Introduction

Running a Daycare or School Facility

Children are inquisitive. They love to explore their physical surroundings;
walk, run, jump, climb, push, pull, taste, feel, and test limits. Ensuring their
environment, indoors and out, is as safe as possible facilitates a childs early
development by making exploring adventurous without being dangerous.
Remember that good supervision is the single most important feature in any
safety program. It is equally important to model safe behaviours because
preschoolers may try to copy a child care providers actions.
In each area of the childs environment, consider the following general safety
tips:
Ensure that the building is structurally sound and in good condition in accordance with the
Ontario Building Code, Property Standards By-Law of your community, Residential Standards
Guidelines for Ontario, and Community and Social Services Day Nurseries Act.
Keep doorways, exits and hallways free from toys, equipment and other objects.
Install swivel outlet covers on all electrical outlets or insert safety caps/plugs. Use
extension cords for time-limited activities and store out of reach when not in use.
Check all equipment regularly for structural safety and potential hazards. Many products, in
particular childrens products, are subject to regulations under the Canadian Consumer Product
Safety Act (formerly the Hazardous Products Act). Other items such as electrical equipment are
subject to CUL or CSA standards. Ensure that the products in your daycare are in good working
order and in accordance with applicable regulations.

Things to look out for Mechanical: Food Related:

Coins
Batteries
Small toys
Magnets
Toy parts
(e.g. broken crayon, wheel)
Latex balloons, entire or
broken
Hard fruits or
vegetables (e.g.
carrots)
Nuts
Hot dogs
Gum
Popcorn

Arts and Crafts

Actively supervise children at creative centres, especially teething children around small craft
materials.
Ensure that paints, crayons, and markers are non-toxic and washable.
Do not use cardboard egg cartons or any meat trays for crafts. These items may be a
source of food borne bacteria.
Crushed eggshells may be used only if eggs have been boiled on site.

 Eggs used for Easter egg hunts should not be consumed (risk of food borne illness).
Do not use empty toilet paper rolls as these items may be a source of bacteria. Use paper towel
rolls as a substitute.
Do not use sponge materials around teething children as small broken pieces of sponge pose a
choking hazard.
Avoid plastic bags (e.g. re-sealable bag) or plastic bottles (e.g., water bottle) filled with craft
materials (e.g. beads, gels, sparkles) as a young child (especially when teething) may attempt to
bite through the plastic to obtain the materials inside, posing choking hazards and risks for
toxicity/poisoning.

Falls Prevention
Falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalization among children.
These
include falls from chairs, cribs, down stairs, windows, playground equipment,
change tables, and on flooring. Of these falls, many involve serious injury to
the head and/or neck. Ensure that strategies are in effect to minimize the
risks of falls.

Use approved safety gates to prevent children under the age of two from falling down stairs. Use
hardware mounted gates at the top of all stairwells.
Do not use a pressure mounted gate at the top of stairs. A pressure mounted gate may not be
able to hold up against a child leaning or pushing against it, causing both the child and gate to fall
down the stairs. These gates are better suited for the bottom of stairwells. (For more information
see product safety section)
Provide handrails at a level easily reached by children in all stairwells and on both sides, as well
as a secondary set of handrails easily reached by adults.

Creating a Safe Indoor Environment

Keep steps clear of toys and shoes (or anything that might be tripped over).
Watch out for slippery floors. Rubber-soled slippers or shoes are safer than socks on
smooth floors.
Wiping up spills quickly can prevent falls.
Keep furniture away from windows to keep children from climbing up and out the
windows.

Playpens
Make sure the playpen is a newer model with a clear label stating it was made after 1976 and
that the mesh is made from very small holes.
Never leave a baby in a playpen with the side down; the baby can roll into the space between
the mattress and the mesh side and suffocate.
Avoid playpens that have sharp edges or hinges that can pinch or cut fingers.
Make sure side latches are in their fully closed position when setting up a playpen.
Never put scarves, necklaces, or cords in the playpen or around a babys neck. These items can
catch on the playpen and strangle a baby.

 Remove mobiles and toy bars when a child begins to push up onto their hands and knees.
Check for tears in vinyl rails or in the mattress pad of the playpen. A baby can bite off small
pieces and choke.
If a change table or bassinet is provided as an insert for the playpen, never place a baby in the
playpen while the change table or bassinet insert is still in place.

