Library: Policy

340:110-3-289. Learning program principles

Revised 6-1-22

(a) General. Each child is:

(1) provided an environment that:

(A) meets the needs and encourages full participation of all children;

(B) includes play equipment and activities fostering inclusivity of diverse cultures and families; and

(C) is equipped and prepared for learning based on each child's age, needs, and interests; and

(2) provided multiple opportunities to play the majority of the day individually or in small, informal groups;

(3) allowed to choose activities balanced between teaching personnel-directed and child-selected; and

(4) encouraged, but not forced, to participate in program activities, with adaptations ensuring safety and participation.

(b) Daily classroom schedules.  Classroom schedules provide consistent routines.

(1) Classroom schedules are:

(A) a sequence of activities indicating times of day;

(B) developed for each classroom;

(C) followed with reasonable regularity;

(D) age-appropriate; and

(E) posted, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-3-281.1(i).

(2) Classroom schedules at least include:

(A) alternating periods of quiet and active play;

(B) indoor and outdoor play;

(C) meal and snack time;

(D) rest time, when applicable; and

(E) transportation, when applicable.

(c) Transition times.  Teaching personnel have short-term activities, such as songs, stories, and exercises reducing waiting periods in between children's activities.

(d) Weekly lesson plans.  Lesson plans provide varying daily activities by including diverse topics, projects, or ideas influenced by children's curiosity and interests.

(1) Lesson plans are:

(A) developed weekly indicating plans for each day;

(B) developed for each classroom;

(C) followed with flexibility;

(D) different each week; and

(E) posted, per OAC 340:110-3-281.1(i).

(2) Lesson plans at least include daily indoor and outdoor learning activities and experiences that:

(A) are developmentally appropriate;

(B) meet children's needs and stimulate learning in developmental areas, such as:

(i) social;

(ii) emotional;

(iii) cognitive;

(iv) language, including reading to children at least 15 minutes per day and providing writing opportunities;

(v) creative expression, such as art and music; and

(vi) physical, including at least one activity teaching personnel lead and participate in; and

(C) balance gross and fine motor activities; and

(D) use a variety of equipment and materials.

(e) Interest areas.  Play equipment is arranged in interest areas in classrooms with children 2 years of age or older.  However, children may move the play equipment between interest areas while playing.  Required interest areas include:

(1) art;

(2) blocks;

(3) books and language;

(4) dramatic play; and

(5) manipulatives.

(f) Play equipment accessibility.  Required play equipment, per OAC 340 Appendix MM – Equipment, for the:

(1) licensed capacity is maintained at the facility; and

(2) classroom is proportionate in amount and variety to the number of children in attendance and within children's reach.

(g) Play equipment rotation.  Play equipment may be rotated to maintain children's interest.

(h) Outdoor play.  Daily outdoor play is ensured:

(1) for each child regardless of age, unless the child's health or safety is at risk, based on parent-provided written information; and

(2) provided weather and environmental conditions pose no significant health or safety risk, by:

(A) adjusting the time of day and amount of time outside;

(B) considering children's ages; and

(C) ensuring children wear weather-appropriate clothing.

(i) Electronic and print media.  Children may use media, provided these requirements are met.

(1) Electronic and print media are chosen with discretion and selectivity and are:

(A) non-violent;

(B) non-vulgar;

(C) non-sexually explicit;

(D) culturally sensitive; and

(E) age-appropriate, per widely accepted rating systems.

(2) When the internet is accessible for children's use, the program ensures children do not have access to inappropriate websites, email, instant messaging, and similar technology.

(3) Screen time is:

(A) viewing electronic media with a screen, such as television (TV), digital video display (DVD), videos, video games, phones, and computers.  Screen time includes viewing screens while others use the media;

(B) not used during meal and snack times.  However, snacks may be provided during occasional special activities;

(C) not used when all children in the group are 1-year-olds or younger; and

(D) limited for all other groups.

(i) Screen time is limited to:

(I) thirty minutes or less during the day for each child or group.  However, Saturday mornings may include an additional 30 minutes for each child or group; and

(II) one hour or less during the evening for each child or group in evening or overnight care.

(ii) Exceptions to limited screen time include:

(I) electronic media involving physical activity participation;

(II) electronic media when used for children's school-related educational activities;

(III) e-readers when used for reading;

(IV) smart boards and tables when used for hands-on learning activities, such as drawing or puzzles;

(V) occasional special activities, such as watching movies; and

(VI) assistive or adaptive technology for children with special needs.

(4) During rest time, personnel may use electronic media for child and classroom-related activities, provided supervision is maintained.

(j) Program for 1-year-olds and younger.  Awake children:

(1) spend a majority of time playing freely on the floor, including infant "tummy-time";

(2) are not permitted in infant car seats, except during emergency drills, transportation, and arrival and departure with parents; and

(3) do not remain for more than 20 minute increments in equipment restricting freedom of movement, such as rest equipment, swings, high chairs, or stationary activity centers, except while eating in high chairs or similar stationary equipment.  Children only sleep in appropriate rest equipment, per OAC 340:110-3-296.