Child to Staff Ratio

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How many children are there for each staff member?

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Are the younger and older children separated?

Center's Policies

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What are the center's policies on discipline?

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Are there written policies? (ask for a copy)

How does the center care for sick children

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How is medicine given?

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How are parents told about illness among the children?

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When must children stay home because of illness?

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Does the center have a "sick room" for children with

      minor   illnesses?

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Is there a nurse or doctor to help with medical care?

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Are children required to have vaccinations before

      coming to day care?

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Is the physical exam required before admission?

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Does the day care center keep a record of

      health-related problems, such as illnesses, injuries

      and accidents, for each child?

Staff Training

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What are the training requirements for staff members?

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Are all staff members certified in basic first aid?

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Are all staff members trained in child development?

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Are all staff members trained in identification of

      abused children?

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Are all staff members trained in preventing illness and

      injury?

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Does the center have rules about careful and frequent

      hand-washing?  A key to reducing the spread of

      illness for both children and adults.

Building and playground safety

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Are poison control phone numbers and ambulance

      phone numbers clearly posted?

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Does the playground have impact-absorbing surfaces?

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Are young children able to get to high places?

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Are the children protected from strangers?

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Are fire drills held at least every month?

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Are there smoke alarms throughout the building?

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Does the center use space heaters?

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Are safety gates used in areas for small children?

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Are electric outlets covered?

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Are sharp corners of furniture covered?

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Are the toys kept clean?  Washable toys should be

     washed every day with a disinfectant cleaner.

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Does the day-care staff regularly clean all surfaces

     with  disinfectant?

Information courteous of familydoctor.org