Safety First: The Childcare Organization Checklist

Licensing inspectors look for one thing: a system. Safety isn’t just about being careful; it’s about being organized. Use this checklist to stay compliant:

• The Emergency Binder: A bright red binder near the exit. It should contain child emergency cards, a “last seen” roster, and a map of utility shut-offs.
• Cleaning Stations: Organize your bleach solutions and sanitizers in a high, locked cabinet. Each bottle should be labeled with the date it was mixed.
• Medication Lockbox: Never keep “diaper cream” or “Tylenol” in a child’s cubby. Use a central, locked box with a log sheet to track dosages and parental signatures.
• First Aid Visibility: Ensure first aid kits are mounted at eye level for adults but out of reach for children. Check expiration dates on a quarterly schedule.