Safety Gates
Some gates manufactured before 1990 have wide V-shaped openings along
the top, or large diamond-shaped openings along the sides, and do not meet
current safety regulations. These gates pose safety risks and should not be
used. Only use safety gates in your facility that complies with Expansion
Gates and Expandable Enclosures Regulations under the Canada Consumer
Product Safety Act. (Formerly the Hazardous Products Act)
Select a gate that is recommended for the childs age and is appropriate for the area in which it
will be used. Many gates are designed only for children under two) years of age.
Install safety gates according to the manufacturers instructions.
Use hardware-mounted gates at the tops of stairs as they are more secure than pressure
mounted gates.
Make sure the gate is secure each time it is closed.
Avoid using gates with holes that can be used by children to climb over the gate.
Openings in the gate should be small enough that a childs head cannot fit through.
Stop using the gate if a child is attempting to climb over the gate.

Toy Safety
In 2001, Canadian consumers spend approximately $1.5 billion on toys. It is
important to know that no matter how much safety is built into a toy, that
supervision, proper use and maintenance of toys are essential. Even the
most harmless looking toy can become dangerous.
Use toys recommended for the childs specific age group.
Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for each toy.
Avoid toys with sharp points or edges as well as toys with cords.
Avoid loud toys that can damage a childs hearing. If it is too loud for you than it is too loud for
children.
Routinely examine toys to make sure parts (e.g., eyes, wheels) cannot be removed and pose a
choking hazard.
Throw away broken toys that cannot be fixed.
Use ride-on toys far away from traffic, stairs, and swimming pools.

 Do not use baby walkers with wheels. They are illegal in Canada.
Never allow a child to suck on or chew metal jewelry. It may contain lead and even
ingesting small amounts can be harmful to a childs health and development.
Teach children to put their toys away to prevent tripping.
Wash toys with water and soap/detergent before disinfecting with a low level disinfectant . When
using household bleach solution for disinfection use a 1:100 dilutions that is prepared fresh every
day. Plastic toys that withstand high temperature can also be cleaned using a high temperature
dishwasher that meets the food regulations requirements. Mouthed toys/objects need to be
disinfected and rinsed with potable water before another child plays with them. Stuffed toys to be
laundered every week or when soiled. A cleaning solution for your facility will address all surfaces
and objects/toys. How often a surface or object is touched or used by children will dictate the
frequency to be cleaned and disinfected. Soiled surfaces and objects will need to be cleaned and
disinfected immediately.
Store toys in open units or a toy box that has no lid, or a toy box with a lightweight lid, sturdy
supportive hinges, and air holes. Heavy lids can fall on childrens heads and necks causing death.
Children should not have access to airtight storage bins, trunks, or boxes. Access to these types of
storage products could lead to suffocation if a child climbs inside.
Do not use any small magnets, including those of letters and numbers with small magnetic
backings. The swallowing of any magnets could cause severe health complications. Magnetic
attraction inside a child could cause blockages and tears. Seek medical attention immediately if you
suspect a child has swallowed one or more magnets.

Hazardous Products
Hazardous substances are those which are poisonous, flammable, explosive,
or corrosive. It is imperative that the following instructions are followed by all
child care staff:
Store all hazardous substances in a locked cupboard or in an area inaccessible to children. This
includes child care providers purses or backpacks which may contain cosmetics or medications.
Keep all hazardous substances in their original containers.
Each time a hazardous substance is transferred into a different container, ensure that you follow
the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) standards and label according to
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) criteria.
Read the label of any chemical products you buy for your child care centre. Learn to
recognize and interpret the six main classes of hazardous products symbols. (see Hazardous
Products Symbols below).
Ensure that the cap is on tightly after each use. Always replace the cap on any container before
you set it down, even for a moment.
On shelving units, keep liquids below dry substances to minimize chemical interactions in case
there is a leak.

