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5.3: Childcare Health and Safety Checklist

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    40927
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    Daily Childcare Health and Safety Checklist

    [Early Childhood Program Name]

    Date:

    Completed by: [Name] 

    Shift: ☐ Morning ☐ Afternoon ☐ Evening


     

    Safety Aspects

    1. Facility Safety

    Checklist of items for facility safety
    Items Checked (Yes/No/Notes)

    Emergency exits are clear and accessible

     

    Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and alarms are functional

     

    Electrical outlets are covered with safety caps

     

    Hazardous substances (cleaning supplies, chemicals) are locked away

     

    Floors are free from clutter, spills, and tripping hazards

     

    Windows and doors are locked or properly secured

     

    All furniture is stable and free from damage (e.g., no loose screws)

     

    Toys and play equipment are clean and free from sharp edges or broken parts

     

     

    2. Hygiene Practices

    Checklist for hygiene practices
    Item Checked (Yes/No/Notes)

    Children and staff wash hands before meals, after bathroom use, and after outdoor play

     

    Bathrooms are clean, stocked with soap, and hand drying materials (paper towels or air dryers) are available

     

    Diapering area is clean, and changing tables are sanitized after each use

     

    High-touch surfaces (doorknobs, tables, toys) are cleaned and sanitized regularly

     

    Trash bins are emptied and covered

     

    Children’s personal items (bedding, bottles, clothing) are stored separately to avoid contamination

     

     

    3. Supervision and Staff Safety

    Checklist for supervisory and staff safety

    Item

    Checked (Yes/No/Comments)

    Staff-to-child ratios meet requirements

     

    Staff are actively supervising children during all activities (indoor and outdoor)

     

    First aid kits are fully stocked and accessible

     

    Emergency contact information for each child is easily accessible

     

    Attendance and headcounts are taken and up-to-date

     

     

    4. Outdoor Safety

    Checklist for outdoor safety

    Item

    Checked (Yes/No/Comments)

    Outdoor play area is free of hazards (e.g., broken glass, sharp objects, standing water)

     

    Playground equipment is clean, stable, and in good repair

     

    Fencing and gates are secure

     

    Soft surfaces (sand, mulch, rubber) under climbing equipment are in good condition

     

    Children are supervised at all times during outdoor play

     

     

    5. Illness Prevention

    Checklist items for illness prevention

    Item

    Checked (Yes/No/Comments)

    Daily health check for each child upon arrival (temperature, signs of illness)

     

    Children showing signs of illness are sent home promptly

     

    Parent/guardian notified if child becomes ill during the day

     

    All staff and children wash hands frequently throughout the day

     

     

    6. Food Safety and Nutrition

    Checklist for food safety and nutrition

    Item

    Checked (Yes/No/Comments)

    Allergy information for each child is readily accessible

     

    Meals and snacks are served in clean areas following hygiene practices

     

    All food is stored properly (refrigeration, covered containers)

     

    Children are seated while eating, and are supervised during meals

     

    Staff ensure children drink water throughout the day

     

     

    7. Emergency Preparedness

    Checklist items for emergency preparedness

    Item

    Checked (Yes/No/Comments)

    Emergency evacuation routes are clear and posted

     

    Fire alarms and other safety equipment are functional

     

    Staff are aware of and prepared for emergency procedures (fire, earthquake, lockdown)

     

    Emergency supplies (first aid kits, flashlights, water) are in place and accessible

     

    Emergency contact list for all children is up-to-date and accessible

     

     

    Additional Notes or Comments:

    [Space for additional observations, issues to follow up on, or tasks completed]


    5.3: Childcare Health and Safety Checklist is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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