SECTION 747.1501. What general responsibilities do caregivers have in my child-care home?

(a) You and all other caregivers are responsible for seeing that children are:

(1) Treated with courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience;

(2) Recognized and respected for their uniqueness as an individual;

(3) Not abused, neglected, or exploited; and

(4) Released only to a parent or a person designated by a parent.

(b) You and all other caregivers must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to DFPS as specified in Texas Family Code §261.101.

(c) You and all other caregivers must also:

(1) Demonstrate competency, good judgment, and self-control in the presence of children;

(2) Know and comply with the minimum standards specified in this chapter;

(3) Supervise children at all times, as specified in §747.1503 of this division (relating to What responsibilities does a caregiver have when supervising a child or children?);

(4) Be free from other activities not directly involving the teaching, care, and supervision of children, such as:

(A) Administrative and clerical duties that take the caregiver's attention away from the children;

(B) Janitorial duties; and

(C) Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, and video games. Cell phones may be briefly used for necessary phone calls, as long as appropriate supervision is maintained;

(5) Provide care that is consistent with the child's habits, interests, strengths, and any special needs, including any special supervision needs or care as outlined in §747.2107 of this chapter (relating to What are my responsibilities when planning activities for a child in care with special care needs?);

(6) Interact with children in a positive manner; and

(7) Set appropriate behavior expectations based on the child's current stage of development.

Source Note: The provisions of this §747.1501 adopted to be effective September 1, 2003, 28 TexReg 1462; amended to be effective December 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 10266; amended to be effective April 15, 2017, 42 TexReg 1906; transferred effective March 9, 2018, as published in the Texas Register February 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 909; amended to be effective March 1, 2023, 48 TexReg 950