Following are some of the most common areas to check when assessing the health and safety components of a child care environment.

Capacity of Child Care Program

Every licensed child care program is required to post their license in the facility. Check the license to see how many children may be in care at any time. Count the children present to ensure the number of children does not exceed the capacity on the license.

Guidance / Discipline

Corporal punishment (spanking or hitting a child) is never allowed in child care. Unusual punishment such as humiliation or any punishment involving eating, sleeping or toileting is never allowed.

Emergency Preparedness

The facility has a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and working telephone. Emergency phone numbers are posted near the telephone. An emergency escape plan is available and practiced regularly. A well-stocked first aid kit is readily available and at least one staff member is trained in First Aid and CPR.

Potential Poisons

All detergents, cleansers, mouthwashes, medicines and other potential poisons are kept out of reach of children at all times. Poisonous plants are identified and removed from children's areas.

Temperature and Ventilation

The temperature in the facility is appropriate and ventilation is adequate.

Walkways

All walkways are free of tripping hazards such as electric cords, throw rugs, toys, etc. Stairways are protected with gates.

Space and Equipment

There is enough space for the children to move about freely. There are toys for children of different ages in care. Child care equipment such as cribs, high chairs, toys, etc. are in working order and free of broken or loose parts. Small objects are not within reach of an infant or toddler. Sharp or breakable objects are out of reach of children.

Supervision

Children are properly supervised by qualified staff members at all times.

Miscellaneous

Safety covers are on all unused wall plugs. No frayed extension cords or overloaded wall plugs are present. Windows, doors and screens are secure. Cords from curtains and blinds are out of children's reach. Freezers or other large chests are locked or inaccessible. Plastic bags or wrappings are out of children's reach.

Outdoor Play Areas

The fence is in good condition. The yard gate latches securely. Yard is checked daily for hazards such as broken glass, tools, toadstools, etc. Sandbox is covered when not in use. Playground has a shock-absorbing surface. Play equipment is free of hazards such as splinters, rusty nails and lead paint. Any fish ponds, swimming pools or other bodies of water are absolutely inaccessible to the children.

Health Checklist

• The facility has a health policy which includes criteria for excluding an ill child from care.
• An isolation area is available for children who become ill in care.
• The facility is clean, especially kitchen, bathrooms and diapering areas.
• Diapering areas are located away from food preparation areas, near running water and are disinfected after each use.
• All diaper pails have lids and lids are in place after each use.
• Staff and children wash their hands frequently, especially after toileting and prior to food preparation or eating.
• Toys are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Food is stored and prepared properly.
• Bedding is washed frequently.
• Any pets are healthy and properly vaccinated.