Section 407.230  Intergenerational Programs

a)         The requirements of this Section shall apply to programs in which children and adults who are enrolled in a structured care setting are co-participants in a program that occurs at least monthly on a regular basis.

b)         When children and older adults are co-participants in an intergenerational program, a written statement shall be developed that includes:

1)         The program's purpose and goals;

2)         An outline of the activities or means of achieving program goals;

3)         The expectations of the program.

c)         There shall be a signed written agreement between the cooperating programs or facilities, defining the responsibilities of each.

d)         Intergenerational activities shall be guided by written plans that address the following:

1)         The goals and objectives of each activity;

2)         Activity pre-planning, orientation of participant groups, implementation and follow-up;

3)         Planning for group size, room arrangement and participant interaction;

4)         The specific responsibilities of child care staff during each activity;

5)         The supervision of adult participants during each activity;

6)         Evaluation of each activity.

e)         There shall be written policies addressing health and safety issues, including:

1)         Health screening for adult participants;

2)         Issues of infection control;

3)         Selection and supervision of adult participants;

4)         Screening out or termination of participants who display inappropriate or potentially harmful behavior.

f)         During intergenerational activities the child care staff familiar to the child shall remain present. The ratio of child care staff to participating children shall remain in accordance with Section 407.190. Child care staff shall not be expected to supervise adult participants.

g)         The day care center shall obtain and keep on file the following information from the adult program:

1)         The names, titles and contact information for the adult program supervisors;

2)         The plan for supervision of adult participants, including the names of staff and their direct responsibilities during program activities;

3)         The full name, address, telephone number and responsible party, if applicable, for each adult participant.

h)         Each time the intergenerational visit occurs, an attendance record shall be kept by the day care center which includes:

1)         The full name of each child participating on that day;

2)         The full name of each adult participant for that day;

3)         The full name of every staff member present from both the child care and adult programs.

i)          Prior to beginning an intergenerational program, the staff from the day care center shall receive orientation that includes:

1)         Information about the purpose and goals of the program;

2)         Specifics about how the program will operate;

3)         Information about the role of the day care center staff during the program and the expected interactions between child care and adult program staff;

4)         Information about the aging process, psycho/social needs of older adults and techniques for promoting the development of satisfying relationships between young children and older adults;

5)         Specific guidance in preparing children for participation in the intergenerational program.

j)          Signed permission shall be obtained from each child's parents, allowing participation in the intergenerational program. This permission shall be maintained in the child's record.

(Source:  Added at 22 Ill. Reg. 1728, effective January 1, 1998)