(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department develop modified staffing levels and requirements for crisis nurseries, provided that the health, safety, and well-being of the children in care are protected and maintained. (1) All caregivers shall be certified in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid. Certification shall be demonstrated by current and valid pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid cards issued by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, by a training program that has been approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority pursuant to Section 1797.191, or from an accredited college or university. (2) The licensee shall develop, maintain, and implement a written staff training plan for the orientation, continuing education, on-the-job training and development, supervision, and evaluation of all lead caregivers, caregivers, and volunteers. The licensee shall incorporate the training plan in the crisis nursery plan of operation. (3) The licensee shall designate at least one lead caregiver to be present at the crisis nursery at all times when children are present. The lead caregiver shall have one of the following education and experience qualifications: (A) Completion of 12 postsecondary semester units or equivalent quarter units, with a passing grade, as determined by the institution, in classes with a focus on early childhood education, child development, or child health at an accredited college or university, as determined by the department, and six months of work experience in a licensed group home, licensed infant care center, or comparable group child care program or family day care. At least three semester units, or equivalent quarter units, or equivalent experience shall include coursework or experience in the care of infants. (B) A current and valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, with the appropriate age level endorsement issued by the CDA National Credentialing Program, and at least six months of on-the-job training or work experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program. (C) A current and valid Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing pursuant to Sections 80105 to 80116, inclusive, of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. (4) Lead caregivers shall have a minimum of 24 hours of training and orientation before working with children. One year experience in a supervisory position in a child care or group care facility may substitute for 16 hours of training and orientation. The written staff training plan shall require the lead caregiver to receive and document a minimum of 20 hours of annual training directly related to the functions of his or her position. (5) Caregiver staff shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of initial training within the first 90 days of employment. Eight hours of training shall be completed before the caregiver staff are responsible for children, left alone with children, and counted in the staff-to-child ratios described in subdivision (c). A maximum of four hours of training may be satisfied by job shadowing. (b) The department shall allow the use of fully trained and qualified volunteers as caregivers in a crisis nursery, subject to the following conditions: (1) Volunteers shall be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a criminal record review as specified in subdivision (b) of Section 1522. (2) Volunteers shall complete a child abuse central index check as specified in Section 1522.1. (3) Volunteers shall be in good physical health and be tested for tuberculosis not more than one year prior to, or seven days after, initial presence in the facility. (4) Volunteers shall complete a minimum of 16 hours of training as specified in paragraphs (5) and (6). (5) Prior to assuming the duties and responsibilities of a crisis caregiver or being counted in the staff-to-child ratio, volunteers shall complete a
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