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? The best way is to ensure the facility is licensed.
What Is a Childcare License?
The Division of Child Care 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?
Each of these regulations is vital for your child to be safe and thrive 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 needs regular training on childcare and safety regulations. Well-intentioned but ignorant workers should not be responsible children.
- Safety: The building needs to pass a safety inspection and needs to 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 snack at the facility, it’s crucial that the daycare 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.
Penguin Crossing AcademyGoes the Extra Mile for Safety
At Penguin Crossing Academy, you don’t have to wonder if your child is in a safe environment. Not only does Penguin Crossing Academy have an Ohio state license, but we go above and beyond state requirements to ensure your child’s safety.
We carefully monitor visitors to make sure no one unauthorized comes into the building. Our small class sizes help cut down 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!
Penguin Crossing Academy is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Penguin Crossing Academy today!