[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 45, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2006]
[CITE: 45CFR1304.53][Page 142-144]
TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE
CHAPTER XIII--OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PART 1304_PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION OF HEAD START PROGRAMS BY GRANTEE AND DELEGATE AGENCIES--Table of Contents
Subpart D_Program Design and Management

Sec. 1304.53 Facilities, materials, and equipment

(b) Head Start equipment, toys, materials, and furniture

(1) Grantee and delegate agencies must provide and arrange sufficient equipment, toys, materials, and furniture to meet the needs and facilitate the participation of children and adults. Equipment, toys, materials, and furniture owned or operated by the grantee or delegate agency must be:

(i) Supportive of the specific educational objectives of the local program;

(ii) Supportive of the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the children;

(iii) Age-appropriate, safe, and supportive of the abilities and developmental level of each child served, with adaptations, if necessary, for children with disabilities;

(iv) Accessible, attractive, and inviting to children;

(v) Designed to provide a variety of learning experiences and to encourage each child to experiment and explore;

(vi) Safe, durable, and kept in good condition; and

(vii) Stored in a safe and orderly fashion when not in use.

(2) Infant and toddler toys must be made of non-toxic materials and must be sanitized regularly.

(3) To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), all sleeping arrangements for infants must use firm mattresses and avoid soft bedding materials such as comforters, pillows, fluffy blankets or stuffed toys.