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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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