Effective immediately, full size cribs are no longer required. The rules addressing crib requirements for child care centers will be revised to reflect this change. However, as many programs are currently replacing their older cribs with new cribs that meet the new federal standards, the department wanted programs to be notified as soon as possible. Until the rule changes are finalized, during licensing inspection visits, child care centers will be assessed according to the revised requirements contained in this letter.

The revised rule language will state that cribs must be used according to manufacturer's instructions and to discontinue the use of the porta crib when the child is able to climb out or reaches the height of thirty-five inches. Current rule language requiring the program to have a combination of porta cribs and full size cribs shall be removed. Current language regarding infants being able to be placed on a cot at sixteen months with parental permission and language regarding infants who are over thirty-five inches tall shall stay the same.

The electronic versions of the child care manuals are located at: http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov. These manuals contain all child care rules, transmittal letters, procedure letters and forms. Please contact the Office of Family Assistance, Child Care Policy Help Desk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4, or your licensing specialist if you have any questions regarding this new crib policy.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the material that needs to be inserted into the Child Care Center Manual (CCCM).