§ 36.74 - Homeliving (dormitory operations).

Staff shall be provided so that at least one adult is on duty at all times when students are in the dormitory. Each dormitory program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Every dormitory facility shall be under the direct supervision of a dormitory manager. A building composed of separate wings or several floors shall be counted as one facility.

(b) Each dormitory operation shall provide the following minimum on-duty paraprofessional staff to student ratio (ADM):

RatioGrades 1 to 6 Weekdays:Mornings 1:30During school hours 1:40Evenings 1:30Nights 1:40Weekends:Mornings 1:30Evenings 1:30Nights 1:40 Grades 7 to 12 Weekdays:Mornings 1:50During school hours 1:80Evenings 1:50Nights 1:80Weekends:Mornings 1:50Evenings 1:50Nights 1:80 Dormitory operations for grades one through eight are encouraged to provide additional staff aides during the time children in the primary grades are dressing and preparing for breakfast and school. Staff ratios on weekends shall be reduced at boarding schools to adjust for those students who go home, according to the above ratio.

(c) Group instruction and discussion session shall be held on various topics at least on a monthly basis, but preferably on a weekly basis. Topics to be presented may be determined by a committee comprised of students, staff, administrators, and parents. These topics shall include discussions of problems or needs that exist at the location and/or community.

(d) Each dormitory facility shall be cleaned daily when in operation to provide a safe and sanitary environment. Student assistance may be utilized; however, the responsibility for the cleanliness, safety, and sanitation of the facility shall rest with the dormitory administrator. Bed and bath linen shall be changed a minimum of once per week. Necessary toiletry items shall be made available to those students who are economically unable to provide them.

(e) Dormitory operations shall have access to clothes washers and dryers. Equipment shall be utilized only for students’ clothing. In grades one through six, residential paraprofessionals shall be responsible for the upkeep of clothing. Students in grades seven through 12 shall be responsible for the upkeeping of their own clothing. In grades seven through 12, students shall be allowed to wash and dry their clothing after training is given in using the machines. Contracting for student clothing care may also be utilized under this part.

(f) A system of student accountability shall be established at each residential facility. Minimum requirements of the system shall include an attendance procedure at least four (4) times per normal waking day for grades one through eight and two (2) times for grades nine through 12. However, students in grades seven through 12 may be allowed to have a self check-in system provided that an employee reviews the roster within an hour of each designated check-in time. During sleeping hours, students in grades one through eight shall be checked on an hourly basis; students in grades nine through 12 shall be checked every two (2) hours. At the start of each school day, residential facilities supervisors shall report to the school office which students will not be in attendance. An intra-school pass system shall be developed and implemented.

(g) Students shall be permitted to be released from the dormitory overnight, on weekends, or during vacation periods only when prior written approval is granted by the parent or guardian and only if the local school board adopts a policy governing the conditions of release. Such policy must adhere to the concept that the dormitory/school is acting in “loco parentis.”

(h) Dormitory facilities shall have a designated room or rooms which shall be utilized as an isolation room(s) for student health care needs. Students isolated in such room(s) shall be checked on a minimum of an hourly basis.

(i) Each dormitory operation shall develop a written procedure for handling emergency situations. Such a procedure shall include names and telephone numbers of the responsible parties to contact in case of emergencies. Situations that shall be considered emergencies include life-threatening medical/health problems, power failures, walkaways, etc.

(j) A tutoring program shall be developed and implemented to assist those students having academic difficulties. Each dormitory operation shall provide a time and place where tutoring, homework, reading, and/or studying can be done for at least one hour daily.

(k) The responsible dormitory supervisor shall be accountable for reporting any hazardous or defective items in the dormitory to the appropriate supervisor and plant manager.

(l) Leisure-time activities shall be provided to dormitory students. These activities may include recreational activities, clubs, arts/crafts, and reading of newspapers and periodicals. Television viewing shall not be considered as structured leisure time unless a scheduled program provides educational benefit.

(m) Lines of communication shall be established with other local social service agencies to assist in the resolution of problems that may extend beyond the confines of the dormitory. These agencies may be State, tribal, or Federal.

(n) Dormitory personnel will receive training in emergency first aid procedures.