Health & Safety
We take the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care seriously. Our comprehensive policies, daily practices, and ongoing training ensure a secure, healthy environment.
Licensing & Credentials
Every credential is current and on file. We meet and exceed all state requirements for licensed family childcare.
License Number on File
Our state license number and inspection records are available to families upon request. We pass all annual inspections with no violations.
Inspected Annually
Our facility is inspected annually by the state licensing agency. Inspection reports are posted and available to enrolled families.
Daily Safety Protocols
Safety isn't an afterthought — it's built into every part of our daily routine.
Supervision at All Times
Children are never left unsupervised. An adult is always within sight and sound of every child throughout the day, including outdoor time, meals, and nap time.
Secure Entry & Exit
Children are only released to parents, guardians, or authorized adults listed on the enrollment form. A valid photo ID is required for any pickup by someone new. Exterior doors remain locked during operating hours.
Childproofed Environment
All cabinets and drawers are secured with child safety locks. Electrical outlets are covered. Sharp corners are padded. Hazardous materials are stored out of reach in locked spaces. Choking hazards are eliminated from play areas.
Safe Outdoor Play Area
Our outdoor area is fully fenced and inspected daily before use. Equipment is age-appropriate, stable, and free from sharp edges. The play surface provides cushioning. Children are supervised outdoors at all times.
Daily Cleaning & Sanitization
Toys, surfaces, and high-touch areas are cleaned and sanitized daily. Diaper changing areas are disinfected after each use. Bathrooms are cleaned multiple times daily. We use child-safe, non-toxic cleaning products.
Handwashing Routines
Children and caregivers wash hands thoroughly upon arrival, before and after meals, after outdoor play, after diapering or toileting, and after sensory activities. Handwashing is taught as a daily habit.
Allergen & Dietary Awareness
Each child's known allergies and dietary restrictions are documented on their enrollment form and posted in the kitchen. We accommodate most common dietary needs. Families are notified promptly if any exposure risk is identified.
Illness & Exclusion Policy
To protect the health of all children and families, we follow clear guidelines about when a child must stay home.
Please Keep Your Child Home If They Have:
- Fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
- Vomiting (1+ times in 24 hours)
- Diarrhea (1+ loose stools in 24 hours)
- Rash of unknown origin
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Lice or scabies (until treated)
- Strep throat (until 24 hours on antibiotics)
- Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (until lesions heal)
- Impetigo (until 24 hours on antibiotics)
- Chickenpox (until all blisters are crusted)
- Continuous runny nose or discharge with yellow/green mucus
Your Child May Return When:
- Fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- No vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours
- Rash is identified as non-contagious by a doctor
- Pink eye has been treated for 24 hours
- Lice treatment completed, no live lice present
- On antibiotics for at least 24 hours (strep/impetigo)
- A doctor has cleared return to group care
- Child is well enough to participate fully in activities
If Your Child Becomes Ill During the Day
If a child develops symptoms of illness while in our care:
Immediate Comfort & Separation
The child is moved to a comfortable, supervised space away from other children to prevent potential spread.
Parent Notification
A parent or authorized guardian is contacted immediately. We will describe the symptoms and ask for pickup.
Prompt Pickup Required
Parents must arrange pickup within one hour of being notified. We understand this can be challenging and will work with you on logistics.
Documentation & Notification
Symptoms are documented. If a communicable illness is confirmed, all enrolled families are notified (without identifying the child) so they can monitor their own child.
Medication Policy
We follow a clear, safety-first medication policy to protect every child in our care.
No Prescription or OTC Medication
We are not authorized to administer any prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Please ensure your child receives any required medication before or after care hours.
Epi-Pen & Emergency Medication Only
The only exception is Epi-Pens and physician-prescribed emergency medication for life-threatening conditions. Children with known severe allergies must have an Epi-Pen on file at all times. Caregivers are trained in its use and emergency protocols are reviewed with parents during enrollment.
Secure Storage
Emergency medications (Epi-Pens) are stored in a secure, clearly labelled, accessible location known to all caregivers — never locked away where seconds count.
Written Emergency Action Plan
Families of children with emergency medication needs must provide a completed written action plan at enrollment, detailing symptoms, triggers, and step-by-step response instructions.
Emergency Preparedness
We hope to never need these protocols — but we train for them regularly so we're ready if we do.
Medical Emergencies
First Aid & Assessment
Immediately assess the situation and provide first aid as trained. All caregivers are CPR and First Aid certified.
Call 9-1-1 if Needed
Emergency services are called without hesitation for any situation requiring immediate medical care.
Contact Parents Immediately
Parents are notified as soon as the child's safety is secured. We use the emergency contacts on file.
Document & Report
All incidents are documented and, when required, reported to the state licensing agency within 24 hours.
Evacuation & Drills
Posted Evacuation Plan
Evacuation routes are posted in every room. All caregivers know the primary and secondary evacuation paths.
Monthly Fire Drills
Fire drills are practiced monthly with all children. Children are taught what to do in a calm, age-appropriate way.
Earthquake & Shelter-in-Place
We practice drop/cover/hold drills and have a shelter-in-place plan for severe weather or other local emergencies.
Emergency Supplies
We maintain a first aid kit, emergency contact binders for all children, water, and a 72-hour supply kit on premises.