Health and Safety

Children's health and safety is the responsibility of all staff in both child care center and family child care programs. This includes managers, those who care for children, substitutes and visitors. All states include health and safety requirements in their licensing regulations. These requirements vary by state. Contact your licensing agency to make sure you are able to comply with the regulations in your state. NACCRRA's State Licensing Information Map provides you with direct links to the office in your state that is responsible for child care licensing.

The following health topics are often covered in licensing regulations:

• Bug repellent and sunscreen policy
• Child illness
• Communicable diseases
• First-aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, immunizations and child health forms
• Food preparation
• Handwashing, diaper changing and toileting procedures
• Medication administration
• Nap/rest arrangements
• Pets
• Poisonous plants
• Staff and child care provider health
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention
• Toothbrushing

The following safety topics are often covered in licensing regulations:

• Arrival and departure procedures
• Background checks
• Child abuse prevention, identification and reporting
• Child supervision
• Choking hazards
• Cleaning schedule
• Disaster plan and emergency evacuation procedures
• Door locks
• Field trips
• Firearms
• Hazardous materials
• Smoking
• Transportation

Additional Resource

• Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care. (2nd ed.) By the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association and the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care.