Safety should be a top priority for any parent placing their children in the care of other adults. The childcare workers should be background-checked, competent, and caring, and each classroom should be clean and child-proofed.
How do you know whether your childcare facility is safe for your child? Ensure the facility has a current Ohio childcare licensure!
What Is a Childcare License?
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will license a childcare facility when it meets the basic requirements for:
- Staff accreditation
- Safety
- Sanitization
- Nutrition
A daycare or childcare facility must renew its license every year. Operating a daycare without certification or with a lapsed license is illegal, and the director is subject to penalties.
Why Is Licensure Important?
These regulations are vital for your child’s safety and happiness in a childcare facility.
For instance:
- Staff Accreditation: If staff are not properly trained in classroom management and age-appropriate activities, your child could be subject to harm. All staff members need regular training on childcare and safety regulations. Well-intentioned but ignorant workers should not be responsible children.
- Safety: The building must pass a safety inspection and have appropriate medical and safety devices available, like fire extinguishers and first aid equipment. Your child could be subject to harm if shelves are not anchored to the wall, toys are a choking hazard, or first aid equipment is not readily available.
- Sanitation: Your child could get sick if the facility is not cleaned throughout the day, there is mold growing on the walls, or childcare workers don’t wash their hands after changing a diaper.
- Nutrition: If your child receives breakfast, lunch, and a snack at the facility, the daycare must offer optimal foods for growing children. Your child could miss out on vital nutrients if a facility doesn’t offer a balanced diet or could gain unnecessary weight if the menu has too many high-fat or sugary foods.
Care4Kids Goes the Extra Mile for Safety
At Care4Kids, you don’t have to wonder if your child is in a safe environment. Not only does Care4Kids have an Ohio state license, but we go above and beyond state requirements to ensure your child’s safety.
We carefully monitor visitors to ensure no unauthorized person enters the building. Our small class sizes minimize the spread of illnesses and allow children to receive quality care and attention from teachers. Finally, we pride ourselves on our nutritious menu that meets health standards and tastes good, too!