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Daycare and Safety Tips
sevil's picture
Submitted by sevil on Wed, 08/15/2007 - 11:56am. to | | | |

Simple steps for picking a daycare. Todd Costello from Windowcoverings.org called me to post these guidelines. Here's an excerpt from his email:

"For safety regulations, parents should ensure that the facility is childproofed from electrical outlets to cleanliness. Such childproofing should include: clean toys, safety gates and covered sharp edges. In addition, make sure that the windows of each classroom are fitted with safe window coverings, which include cords that are free from looped pull cords and are equipped with cord stops (visit www.windowcoverings.org for more information). Also, make sure there are scheduled fire drills and functioning alarms for emergencies.

"Parents should check if their child has all the required vaccinations and physicals before entering the daycare, and that there is a nurse or doctor on duty throughout the duration of the day. If children do get sick, a list of medications and how they should be given is important information parents should provide the daycare center.

"The last bit of advice is simple: Parents should be a part of their child’s daycare experience. They should be in constant contact with the staff, help out around the daycare facility by acting as voluntary supervisors or just helping with tasks. If any issues arise, parents should talk with the staff and other parents. These issues may include: education, child development, first aid, dental care, general safety, skin cancer prevention and abuse recognition."

       

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kat mclain's picture
Submitted by kat mclain on Fri, 08/17/2007 - 9:14am. to

Great article...Gives food for thought!....I am a licensed childcare provider,and I can tell you ;all of the childproofing tactics noted are criteria for licensing....The immunization schedule for Washoe County is strictly adhered to for facility admittance(no fun but so important!) and a M.D.`s autograph is legally necessary for any med.`s,even an OTC medication,to be given to your child. To speak to the issue of parental visit`s ,little ones delight in their mommy or daddy `s presence in what they think of as "their" special place,however the children may never be left alone with an unlicensed person,nor should they be.I appreciate the opportunity to observe parent -child interaction...the more information I have ,the better I can serve the child...I would add to Mr.Costello`s article that if, when leaving your little one with anyone,if you are uncomfortable or have that subtle"whisper of doubt",find somewhere else to place your precious one. Trust your intuition!!

kat mclain
jmcewen's picture
Submitted by jmcewen on Thu, 08/16/2007 - 9:54am. to

 Every thing that has already been mentioned is great advise but there is one more thing I'd like to add. Make sure you are always welcome to stop by any time unanounced. Being that I was once a preschool teacher I understand them asking that you not makeing  your self known to your child right away once you get there if they are in the middle of an activity or group time, but just the fact that you can come and see what is going on when your not around. My favorite thing to look for is an observation room with a two way mirror. That way not even the teachers are aware of your presence. But a window would work.
  Bella's Mommy

Bella's Mommy