(1) An early learning provider must only allow the following persons to have unsupervised access to a child in care:

(a) That child's own parent or guardian;

(b) Licensees or early learning program staff authorized by the department in chapter 110-06 WAC;

(c) A government representative including an emergency responder who has specific and verifiable authority for access, supported by documentation; and

(d) A person authorized in writing or over the phone by that child's parent such as a family member, family friend, or the child's therapist or health care provider.

(2) An early learning provider must meet capacity, group size, mixed age grouping, and staff-to-child ratios while children are in care. This includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Indoor and outdoor play activities;

(b) Off-site activities;

(c) During transportation;

(d) Meal times;

(e) Rest periods;

(f) Evening or overnight care; and

(g) When children are on different floor levels of the early learning program.

(3) An early learning provider must supervise children in care by:

(a) Scanning the environment looking and listening for both verbal and nonverbal cues to anticipate problems and plan accordingly;

(b) Visibly checking children on many occasions with little time in between;

(c) Positioning themselves to supervise all areas accessible to children;

(d) Attending to children and being aware of what children are doing at all times;

(e) Being available and able to promptly assist or redirect a child as necessary; and

(f) Considering the following when deciding whether increased supervision is needed:

(i) Ages of children;

(ii) Individual differences and abilities of children;

(iii) Layout of the indoor and outdoor licensed space and play area;

(iv) The risk associated with the activities children are engaged in; and

(v) Any nearby hazards including those in the licensed or unlicensed space.

(4) An early learning program staff member may undertake other activities for a temporary time period when not required to be providing active supervision required under subsection (5)(c) of this section. Such activities include, but are not limited to, cleaning up after an activity or preparing items for a new activity. This early learning staff member must remain in visual or auditory range, and be available and able to respond if needed.

(5) An early learning provider must:

(a) Not use devices such as a baby monitors, video monitors, or mirrors in place of supervision, unless used pursuant to WAC 110-300-0270(5);

(b) Be able to hear when doors in the immediate area are opened to prevent children from leaving unsupervised;

(c) Actively supervise children when the children:

(i) Interact with pets or animals;

(ii) Engage in water or sand play;

(iii) Play in an area in close proximity to a body of water;

(iv) Use a safe route to access an outdoor play area not immediately adjacent to the early learning program;

(v) Engage in planned activities in the kitchen;

(vi) Ride on public transportation;

(vii) Engage in outdoor play; and

(viii) During field trips.

(d) Ensure no infant or child is left unattended during:

(i) Diapering;

(ii) Bottle feeding; or

(iii) Tummy time.

(e) Provide developmentally appropriate supervision to children while bathing.