Be a “Child Safe” facility Child Care Health & Safety Recognition Program

What is a “Child Safe” child care facility? Voluntary Program Voluntary Program Collaborative effort between child care facility & Springfield-Greene County Health Dept. Builds on licensing standards -performance measures based on Caring for Our Children Achievement of each level earns “Child Safe” certificate.

Why “Child Safe”? 38% of children under 5, with full-time working mothers, are in organized child care 23% of children in organized child care under the age of 5, have working mothers with income below poverty level Children under 5 of employed mothers spend an average of 36 hours a week in child care setting Young children are vulnerable to unintentional injuries & communicable illnesses Research published in 2010: child care health & safety practices are inconsistent, & improvement can promote healthier, safer environments for children. Reference:

How does the program work? complete performance measures in six focus areas CCHC can provide information & resources CCHC nurse will visit the center annually to meet with director & staff facility meeting the performance criteria receive “Child Safe” certificate to display, effective for 1 year

It’s in the details! 3 levels, all criteria met in each level before advancement Bronze- minimal cost or equipment needed; policy development & implementation Silver- health/safety curriculum or parent education Gold- investment in staff training & equipment evaluation

Focus Areas Emergency Preparedness Immunization & Health Promotion Indoor Safety Outdoor Safety Safe Sleep Child Abuse & Neglect

Emergency Preparedness emergency policy & equipment CPR, First Aid training for staff emergency drills, lesson plans, education for parents “Grab and Go” binder, Shelter-in-place kit

Emergency Preparedness for the Child Care Setting Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

Immunization & Health Promotion dental hygiene education & program implementation communicable diseases -daily health check -parent notification policy -hand washing immunizations -policy compliance & records -staff & parent education -consultation with CCHC

Immunization & Health Promotion for the Child care Setting Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

Indoor Safety poison prevention safe medication administration policies & staff training receives Consumer Product Safety Commission list proper use of infant equipment - consistent with Caring for Our Children 3 rd Edition standards

Indoor Safety Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

Outdoor Safety playground & equipment checklist displayed transportation/vehicle safety information sun shelter shelter for sun protection implementation of outdoor safety education

Outdoor Safety Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

Safe Sleep policy development about “safe sleep” practices consistent with Caring for Our Children 3 rd Edition standards staff and parent education blanket free infant cribs consultation with Springfield-Greene County Health Department nurse

Safe Sleep Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

Child Abuse & Neglect policy development for reporting child abuse staff Mandated Reporter training Darkness 2 Light: Stewards of Children training

Child Abuse & Neglect Child Safe Facility Performance Measures

To Start… Contact Springfield-Greene County Health Department at to schedule a nurse consultation CCHC nurse with provide sample checklists and resources to help in preparation Notify Health Department when ready for visit and “check off”

May 2014 – May 2015 Gold star FACILITY Evergreen Place has met all health and safety requirements of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to receive the designation as a GOLD STAR Child Safe Facility Suzanne Seely, RN Community Health Nurse Springfield-Greene County Health Department Kevin Gipson, Director Springfield-Greene County Health Department

References American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Caring for our children: National health and safety performance standards; Guidelines for early care and education programs (4th ed.). Elk Grove Village: American Academy of Pediatrics; Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Model Child Care Health Policies (3rd ed.). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.; healthychildcarepa.org/publications/manuals-pamphlets- policies/item/248-model-child-care-health-policieshttp:// healthychildcarepa.org/publications/manuals-pamphlets- policies/item/248-model-child-care-health-policies