Potential hazardous substances in your facility may include:

Cleaning agents Drugs and medicines Cosmetics

Aerosols
Alcohol
Bathroom bowel cleaner
Detergents
Window washer fluid
Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
Antiseptics
Cold medications
Rubbing alcohol
Vitamins
Bubble bath
Cologne
Nail polish
Hair spray
Eye shadow
Polishers and Waxes Solvents Misc. products
Car wax
Pine oil
Furniture wax/polish
Kerosene
Wax remover
Paint thinner
Lighter fluid
Petroleum products
Antifreeze
Gasoline
Pesticides
Insecticides

Creating a Safe Indoor Environment

Hazardous Products Symbols
Hazardous substances in the workplace are governed by the Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Consumer chemicals used
in a household are governed by the Consumer Chemicals and Containers
Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001).

Poisonous Plants

Many common indoor plants and outdoor plants are poisonous. Parts of a
plant can be a choking hazard, may cause stomach upset, cause skin rashes,
or even anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction. Eating large amounts of any plant
can also cause illness. Teach all children not to put leaves, berries, flowers or
any part of a plant in their mouths. Always consider wild mushrooms (fungi)
to be considered toxic. It is helpful to display plants out of a childs reach
and label each plant that is found inside and outside of the facility. The
labeling allows accurate information to be given to a poison information
centre or physician should a child ingest a plant part. Refer to the Canadian
website below prior to bringing any plants into or outside the child care

setting as it provides information detailing poisonous parts of plants and

plant photos.
Government of Canada Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility:
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System,
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison
Libraries, garden centres, Department of Agriculture local offices, horticulture
schools and poison information centres may also be helpful in plant
identification.

Scalds and Burns

Scalds and burn injuries can be caused by fire, hot liquids and foods, steam,
electricity, or chemicals. Children are particularly vulnerable because their
skin is thinner than adults skin. Also, a childs skin can burn four times more
quickly and deeply than an adults at the same temperature. All premises
shall comply with the Ontario Fire Code regarding fire alarm systems, fire
safety plan, labeled fire exits, prominent fire extinguishers, etc. All fire
extinguishers and safety equipment are to be inspected according to Ontario
Fire Code regulations and records are to be maintained for Fire Department
approval. The Ontario Fire Code is available at Publications Ontario, Ministry
of Government Services 1-800-668-9938 or from the Office of the Fire
Marshal.
Hot water burns like fire. Children under the age of five have the highest risk
for all types of burns and 73% are due to scald burns. Scalds are burns
caused by:

Hot water from the tap

Hot liquids (such as coffee or tea)
Hot food (such as soup)
Steam (such as from a kettle or pot)

There are many ways to prevent children from experiencing scald and burn
injuries.
Set the hot water tank temperature to 43C / 110F.
Practice fire drills and emergency procedures at least monthly or appropriate for the building
according to the Ontario Fire Code.
Do not drink a hot drink if you are holding any child. Use a cup with a lid when drinking hot drinks
on the premises.
Keep young children safely out of the way when cooking or making hot drinks.
Ensure electrical cords and handles to cookware (e.g. kettles, pots, pans) are out of reach from
children so that they cannot pull down hot liquids or foods on top of themselves.
Do not give hot foods or drinks to any child.
Provide protective covering on all heating elements (such as hot water radiators, electrical
radiators, hot water pipes).

 Any flammable liquids should be stored in locked metal cabinets, separated from water heaters
or furnaces.
Combustibles must be stored in well-ventilated areas.

Tobacco and Second-hand Smoke

Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2006 (SFOA). How does this law affect day nurseries
and private home day care?
Section 9(2)4. of the SFOA prohibits smoking in a day nursery licensed under the Day Nurseries
Act.
Where private home day care is provided under the Day Nurseries Act, section 9(2)5. of the SFOA
prohibits smoking anywhere on the entire premises at all times, whether children are present or
not.

Responsibilities of Operators:
Ensure that everyone is aware that smoking is prohibited.
Remove ashtrays and any object that serves as one.
Ensure that no one smokes on the premises.
Ensure a person who does not comply does not remain on the premises.
Post No Smoking signs at all entrances, exits, washrooms, and other appropriate locations
(signage can be obtained from Niagara Region Public Health).

