Daily Safety Checklist in Day Care Centers

Classroom

• Child-proof equipment, such as socket covers and gates, is critical in a day care center. Every classroom and area that children regularly access should be inspected to make sure safety equipment is still in place every morning and afternoon. If you are an instructor, scan your classroom for items that aren't kid-friendly, such as adult scissors and staplers, and store them out of the reach of children before they arrive.

Playground

• Check the day care playground every morning before the center opens and again before the kids go out for recess. Ensure that playground equipment is working properly--broken equipment that can pinch or hurt a child must be removed from the area. If large equipment, such as a swing set or jungle gym, is broken, children should play inside until you remove or repair it or hire someone else to do so. In addition, make sure nothing has blown onto the playground that can suffocate or harm children, such as plastic bags or shards of broken glass.

Restrooms

• Day care staff should check and clean bathrooms a few times per day. Test toilets and sinks each morning to verify that they're still working properly. The water heater's temperature should be adjusted so that children won't burn their hands when using the sink. In addition, verify that the toilet flushes easily to prevent flooding. Clean bathrooms with antibacterial cleaner to avoid the spread of germs, and mop floors at the end of the business day.

Dining Area and Kitchen

• Clean dining surfaces following each meal. Wipe any floor spills to prevent slips and falls. Perishable ingredients that are used for meal preparation need to be refrigerated immediately after use due to the risk of food contamination. Furthermore, a member of the staff must monitor the expiration dates of food and drinks.