10A NCAC 09 .1726         PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA

(a)  The operator of a family child care home licensed to care for children up to five years of age shall develop and adopt policies to assist staff in preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" includes the operator, additional caregivers, substitute providers, and uncompensated providers. The policy shall include:

(1)           how to recognize, respond to, and report the signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. Signs and symptoms include: irritability, difficulty staying awake, difficulty breathing, inability to lift the head, seizures, lack of appetite, vomiting, and bruises;

(2)           strategies to assist staff in coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child;

(3)           strategies to ensure staff members in understanding how to care for infants;

(4)           strategies to ensure staff understand the brain development of children up to five years of age;

(5)           a list of prohibited behaviors shall include, but not be limited to, shaking a child, tossing a child into the air or into a crib, chair, or car seat, and pushing a child into walls, doors, and furniture; and

(6)           resources to assist staff and families in preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma.

(b)  A copy of the policy shall be given and explained to the parents of children up to five years of age on or before the first day the child receives care at the home. The operator shall obtain the parent's signature. The acknowledgement shall contain the following and be maintained in the child's file for review by the Division:

(1)           the child's name;

(2)           the date the child first attended the home;

(3)           the date the operator's policy was given and explained to the parent;

(4)           the parent's name;

(5)           the parent's signature; and

(6)           the date the parent signed the acknowledgment.

(c)  If an operator changes the policy at any time, the operator shall give written notice of the change to the child's parent 14 days prior to the implementation of the new policy and the parent shall sign a statement that attests that a copy of the new policy was given to and discussed with him or her. The operator shall obtain the parent's signature and this statement shall be maintained in the child's file for review by the Division.

(d)  The operator shall review the policy with staff prior to the individual providing care to children. The acknowledgement of this review shall contain the following:

(1)           the individual's name;

(2)           the date the operator's policy was given and explained to the individual;

(3)           the individual's signature; and

(4)           the date the individual signed the acknowledgment.

The operator shall retain the acknowledgement in the staff member's file.

(e)  If an operator changes the policy at any time, the operator shall review the revised policy with staff 14 days prior to the implementation of the new policy. The individual shall sign a statement that attests that a copy of the new policy was given to and discussed with him or her. This statement shall be kept in the staff member's file.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B-168.3;

Temporary Adoption Eff. September 23, 2016;

Eff. October 1, 2017;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2019.