Every parent wants to keep their child safe. Parents have the greatest control over their child’s safety when they are with them, but parents can’t be with their children all the time. You want to have a responsible childcare team that keeps your child safe at all times.
But what makes a childcare center safe?
Every childcare center must be licensed by the state of Kentucky and meet minimum standards for staff accreditation, safety, sanitization, and nutrition. While these minimum requirements are important, there are some daycares that never do more than the basic standards. Going above and beyond the state’s minimum requirements is what sets quality daycares above average ones.
Here are some key areas to keep in mind when you’re looking for childcare.
Safe Preschool Policies
Some preschools are more lax in their safety policies. For instance, some facilities may let the staff’s family members or friends inside during business hours. Letting any visitor into the building is a huge red flag. At Children’s Academy Childcare, we keep a tight rein on who we allow in the building so you don’t have to worry about strangers watching your children.
Our security cameras record everything in the building, playground, and parking lot. Additionally, our playground area is shielded from most foot and automobile traffic.
Sanitation Prevention Policies
In a post-pandemic world, everyone must be even more careful to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. That includes daycares!
There are three primary ways daycares can practice proper sanitation for safety:
- Hand Washing: Staff need to wash their hands frequently–after every diaper change, assisting a child on the toilet, before serving food, whenever they come in contact with bodily fluids, and sporadically throughout the day. Hand sanitizer should also be used frequently. Modeling these sanitary behaviors also helps children develop safe sanitation habits.
- Toy Sanitation: Toys need to be cleaned regularly, especially in younger classrooms where children put everything in their mouths. A facility should clean toys throughout the day and before closing.
- Building Sanitation: Toilets and sinks should be cleaned with a bleach solution and floors need to be mopped regularly. Additionally, the building should be routinely checked for mold, termites, water damage, and more.
If you notice staff not washing their hands, dirty toys, or the building in disarray, talk to the daycare director or consider switching daycares.
At Children’s Academy, we do our share in preventing the spread of viruses and illnesses. Although illness will still occur, we carefully train and hold our staff accountable to our sanitation policies.
Safe Staff Policies
By state law, daycare workers must be background checked and maintain certain health standards to be employed by a daycare. However, checking these boxes doesn’t make a staff member automatically a good teacher or role model.
At Children’s Academy, we are picky in our hiring process. We want the best teachers and staff so we can provide quality childcare and early education! Our teachers are skilled with classroom management, peacemaking skills, and early childhood education, and are all-around great role models for children.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!