ChurchSafety

The church has a huge opportunity for outreach to families through daycare. It's in this setting we can show love and care for the physical well-being of children, but also for their emotional, spiritual and mental development.

Caring for "the least of these" is one way we can be assured of doing God's will. Let's do it with excellence! The following are a few simple tips to assist you in creating a safe daycare environment.

• Follow the statelicensing requirements. There are several guidelines you'll want to follow according to state law. These guidelines cover subjects from staff to nutrition, napping, and physical space.
  
  
• Learn city and public health agencies requirements. In addition to state requirements, your city may have some guidelines for your ministry to follow. You should also check for any requirements from other agencies such as health, social services, or child protection.
  
  

• Contain cleaning supplies. Having cleaning supplies around a daycare facility is inevitable. Make sure all chemicals have child-resistant closures. Also, use safety latches on cabinets that contain chemicals, medicines, paint solvents, plastic trash bags, polishes, or waxes.
  
  
• Child-proof the rooms. Keep the cords of window blinds out of reach by hanging them at the top of the window covering. Don't set cribs near windows. Install anti-scald devices on faucets to keep water temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• Beware of children gaining access to poisons. Products that are petroleum distillates, such as gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, furniture polishes, pine oil, paraffin wax, and adhesives can cause serious injuries to children following aspiration of the substance into the lungs. These products are not required to be in child-resistant containers. All poisons need to be stored out of the reach of children. No poisons should be stored under sinks, on counter tops or disposed of in trash cans that children have access to.
  
  
• Know signs of abuse. A child might show some of the following signs if they've been physically abused. Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes. Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school. Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home. Shrinks at the approach of adults. Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
  
  

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