Check It Once,
Check It Twice...

When asked, parents list countless characteristics that would describe their "ideal" childcare setting. However, one recurring concern appears near the top of almost all lists: is it safe?

Consider using a checklist to trigger thoughtful evaluations of childcare program safety. Start by organizing the checklist in the same way centers are organized--play areas, eating areas, toileting areas, outdoor areas. Before children arrive each day, look at each area and ask yourself: "What does this space feel like; is it cluttered, clean, spacious, organized?" Settle yourself at child height and look around. What do you need to do to make this space safer and more child friendly?

Play Areas (indoor)

• Are electrical outlets covered?
• Are toys clean and in their assigned places?
• Are there clearly identified "homes" for toys and materials, such as covered bins for items that are choking hazards (beads, seeds, buttons) and spacious shelves for larger items like blocks? Can children understand where items belong?
• Have you arranged the room in such a way as to avoid "runways" by placing tables and shelves not only along the walls, but also in the center?
• Are appliances and shelves secured to walls or floors to ensure they will not tumble onto little ones who may try to climb?
• Do doors and windows have grates or bars to protect children from falling through openings?
• How would you describe the lighting; lamps, overhead fixtures, dimmer switches, natural light from windows? Are you careful not to place infants directly under an overhead light?
• Did you remember to use tape instead of thumbtacks or staples (which are dangerous to small children) to secure any photos from home and children's artwork?
• Is there chipped or peeling paint on walls, floorboards, windowsills, or other painted surfaces that little ones might put in their mouths?
• If the floor is carpeted, is it securely attached all around with no lumps or worn areas that might topple unsteady feet, or your own, for that matter!? Have you swept or vacuumed spills to avoid slipping?

Eating Areas

• Are the tables clean and steady?
• Do the chairs and eating equipment fit the size child they are intended to serve?
• Is there a covered trash can nearby?
• How can you clean the table surfaces?
• After cleaning, are the cleaners put up safely out of reach?
• Thinking of the ages of children eating, are you serving any choking foods? Have you chopped/sliced/steamed those foods for your younger charges?
• Have you and the children washed hands before you handle food or eat-including the caregivers and any visitors eating with you?
• If high chairs are used, do they have safety straps (waist and between legs) that are securely tightened, and are you careful not to use those chairs as means to confine children?
• Are you careful to keep hot foods hot (145°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F) if you are not ready to eat when food is cooked?
• Are all bottles and cups labeled and dated? Do you remember to discard partially consumed bottles?
• How do you serve meals and snacks? Do you have enough child-sized dishes and eating utensils to meet the children's needs? Do you avoid the temptation to use styrofoam or plastic utensils, knowing these are choking hazards for children under age four?
• How will you clean and sanitize meal equipment when you are done?

Toileting Areas

• Has the bathroom been cleaned and checked for hazards like unlocked cleaning supplies?
• If hot water is available, is the temperature set safely to avoid burns (below 120°F)?
• Do you have plenty of liquid soap and disposable toweling?
• Is there a secure, non-slip step stool to assist children in reaching the toilet or sink if needed?
• Do you avoid using aerosol sprays, including in the bathroom?
• Is there a large, covered trash can, preferably with a step control, near the sink?

Play Areas (outdoor)

• Have you stepped outside to check the grounds, looking for trash that may have accumulated overnight?
• Is the play equipment free of splinters, uncovered bolts, rust, open S hooks, entrapment risks, or other hazards?
• Has the ground surface been raked to ensure appropriate cushioning?
• Are the use zones under and around equipment free of clutter?
• Are the gates and fences secure?
• Is the landscape free of toxic plants?
• Do you have a plan if the weather does not cooperate?

Other Areas

• Do you keep all medications locked and avoid storing medications of any kind in the children's bathroom?
• If serving infants or toddlers, do you avoid using the evacuation crib as a storage area?
• Have you checked files for children in need of updated immunizations or checkups?

Sleeping Area

• Are sleeping blankets and sheets clean, clearly labeled, and reserved for individual children?
• Do you keep the appropriate space between cots and cribs?
• Is there a clear pathway to and visual supervision of all children?

Janie Sailors, RN, NCSN
Health Specialist, Training and Technical Assistance Services, Western Kentucky University

RESOURCES

Child Care Safety Check List, U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207-0001; 301-504-6816; www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/chldcare.html

INTERNET RESOURCES

National Network for Childcare, www.nncc.org/Health/home.check.fcc.html

State of Wisconsin, www.dhfs.state.wi.us/rl_dcfs/FORMS.htm

Tips for Choosing An ECE Program, www.childhealthonline.org

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/safety/g1213.htm

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