The Dangers of Second-hand Smoke and Children

Second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is made up of both
exhaled smoke and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette.
There are over 4, 000 chemicals in second-hand smoke, including lead, carbon monoxide,
arsenic, and ammonia.
Second-hand smoke is more harmful to children because of their developing lungs and immune
systems.
Second-hand smoke can retard the growth and development of an unborn baby, resulting in low
birth weight and a greater likelihood of problems during pregnancy and delivery.
In infants and children, second-hand smoke is known to increase the occurrence of ear infections,
pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, allergies, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To
further protect children from second-hand smoke, suggest to parents/caregivers to:
Make their home smoke-free.
Make their vehicle smoke-free. Effective 2009, Ontarians cannot smoke in motor vehicles with
passengers under 16 years of age.
Insist that other caregivers provide a smoke-free environment .

Water Safety
Children under the age of five are top heavy and therefore vulnerable to
falling into water, including toilets, bath tubs, and water play tubs. Young
childrens lungs are also smaller than adults and fill more quickly with water;
they can drown quickly in as little as five cm (2.5 in) of water.
Prevent Drowning
Children should be constantly and actively supervised when playing in or around water including
water play tubs and toilets.
Ensure staff supervising water activities know appropriate rescue techniques and CPR.
Avoid bath seats and bath rings.
Teach children the following:
- Walk, do not run, near water play areas.
- Do not push others in or around water play areas.
- Never bring glass near water play areas.
- Never use riding toys near water play areas.
Ensure that there is a First Aid Kit and a phone within close proximity of any water play area.

Building
Operators must comply with the requirements for lead flushing and water
sample testing (where applicable) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002,
O. Reg. 243/07. All records and documents must be available for inspection
by any member of the public during normal business hours without charge.
Examples of lead flushing postings
Flushing frequency and procedures
The operator of a day nursery located in a building where all or part of the plumbing was
installed before January 1, 1990 must ensure that:

plumbing is flushed every day that the day nursery is open, and

flushing is completed before the day nursery opens for the day.

The operator of a day nursery located in a building where no part of the plumbing was installed
before January 1, 1990 shall ensure that:

plumbing is flushed on the first day that the day nursery is open in each week, and

flushing is completed before the day nursery opens for the day.

If the date of plumbing installation is unknown, the day nursery is to abide by the flushing
requirements for buildings with plumbing installed before January 1, 1990.

Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 Flushing

Sampling procedures and testing for lead must be conducted annually

between May 1 and October 31. Copies of any reports by the laboratory must
be kept on file. Record the date and time of every flushing required as well as
the name of the person who performed the flushing. Every record must be
kept for at least six years.

GOOD PRACTICE

What is Screening and

Why is it Important?
Screening practices help define the relationship between people and
organizations and increase
both the quality and safety of programs and services in communities.
Screening takes into
account the skills, experience, and qualifications that are required for an
assignment and puts in
place an ongoing process to engage people best suited to fill the role. It also
allows organizations
to explore the interests, motivations, and personal goals of applicants.
Screening puts
in place touchstones, throughout a volunteers involvement, that support
mutual benefit while
reducing risk for everyone concerned. The benefits of screening are
threefold:
To better match peoples skills and experience to the needs and opportunities in
organizations;
To improve the quality and safety of programs and services in communities;
To reduce the risks and liability for both people and organizations.

Screening practices play a critical role for organizations in fulfilling their

moral, legal,
And ethical responsibilities to all those they reach, including members,
clients, participants,
employees, and volunteers. This obligation is even greater when they are
working with vulnerable
people, including children, youth, people with disabilities, and senior adults.
Every organization
has a unique set of considerations, depending upon its mandate, the
population it serves, the
nature of its activities, and the jurisdiction in which it is located. Each
position within an
organization has a unique set of requirements, risks, and benefits. Boards of
Directors need to
Establish screening policies that address the range of roles and
circumstances within the organization.

1 How does your own personal experiences, beliefs, and attitudes

have influenced their attitudes and behaviour towards children
(e.g., experiences, beliefs, and attitudes shaped by family, faith,
community, political ideology, socio-economic status)
2 Describe the personal qualities needed to work with children and
families (e.g., nurturing qualities, empathy, patience, energy,
creativity, flexibility)
3 Describe some essential skills and work habits needed for
employment in early childhood education (e.g., conflictresolution skills, communication skills, organizational skills,
decision-making skills; work habits such as initiative and teamwork)