Form EC-1 (January 2013)
Early Childhood Program Health and Safety Checklist
Christian Schools of Florida
This form is to be completed and returned to Christian Schools of Florida Inc. Mark all non-applicable items with
“N/A”. A copy of this completed form must be provided to each family or posted in a visible, parent accessible location
of the program site.
Disclaimer: Compliance with this checklist does not release provider from liability, nor does it imply that Christian Schools of Florida
may be held liable for any incidents that may occur.
Basic School/Program and Head/Director Information
Name of School/Program: _____________________________________________________________
Program Type:
o
o
Licensed Early Childhood Program
FS 402.316 Licensed Exempt Childhood Program
Physical Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Most Recent Date of CSF Visit to Facility (Choose the most recent from the list below):
o
o
o
o
o
Peer Team Review Visit _______________
Change of Head Visit _________________
Change of Program Visit _______________
New Facilities Visit ____________________
EC Substantial Compliance Inspection _________________
Most Recent Date of DCF, DHO, Fire Marshall Visit to Facility:
o
o
o
o
o
Local DCF or County EC Visit: _____________
Local DOH Visit: ________________________
Local Fire Marshall Visit: __________________
Radon Inspection: _______________________
Business Occupation License: ______________
Is this program a downward extension of a fully accredited CSF school (51% of children enrolled are
(5) five years or older)? ____ Yes
____ No
Total Number of School Readiness children (if any): __________
Total Number of VPK children (if any): __________
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Head/Director of School/Program
Name: ______________________________________________
o
o
o
o
o
Date of Last Level II Background Screening: ________________________
Director’s Credential Expiration Date: _____________________
10-clock hours of Annual In-service training completed between July 1 and June 30 each year
The director reports all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Florida abuse
hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (Abuse is defined as any willful or threatened act or omission that
results in any physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child's
physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Neglect is defined as any act or
omission where a child is deprived of, or allowed to be deprived of, necessary supervision, food,
clothing, shelter, or medical treatment, or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such
deprivation or environment causes the child's physical, mental, or emotional health to be
significantly impaired).
The school/program has a clear written plan that designates at least one contracted professional
staff member to substitute for the director in case of an emergency and who has completed the
following:
o 40-clock-hour Introductory Child Care Training comprised of Part I and Part II
courses: Certificate Date: ________________________________________
o 5-clock-hour (or .5 CEU’s) Early Literacy and Language Development,
o
Certificate date: ________________________________________________
Name of substitute for director: _______________________________________
Personnel Requirements
o
The director possesses a state-mandated Director’s credential, AND (choose one of the
following):
o
has earned a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in early childhood education /child
development, OR
o
a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with nine credit hours in early childhood
education/child development, OR
o
a Bachelor’s degree in any other subject area with twelve credit hours in early childhood
education/child development, OR
o
academic credentials that exceed the foregoing deemed satisfactory to the accrediting entity
including 12 credit hours in early childhood/child development.
(Note: Passing the state subject area test for appropriate age level may be substituted for early
childhood/child development credit hours.)
o
Teachers of two to four-year-old children have completed the state-mandated hourly training,
AND (choose one of the following):
o
o
hold a valid teaching certificate in early childhood or child development, OR
hold a college degree plus experience or training in early childhood education or
documentation of continued course work in early childhood education, OR
o
hold an Associate of Arts Degree with a certificate from an early childhood program
recognized by CSF OR
2
o
have an FCCPC (formerly CDAE).
o
Assistant teachers and aides of two to four-year-old children have completed the statemandated hourly training (45 hours).
o
Level II Background Screening: All teachers, assistants, and support staff in contact with the
children have completed Level II background screening (Local, FDLE, FBI), have full clearance,
and results do not reflect any violence towards children. (Effective July 2011, local law
enforcement checks are no longer required by DCF as part of the Level II Background Screening.
However, the Level II Screenings (FBI/FDLE) must be acquired before an employee may have
direct contact with children).
Note: All programs must comply with the minimum standards for screening and notification of employee
termination for all childcare personnel as established by rule from the Dept. of Education (Florida Statutes
1002.55(2). See Private School Fingerprinting Process at
http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/Private_Schools/fingerprints_general.asp .
Included in this statute are requirements for programs participating in VPK which requires ethics training,
disqualification from employment for a person who is convicted of a disqualifying offense identified under F.S.
