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There are many things to consider when setting up a
day care center. Licensing could be one of the first steps to do on the
list but after this is a long line of other things that needs to be
scrutinized. Since the safety of the kids is of utmost importance, the
day care center environment is to be secured and checked to meet the
general requirements.
As a general rule, child care facilities should be kept clean and free
from any hazards to the kid’s health. It should be checked for vermin
infestation, toxic substances and any hazardous materials. Label any
potentially harmful items like cleaning supplies, bleach, and any other
toxic materials. Sharp tools like knives should be locked in a container
inaccessible to kids. Any impairing drugs should not be found in the
premises. Smoking should also be prohibited within the day care
environment.
Rooms in the day care center need to be well ventilated. Fresh and clean
air should be a plenty. Room temperature and lighting must be moderated
and checked; it should be healthy for playing and learning. Always have
the room cleaned after each class, only when the children are no longer
in the rooms.
The outdoor play area is another thing to consider. Since kids like to
play, run and mess around this area, it is good to make sure that it is
clean, free from nails, litter, glass, or anything harmful. It should
provide shade while kids are playing. For protection from outside
hazards, it should be fenced or gated in such a way that kids would not
be able to exit the floor area unknowingly.
Most often, a day care session would include a napping and sleeping time
for kids to rest from play and study. A napping and sleeping space
should be provided and of course maintained. Day care center providers
should provide safe and sanitary beddings like beds, cribs, mattress or
cot. Linens or blankets used should be laundered every time they are
soiled or even if not, they need to be washed at least once a week.
A day care center's toilet and bath facilities should be safely
constructed and maintained. They should be kept clean and dry to prevent
accidents of children slipping. Toilet requirements for kids like potty
chairs, sink, and other portable or permanent bath facility should be
sanitized. Toiletries like soap, towels, trash receptacles, and toilet
paper should be provided for the kids to use.
This may all sound like a lot of work. But keeping your day care
environment safe, clean, and convenient would be an advantage for you in
the long run. Remember that the children are your priority. Their safety
is very important. Parents are putting their full trust that you would
look after the kids well. You need to live up with their expectations.
Once you have established the fact that you are a good day care
provider, the future would mean more parents enrolling their kids at
your center, and more income for you.  |
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