As a parent or caregiver, ensuring your child is in a safe and healthy environment is a top priority. Whether you’re choosing a preschool, childcare center, or any early childhood education provider, it’s essential to know the health and safety measures they have in place. To help you search, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of what to look for when evaluating an early childhood education provider, like the protocols followed by Little Learners Children’s Academy (LLCA).
1. Daily Health Checks
Checklist:
- Temperature Checks: Ensure the preschool performs temperature checks for children and staff upon arrival. For example, at LLCA, anyone with a temperature of 100.4ºF or higher is not allowed to enter the building, helping to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
- Symptom Monitoring: Ask if the center uses health assessments that identify symptoms of illness. This daily routine is crucial for early detection and maintaining a healthy environment.
Why It’s Important: Daily health checks help catch signs of illness early and reduce the risk of contagious diseases spreading within the facility.
2. Controlled Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Checklist:
- Ask About Drop-Off Procedures: A system where staff meets children at the door or car line can minimize the risk of exposure to illnesses.
- Restricted Access: Ensure that the center has a limited number of people entering the building to reduce potential contamination risks.
Why It’s Important: Limiting entry to the facility reduces the number of outside contaminants and helps maintain a controlled, safe environment for children and staff.
3. Rigorous Hand Washing and Hygiene Practices
Checklist:
- Mandatory Hand Washing: Upon entering the facility, all children and staff should wash their hands. This should be a routine practice throughout the day, especially before meals, after outdoor play, and when transitioning between activities.
- Availability of Hygiene Supplies: Easy access to handwashing stations and hand sanitizers should exist clearly around the facility.
Why It’s Important: Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the spread of germs, keeping the environment clean and safe for all.
4. Robust Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols
Checklist:
- Daily Cleaning Schedules: Check if the center follows a daily cleaning routine for all classrooms and common areas. At LLCA, a detailed cleaning checklist ensures that all spaces are maintained to high standards.
- Disinfection of High-Touch Surfaces: Confirm that regular disinfection of areas like doorknobs, toys, and tables is being performed, as this is crucial.
- Use of Child-Safe Products: Ensure the use of child-safe, EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective yet gentle for young children.
Why It’s Important: Regular and thorough cleaning minimizes the risk of germ transmission, creating a safe environment where children can learn and play.
5. Safety Measures Beyond Health Protocols
Checklist:
- Secure Facilities: Verify that all doors are locked and secure to prevent unauthorized access. Facilities like LLCA ensure all entry points are monitored and secure.
- Surveillance Systems: Ensure there are cameras and surveillance systems to monitor all activity within the facility, especially all entrances and exits!
- Emergency Preparedness: Ask about emergency drills! Clear emergency procedures and regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Why It’s Important: Safety measures such as locked doors and surveillance ensure a secure environment, while emergency preparedness plans help protect children and staff during unforeseen events.
6. Transparent Communication and Policies
Checklist:
- Clear Policies: The facility should have clear policies for managing sick children and staff and protocols for communicating with parents. Always check if this information is included in the family handbook.
- Regular Updates: Providers like LLCA regularly update parents about all health and safety measures changes, maintaining transparency and trust. Ask your childcare center how they keep families informed!
Why It’s Important: Transparent communication helps build trust between parents and the childcare provider, ensuring peace of mind.
By following this checklist, you can confirm that your child’s preschool or childcare center prioritizes health and safety. LLCA’s commitment to upholding high standards ensures a nurturing and secure environment for every little learner. Prioritize these practices to foster a safe space where children can thrive, learn, and grow.
Looking for a childcare center that ticks all the boxes? Learn more about the comprehensive health and safety protocols at Little Learners Children’s Academy by visiting our website or scheduling a tour today.