435.04; procedures for screening prospective employees; prohibition of entering into a confidentiality
agreement with a terminated staff person; restrictions on programs that fail to comply; minimum credentials for
prekindergarten instructors.
Health and Safety Training of Personnel
Document and keep in a place for ready access the following to demonstrate compliance:
o
o
o
o
o
The director of the school/program has completed another health and safety course that has
been determined by DCF to meet the standards for health and safety.
Staff members must be trained in child abuse reporting procedures in accordance with DCF
regulations.
A minimum of 10% of the staff members are trained in first aid and CPR procedures.
At least one staff member or other designated adult with current training in first aid and CPR is
present during the time children are enrolled and at all school activities.
All staff and personnel have been trained in Blood-borne Pathogens procedures on an annual
basis.
Teacher / Child Ratios
o
Ratios: A teacher to child ratio that is consistent with applicable state standards and maintains
the following ratios: (VPK and Gold Seal programs must use ratios in CSF Handbook for VPK)
Non VPK/Gold Seal
Birth-12 mos.
= 4:1
13-24 mos.
= 6:1
25-35 mos.
= 10:1
3 years olds
= 15:1
4 years olds
= 20:1
5 years old
= 20:1
o
VPK/Gold Seal_________Maximum Group Size
Birth-12 mos.
= 4:1
8
13-24 mos.
= 4:1
8
25-35 mos.
= 5:1
10
3 years olds
= 9:1
18
4 years olds
= 11:1
20
5 years old
= 12:1
24
Total Number of children in program:
o #___ 0-12 months
#___ 13-24 months
#____ 2 year olds
# ____ 3 year olds
o #___ 4 y/o
# ____ 5 year olds
o Competent adult supervision is provided at all times (including nap time) for all children.
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Discipline
o
o
o
The director ensures that no form of discipline is used that is severe, humiliating, frightening,
No discipline associated with food, rest, or toileting is ever utilized with any child in care (includes
spanking or any type of physical punishment).
All parents have been informed of the school/program’s disciplinary procedures and are informed
whenever their child is disciplined while in care.
Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
All children are observed on a daily basis for signs of communicable diseases (including
severe coughing, difficult or rapid breathing, stiff neck, diarrhea, temperature over 101 degrees
Fahrenheit or higher, pink eye, exposed and open skin lesions, unusually dark urine and/or gray
or white stool, yellowish skin or eyes, and any unusual sign of illness).
There is a well-ventilated designated isolation area for a child who becomes ill, within sight and
hearing of the staff person assigned to such, where the child’s condition can be closely observed.
Ill children are always transferred to the designated isolation area as soon as a communicable
disease is suspected.
The custodial parents of the ill child are always contacted, and the child is removed from
the site.
The designated isolation area is equipped with a bed, mat, or cot and materials that can be
easily sanitized.
Linens in the isolation area are changed after each use.
A child identified as having head lice shall not be permitted to return to childcare until adequate
treatment has occurred and the child is free of infestation (verification of treatment includes a
signed statement from the assigned staff person or the custodial parent stating that treatment has
occurred).
If any staff person develops signs or symptoms of a communicable disease or has a fever of 101
degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the staff person always leaves the area which the children
occupy and does not return without medical authorization or until the symptoms are no
longer present.
The local county health department is immediately notified upon any suspected
outbreak of a communicable disease (outbreak refers to when two or more children or employees
have the onset of similar signs of symptoms within a 72-hour period, or when a case of a serious
or reportable communicable disease is diagnosed or suspected in a child or employee).
A current immunization record for every child is maintained on the premises at all times (file
should be easily accessible to the director in case of an emergency).
Hand Washing/Diapering
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The staff and children frequently wash hands throughout the day with soap and running water
and dry hands thoroughly after washing.
The hand washing area is equipped with a basin or sink, soap, trash receptacle, and disposable
towels at all times.
Hands are always washed before handling food and/or drinks and before eating.
The director and staff always wash hands before and after diapering any child (if N/A skip the
next four items).
If diapering is performed on any child in care, the child is attended at all times during the
diapering process.
Diapers are always changed on an impermeable surface that is sanitized after each use.
The diaper changing area is located away from the food area.
4
o
Soiled diapers are disposed of in a plastic lined secure container.
