3. General Health and Safety Requirements

Question 1

General Health and Safety Requirements

Answer 1

~ all child care programs must be clean, in good repair, and free from health and safety hazards. In order to ensure this, the indoor and outdoor areas must be inspected daily
~ any issues must be corrected before the area is used by the children
~ documentation of the daily inspection must be maintained for 12 months

Question 2

Hazards

Answer 2

~ may include standing water, open diaper pails, unsanitized potty chairs, adult scissors, knives, etc.
~ caregivers must inspect the indoor and outdoor play areas daily for health and safety hazards, which if found, must be corrected before children use the play area
~ child care directors must ensure all areas and equipment are free from fire hazards, such as lint buildup in the heating and air vents, dryer vents, and exhaust fans; and grease buildup in ovens, etc.
~ strangulation hazards, such as strings or cords long enough to wrap around a child’s neck, must not be accessible to children
~ guardrails, baby gates, or other protective barriers must be provided if there is more than a 30” vertical distance to fall such as sides of stairs, ramps, or walking surfaces
~ electrical outlets must be tamper resistant or have safety covers
~ no electrical device or apparatus accessible to children shall be located in a place that can be plugged in while a person is in contact with a water source, such as a sink

Question 3

Prohibitions

Answer 3

~ smoking is prohibited within the child care facility, when children are present in outdoor areas or on field trips, and in vehicles when being used to transport children
~ families must be notified in writing that smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is prohibited on the premises of the child care facility

Question 4

Cleanup

Answer 4

General cleanup activities that are part of the daily routine, including wiping the tables, sweeping, and soaking toys in a tub on a countertop may take place while children are present

Cleaning that includes hazardous materials, or poses a risk of slipping or falling, must not take place while children are in the rooms.

Question 5

Detectors

Answer 5

Facilities should meet state or local laws regarding carbon monoxide detectors. If the program has carbon monoxide detectors, they should be tested monthly, with batteries changed yearly and replaced as necessary. Documentation of testing detectors must be maintained for the licensing authority to review.

Question 6

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Answer 6

Design and construction of a new child care facility or modifications to an existing facility must meet the requirements of the applicable local governing body.