Sec. 10.21.18.03. Program Model

A provider of therapeutic nursery services shall ensure that services:

A. Are appropriate to the cultural and psychosocial developmental needs of the child;

B. Are provided:

(1) For a minimum of 3 hours per day, 3 days per week at each site; and

(2) In either a free-standing program or as an integral component of a preschool program in which services are offered in a therapeutic milieu;

C. Are provided by staff who:

(1) As determined by the program, are appropriately credentialed and privileged; and

(2) Organize and manage the milieu to:

(a) Foster clinically appropriate social, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth;

(b) Handle aggression in a nonpunitive manner that promotes growth and learning;

(c) Reinforce the child's ability to function with peers in a social environment;

(d) Model and provide opportunities for children to behave in age-appropriate ways, such as:

(i) Being playful;

(ii) Assuming responsibility for carrying out routine activities;

(iii) Exhibiting independence and initiative in planning their own learning;

(iv) Getting along with others; and

(v) Being courteous;

(e) Facilitate the child's awareness of appropriate behavior in a predictable, constructive, and timely manner; and

(f) Help children to make choices and to negotiate disagreements among themselves, rather than resolving conflicts for them;

D. Are provided in an environment that:

(1) Is consistent with existent standards of program design;

(2) Is organized so that the child can function in an environment with a minimum of adult direction;

(3) Has space that facilitates the activities of each learning center allocated to each center;

(4) Has sufficient space and separation between learning centers so that children can engage in activities of their choice without distracting or being distracted by others;

(5) Provides materials that are available for children's use and are otherwise appropriately stored; and

(6) Displays exhibits of children's work that reflect children's current experiences, developmental level, diversity, and individuality;

E. Are designed to develop or improve the ability of the primary caretaker to care for the child; and

F. Maintain linkage with schools and preschool programs to effect transition at the appropriate time and with the necessary support services.