Health Requirements
o
o
o
o
o
At least one (1) first aid kit is maintained on the premises at all times.
The first aid kit is a closed container clearly labeled “First Aid”.
The first aid kit is easily accessible to the supervising staff and is kept out of reach of children.
At minimum, the fist aid kit contains: soap, band aids or equivalent, disposable nonporous gloves,
cotton balls or applicators, sterile gauze pads or rolls, adhesive tape, a thermometer, premoistened wipes, scissors, and a current resource guide on first aid and CPR procedures.
Hazardous materials are stored away safely and in a locked area that is inaccessible to children
(hazardous materials refer to all medicine, paint, household cleaning supplies, gardening
chemicals, and all toxic chemicals).
Medication
o
o
o
o
o
Written authorization, which is signed, dated, and stored, in a child’s file, is always obtained from
the custodial parent before dispensing prescription and non-prescription medication.
Medication is dispensed through a registered nurse, a physician’s assistant, or a physician
according to a written training plan adopted by the school.
Prescription medication is only dispensed from its original container and accompanied by a
physician's prescription.
A log of medication dispensing information is kept in each child’s file detailing the name of the
medication, the amount of dosage, the frequency of the dosage, and the time dosage is to be
dispensed.
All medication is properly labeled, stored and/or refrigerated in a locked area out of the reach of
children (labels must clearly state the child’s first and last name, and the name of the medication).
Building and Physical Premises Safety
Emergency, Medical, and Fire Safety Procedures
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Emergency telephone numbers and addresses for fire, ambulance, police, poison control, the
Florida abuse hotline are posted in a highly visible manner at each telephone (and in each area of
the building where cell phones are operable).
A working landline telephone is accessible at all times while children are being cared for.
There is a clear evacuation plan visibly posted in each classroom and office.
Program carries out safety/emergency drills and maintains a log containing the date of the drill,
the number of children participating, an attendance roster to indicate that all children have safely
evacuated the facilities and returned after the drill is completed, the time taken for a full
evacuation to be completed, and any special conditions that occurred.
Program inspects at the outset of fire drills the entire interior of the school facility to make certain
that no persons are left behind, in accordance with a written plan that is in place to guide in
inspection process.
A current day’s attendance record always accompanies the staff or director while conducting
evacuation procedures.
Fire extinguishers are installed and maintained in sufficient numbers and properly placed
throughout the facility and are maintained and inspected regularly in accordance with local and
state fire codes; staff members are trained in their use.
There are fully functioning smoke detectors in all areas occupied by children and staff (smoke
detectors can be battery operated or wired to the facility).
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o
o
o
o
o
o
Emergency access telephone numbers are placed in a Emergency/Crisis Management Plan
There is a written crisis management plan in which all employees are regularly trained and
appropriate drills are conducted. The emergency/crisis management plan contains the following:
An on-campus inspection plan for possible breaches in security.
A process whereby lockdown and evacuation procedures and reporting incidents to the general
public are communicated to the school community.
Instruction and implementation for safety/emergency drills.
An emergency log containing the data kept during and after the drills.
Frequency of required emergency drills:
o
o
o
Tornado drills are conducted once each semester.
Lockdown drills are conducted once each quarter.
Fire drills are conducted monthly, with the initial drill held within the first fifteen (15) days of the
start of the school year.
Physical Environment
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Maintains a physical plant that is free of hazards to safety, such as unfenced danger areas, unlit
stairwells, open waterways, and unprotected propane gas tanks.
The area that the children occupy is clean, in good repair, free from health and safety
hazards, and free from vermin infestation.
Other than general clean up from daily activities, the cleaning of the area children in care
occupy is done when the room is not being occupied by children.
During the hours that children are present, no portion of the facility is used for any
activity which endangers the health and safety of the children.
Narcotics, alcohol, or illegal drugs are not present on the premises.
Smoking is not permitted inside the area which children occupy during the hours when
children are in care.
All electrical outlets within reach of children are covered with child proof electrical outlet
covers.
The lighting is sufficient to visually observe and supervise the children in care at all
times, including nap time.
The inside temperature in the area that children in care occupy must be between 65 and
82 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
All rooms are kept adequately ventilated at all times (rooms must have windows that can be
opened (with screens) or functioning air conditioning ducts).
All exits are kept clear and free from obstruction.
