2026 Minnesota Statutes

142H.14 FURNISHINGS, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES.

Subdivision 1.General requirements.

(a) Each center must have on the premises the quantity and type of equipment and materials necessary to implement the child care program plan under section 142H.11 and the indoor and outdoor equipment requirements in subdivisions 2 and 3.

(b) Equipment and furniture must be durable, in good repair, structurally sound, stable, and free of sharp edges, dangerous protrusions, points where extremities of a child could be pinched or crushed, and openings or angles that could trap part of a child.

(c) License holders and program staff must ensure equipment and furnishings are not hazardous objects as specified in section 142H.34, subdivision 17.

(d) Equipment designed and marketed for use by children must be appropriate to the age and size of children and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Equipment and play materials not designed or marketed for use by children, including but not limited to repurposed, homemade, and open-ended items, must be appropriate to the age and size of children, in good repair, and used under the supervision of a program staff person. Such equipment and play materials are not required to have manufacturer's instructions and are subject to the requirements of this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Indoor play equipment.

The license holder must provide sufficient indoor play equipment and materials so that at any point in the day when children are indoors and using equipment every child can choose from at least three activities involving equipment or materials. The quantity of indoor equipment provided must be based on the maximum licensed capacity of the classroom and must be accessible to children as specified in subdivision 5.

Subd. 3.Outdoor play equipment.

The license holder must provide sufficient outdoor play equipment and materials so that when all children are outdoors every child can choose from at least one activity involving equipment or materials. The quantity of outdoor equipment and materials provided must be based on the maximum licensed capacity and must be accessible to children as specified in subdivision 5.

Subd. 4.Interest areas.

The license holder must have equipment and materials in each of the following developmental and interest areas to support a child's learning and growth:

(1) creative arts and crafts;

(2) construction and building;

(3) social interaction, dramatic play, or practical life activities;

(4) math and science;

(5) music;

(6) fine motor skills;

(7) physical and movement activities;

(8) sensory exploration activities; and

(9) language and literacy.

Subd. 5.Equipment rotation and accessibility.

A child care program may rotate equipment throughout the day as specified in the child care program plan if the number of choices required in subdivisions 2 and 3 is available for each child in attendance. Equipment and materials from each interest area must be accessible to children at least once per day.

Subd. 6.Furnishings.

The license holder must ensure that each child has access to furniture that is developmentally appropriate and the appropriate size, including at a minimum:

(1) one diaper changing table for every 12 infants or 14 toddlers. The same table may not be counted to fulfill the requirement under this clause for both infants and toddlers;

(2) one hands-free covered diaper container per diaper changing table;

(3) one crib and waterproof mattress per infant, including enough cribs with wheels to evacuate the number of infants the program is licensed to serve;

(4) one cot or mat per toddler or preschooler. This clause does not apply to programs operating for less than five hours per day if rest is not indicated as part of the center's child care program;

(5) for infants, one nonfolding seating option per child based on licensed capacity; and

(6) for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, one nonfolding seating option per child based on licensed capacity, with a corresponding amount of table space to allow the child to do table work or eat a meal while seated.

Subd. 7.Supplies.

(a) The license holder must maintain enough diapers, disposable paper for the diaper changing table, facial tissues, liquid hand soap, and single-service towels to maintain cleanliness and sanitation for children in care.

(b) The license holder must provide at least two sets of sheets for each crib.

History:

2026 c 127 art 12 s 14

NOTE: This chapter, as added by Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 12, sections 1 to 37, is effective July 1, 2027. Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 12, section 41.