Group Child Care: Health and Safety

Topic Overview

Make sure sound health-related and safety-related policies are followed at any child care facility you are considering for your child. Ask about the following issues, and get written documentation if possible:

• Is smoking banned from the facility?
• Do all children and staff have up-to-date immunizations? How are immunizations monitored?
• What procedures do staff follow when a child becomes ill? What precautions do they take to help prevent the spread of illness?
• Will staff give prescribed medicine?
• How are parents notified when a child at the facility has a highly contagious or serious illness?
• Is play equipment safe?
• Are toxins out of reach?
• Are all caregivers trained and committed to placing infants to sleep on their backs (to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome[SIDS])?