Toilet facilities are adequate to the enrollment, are properly ventilated and daily cleaned, and are
in compliance with applicable state and local codes.
Sanitary drinking fountains are provided at convenient locations and sufficient in number to meet
county building codes.
Establishes, publishes, and practices written procedures that control visitor access to the school
and allows for the access and release of students to non-custodial parties.
Employs arrival and dismissal schedules and parking and traffic patterns designed to provide
reasonable procedures for the safety of all students.
Indoor Space and Equipment
o
A program for daily housekeeping and maintenance is scheduled, practiced, and supervised that
assures the health and safety of students and staff.
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The toys, equipment, and furnishings are safe and maintained in sanitary condition (toys,
equipment, and furnishings must be regularly sanitized with a bleach solution or household
sanitizer, e.g. Lysol).
Each child has an adequate amount of indoor space for indoor play, work, and, if applicable, nap
time (20 sq. ft. to 35 sq ft. per child, depending on when school opened).
Toys are stored in a safe and orderly fashion when not being used by children.
When napping or sleeping each child must be provided safe and sanitary bedding.
Floor mats must be at least 1” thick and covered with an impermeable surface.
The heating/cooling system is safe, effective and insulated to protect children from extreme
temperatures.
Classroom furniture is sufficient in amount and appropriate for the age and size of the pupils and
kept in good repair.
Dining and kitchen areas are well equipped and comply with county health and safety regulations.
Outdoor Equipment & Area
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Outdoor play and recreational areas provide ample space and shade for a variety of activities
suited to the needs of children and meet state and local codes.
All play equipment is securely anchored.
All play equipment is in good working condition and is inspected at least monthly by staff.
All play equipment is age-appropriate in design and size.
Permanent play equipment has soft ground cover or protective surface below the equipment.
All equipment, fences, and objects in the outdoor play area is free of sharp, broken, or jagged
edges and litter, glass, and protruding nails.
Equipment is spaced appropriately to discourage over crowding in play area.
Equipment is constructed to allow for water drainage. (equipment should not allow water to pool
or settle which could cause damage to equipment)
There is a minimum of 45 square feet of usable outdoor space per child.
Outdoor play area is cleaned daily.
During outdoor time all children are visible to staff at all times.
There is a cell phone, hard-wired phone, or walkie-talkie present in ready access to supervising
staff in order to call the central office in cases of emergency.
There is a minimum of a (4) four-foot high commercial fence (six (6) feet is preferable, if allowed
by local codes to prevent access to children by intruders), free from holes, gaps, spaces, marking
off the play area if the facility borders: a driveway, a road, and/or a body of water (fencing must
be continuous, including gate, at ground level, free from erosion or build up, and prevents inside
or outside access of children and animals).
If there is a swimming pool on the property, there must be a locked, (4) four-foot high barrier or
pool fence, free from gaps or spaces surrounding all sides of the pool (an operable pool alarm is
suggested to be used in conjunction with the barrier or pool fence but can be used in its place).
Transportation
o
o
o
The school/program transports children enrolled and ensures that age appropriate and federally
approved child safety restraints (if applicable) are always used.
There is a written procedure to ensure that no child is ever left unattended in a vehicle. (Written
procedures absolutely must include (1) counting children upon departure, (2) again at arrival at
the destination, and 3) upon reloading, and (4) upon return to the school.
The driver of the vehicle has a current and valid Florida drivers license kept on his/her person
whenever transporting children and must be approved to drive according to the school’s
established safe driver policy.
7
o
The driver and vehicle carries full coverage insurance (a valid insurance card must remain in the
vehicle at all times while in use). The minimum amount of vehicular insurance coverage per
occurrence is determined by student enrollment.
1-200 students = $2,000,000
201-500 students = $3,000,000
501 + students = $5,000,000
o
o
The maximum number of individuals transported never exceeds the manufacturer’s designated
seating capacity or the number of factory installed seat belts.
A vehicle inspection is always conducted prior to transporting children and upon arrival at the
destination (vehicle inspections consist of observing the tires for adequate inflation and tread, a
gas check, ensuring that all seat belts are in working order, ensuring that vehicle is free of leaks,
and observing the vehicle gauges panel for warnings).
Name and School of CSF Representative:
___________________________________________________________
Signature of CSF Representative: ________________________________________________________
Date of Visit: ___________________________
Outstanding Violations, If Any: _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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