Bill > HB1819

This bill, known as Conrad's Law, establishes new provisions for licensed child care facilities in Missouri, focusing on the care of children with "special needs," which refers to special physical, developmental, or behavioral needs. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will implement rules for nonrestrained safe sleep policies for children over one year old and those with special needs, including specific guidelines for the use of weighted blankets, which cannot exceed five pounds and must not be used on children under one year old. The bill also mandates safe rest options for nonnapping children, allowing for supervised quiet-play activities, and requires a care plan for children with special needs that must be reviewed and signed by parents, facility staff, and the child's primary care provider. Furthermore, all licensed and registered child care facilities must complete at least one hour of training related to special needs care, with additional specific training required for staff caring for a child with special needs, all monitored by the Office of Childhood. These provisions do not apply to children under one year of age, whose safe sleep policies are governed by a different section of law.