Childcare centers should have a working telephone with a list of emergency phone numbers next to it. You cannot use a cellphone or payphone as the primary line. It typically must be a land line.
Post emergency fire, tornado, earthquake and other applicable plans. Practice drills about once a month. Record these drills.
Store flammable substances away from stoves, furnaces and other heat sources. Also place barriers around heated areas as such to prevent burns.
Only administer medication with parental or guardian's consent.
Keep first aid supplies in an accessible place.
All medicines should be locked in a cabinet, out of children's reach, as should cleaners and other hazardous chemicals.
Install safety gates near stairways and doorways if needed, especially if your center cares for infants and toddlers.
Provide a safe, maintained playground. It usually must be fenced in if your center is near a busy road or a safety hazard.
Keep electrical wiring in working order. Cap all open outlets. Do not run electrical cords under rugs, on hooks or in doorways.
Always leave the sides of baby cribs up. Harness babies in high chairs, slings, strollers or other infant seats.
Make sure children cannot overturn shelves, appliances or furniture.
Eliminate any hanging cords or strings longer than 6 inches to prevent strangulation.
Discourage climbing around windows by keeping chairs and furniture away from them. Make sure that screens are secure. Place guards on windows with openings larger than 6 inches EXCEPT for windows that are fire exits.
Do not permit smoking, tobacco or alcohol use in the center or on the grounds. Extend this to vehicles that transport children in your care. Post nonsmoking signs at the center entrance and in every center-owned vehicle.
Keep each child's immunization records on file. They may not be required depending on your center's size and number of children, but at the very least, it shows concerned parents that you're looking out for your students' health.
Keep your center sanitized to ensure everyone's health. Make sure plumbing, food preparation and equipment is properly cleaned and maintained. Keep proper, child-safe cleaning supplies on hand as well as maintenance tools. Ensure proper, frequent trash removal, lawn mowing and insect control. Provide adequate ventilation in classrooms and bathrooms.