Page 62 - Choosing a Child Care Center

LETY CARVAJAL, M.ED.

In addition to cleaning and sanitation checklists,
centers should have multiple age-group specific daily
safety checklists in place to inspect their spaces and
ensure they are not exposed to hazards. For example,
for infants, cribs should have no extra pillows or
bedding inside of them or small toys that can cause
choking. Windows and doors are securely locked.
Teething toys and pacifiers are not shared between
babies, and bottles are prepared under sanitary
conditions and given to the correct baby. Toddlers
and older children should have clean areas to eat and
play as well as rest. These areas should be kept clean
throughout the day and have a thorough cleaning at
the end of every day.
While touring a center, you should be provided
with a sense of ease and peace of mind as you are
guided through their building and see happy teachers
and children engaging in harmony. In order to pro-
vide quality care to your child, the staff needs to take
pride in their work and constantly aim to maintain
and demonstrate high standards of cleanliness and
health standards in their workplace. At any point
during your tour and enrollment process, if you have
any questions and concerns, the staff should be happy
and eager to address them.

50