisor are simultaneously absent for more than ten consecutive operating days, an early learning provider must submit a written notification to the department and each child's parent or guardian at least two business days prior to the planned absence.

(3) A written notification under this section must include the following information:

(a) The time period of the absence;

(b) Emergency contact information for the absent early learning provider; and

(c) A written plan for program staff to follow that includes:

(i) A staffing plan that meets child-to-staff ratios;

(ii) Identification of a lead teacher to be present and in charge;

(iii) Early learning program staff roles and responsibilities;

(iv) How each child's needs will be met during the absence; and

(v) The responsibility for meeting licensing requirements.

(4) If a facility licensing compliance agreement (FLCA) is developed as a result of early learning program staff failing to comply with licensing regulations during an absence described in this section, an early learning provider must:

(a) Retrain early learning program staff on the foundational quality standards documented on the FLCA; and

(b) Document that the retraining occurred.