B – 020Does using infant cribs with solid plastic ends that are placed head to head in infant rooms meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards?
No. CFR 1304.22(e)(7) requires cribs and cots be placed at least three feet apart to avoid spreading contagious illness AND to allow easy access to each child. Cribs spaced less than three feet apart pose a safety hazard in the event the center must be evacuated during an emergency. Staff need immediate access to the children in emergency situations. Requirement 45 CFR 1304.
