I am writing to express concern regarding the proposed standards for "Daily activities" under 8VAC20-781-310, specifically regarding visual media. While prohibiting media for infants is a necessary step, the current draft remains insufficient because it permits toddlers to view up to two hours of media daily without parental notification and creates a loophole for "educational content" that could theoretically allow unlimited screen time for children over two. This lack of specific restrictions prevents parents from effectively monitoring the total screen time exposure their children receive and does not align with best practices for early childhood development.

I strongly urge the Board to amend Subsection C to place control of media consumption in the hands of parents, similar to the existing standards for field trips. Instead of arbitrary time limits that are difficult to enforce, the regulation should require that written parental permission—either specific or via a detailed blanket agreement—be secured before any visual media is used. Adopting this parental consent model ensures transparency, protects children from unchecked screen exposure, and respects the right of families to regulate media usage for their young children.