I take many steps to insure your child's safety

Health and safety policies

To view my health and safety policies, visit Health & Safety Hand Book

I have done my research and have come up with my policies. Many of these policies are also used in daycare centres and by other home daycare providers.  I take my Health and Safety policies very seriously. 
The health and safety of all the children in my care and that of my family is very important and my top priority. Don't take these policies lightly.  Not following them can result in your care being terminated.

Please note I don't care what a schools policy is on something.  There is a BIG difference between a school (where no one lives) and a home daycare (where people do live).

Plugs

All the plugs in the daycare area are hidden behind furniture, gate or other coverings.
The plugs themselves either have something plugged into them or the child safe plug covers. 
All the cords are taped to the base boards, or behind gates so that a child can't play with them.

Furniture

All the large furniture that are able to attach to the walls are attached. I still don't allow the daycare children to climb on them. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is off limits to all the daycare children.  It is gated off. 
There is a fire extinguisher. I check it twice a year to make sure its still good. 

Sunscreen

I keep the children's sunscreen up high.  I have containers on the wall up so high I have to reach up to get them.

Curtains/Blinds

Blinds: the strings from the blinds are attached up high on the wall. They don't dangle down to where the children can reach them.

Curtains:  The curtain on the back window is behind a gate, and short.  The children can't get near it.
The curtain over the kitchen door gate is high and on a tension rod. If a child does grab it and pulls, it will release from the door way so that it falls. This stops a child from strangling him/herself.    The rod itself is thin and very light weight, so if it does hit a child it will not do any real damage.

First Aid

Kits:
I keep two first aid kits on hand.
One (1) is in the hallway (beside the daycare area). It hangs on the wall, high enough that the children can't get to it, but easy enough for an adult to grab it quickly. 
The other is my traveling first aid kit that goes with me every time I leave the property.

Training:
I update my First Aid/CPR every two (2) years.

Cleaning Products

Most of our cleaning products are in our basement, which is off limits to the daycare children. Others are kept up high (I have to reach up to get to them) so the children can't get to them.

Medication

I only give a child medication if it is in the original bottle, the child's name is on it, and a medication form is fully filled out. There are certain medications I will not administer.  To see my Medication Policy click here.

Please see Form section of this site to get a copy of the form. 

Daycare Medication Storage:
In the fridge: In a container, at the back of the top shelf.
On a shelf:  In a container, on the top shelf in my kitchen.

Our Family Medication Storage:
Upstairs, which is off limits to the daycare children

Equipment

I do random through checks on the wagon. strollers, and playpens. To make sure there are no problems.
I also do a quick check before each use.

Fire Safety

I have an evacuation plan in place.
I have floor plans with routes out of the house at both my doors.
I have 3 smoke detectors (one on each floor)
I do fire drills with the children.

Safety while out

In a Stroller:
I always buckle the child into the stroller.

Walking:
If your child is walking (14 months to 4 yrs old) I use a walking harness when walking down a street/sidewalk. Well in a building, it depends on how well the child listens.  If a child refuses to listen and stay close they need to wear the harness. If they listen and stays close to me they don't have to where the harness while in a building (mall etc).

Busing/O Train:
If a child is in a stroller they must stay in the stroller buckled up well on the bus/O Train.
If a child is walking they must sit on a seat well on the bus/O Train.

First Aid Kit:
I always have my traveling first aid kit with me when we leave the property.

Emergency Information:
I have emergency information cards (see below for an example). Two (2) cards per child are kept in my traveling first aid kit.  One (1) card per child is kept in the daycare diaper bag.

Emergency Information cards

I have created Emergency Information Cards. I do four (4) per child. One stays on a ring in the daycare, two (2) go on a ring in the traveling first aid kit and one (1) goes in the daycare diaper bag. This way I always have access to your information.

The front of the card has important contact information, and information that a paramedic/Doctor needs.

The back has a photo of your child (updated every December) and any notes that I feel are important.
example: If one parent doesn't speak English I would note it here.