Checklist for Preschools
Home Background Pesticides Current Projects & Committees Environmental Hazards in Schools Press and News Releases Recipes for Safer Cleaning Recommended Businesses Environmental Topics Related Websites Donations Jobs Available Advisory Board	7 Categories to Consider when Evaluating a Child-Care Facility Location Is it near a road where one can smell exhaust fumes? Is it in an industrial area situated downwind of toxic emissions? (www.BAAQMD.gov) Are there any hazardous conditions from the space's past use? (www.dtsc.ca.gov) How close is the area from high voltage lines? (Should be at least 300 ft away to avoid damage from EMF (electric magnetic field)) Indoor air quality Is there a peculiar smell in the air? (A chronic smell may indicate poor air quality due to chemicals or mold present in the area) Are cleaning products used while children are present? Is there a mat outside the door that can help decrease pollutants being tracked inside? Is there HVAC system checked for proper air exchange and intake not close to idling cars/busses/traffic? Pesticide use What pesticides are used indoors or outdoors? (No registered pesticides are safe to use where children play) Have any wooden play structures been treated with preservatives? (If so, have they been tested for arsenic or creosote levels?) Food and drink Does the center serve processed food to the children? (Do they serve food containing hydrogenated material (hydrogenated fats have been linked to breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases)? Do they have a whole food policy or serve processed food with synthetic preservatives, flavorings and colors linked to chronic illnesses? Is there a strict hand-washing process in place before eating and after using toilets? Usage of anti-bacterial gels are not recommended. Toys Are battery operated toys given to children? (If so, are they nickel and cadmium free?) Do kids under the age of four have access to toys whose size can pose a choking hazard to them? Are painted toys assessed for lead? Are plastic toys screened for phthalates, Bisphenol-A and other plasticizers linked to hormone disruption? Important for children who are still mouthing items. Repairs and remodeling Are repairs and renovations done while children are present in the center? Do the ceiling or floor tiles, roofing and furnace ducts contain asbestos? It's o.k. if they contain asbestos, they just should not be disturbed and exposed. Integrity of childcare staff Are the key contacts open to your questions and concerns? Is the staff turnover low? We periodically revise this checklist as new and previously unknown info that is applicable surfaces. Please feel free to e-mail Susan JunFish, the author, with your comments. junfish @ gmail.com.
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