Selecting child care can be an overwhelming task. Not only do parents want to find a safe, high quality child care center, but more and more parents are seeking childcare that is also environmentally safe and responsible.
Since there is new awareness that the environment impacts the health and wellbeing of the children and families it serves, there is a trend toward green daycare centers and preschools.
A Green Child Care Center
A green child care center is one that is environmentally friendly. They take measures to ensure that the environment provides the best in health for children, offer locally-grown or organic food, and celebrate multiculturalism. Also children are taught to respect the earth and its precious resources.
Eco-Healthy Child Care Checklist
The Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) provides an Eco-Healthy Child Care Checklist which has 25 environmental-health criteria for daycare centers. Of those 25 criteria, daycare centers must meet at least 20 of 25 items. 2 of the 25 items are mandatory: The use of nontoxic techniques to control pests and no smoking anywhere on the premises or in sight of children.
Eco-Healthy Measures for Child Care Facilities
There are 10 categories that child care centers should focus on in order to become eco-healthy which are highlighted by the OEC:
Pesticides and pest prevention
Pesticides and insecticides used to treat pests like roaches and ants as well as weeds, should be non-toxic whether they are used inside or outside of the facility. The OEC says that if toxic techniques are required, a professional must apply the least toxic treatment available, parents must be notified in advance, and children cannot be exposed for at least 12 hours after application.
Air quality
This category is concerned with environmental factors that lead to mold and mildew. These factors include proper ventilation and humidity and attention to water leaks. In addition, smoking, scented candles and air fresheners must be prohibited.
Household chemicals
The chemicals in common household products used for cleaning or other domestic activities like bleach and paint can be harmful to children and the environment. Guidelines call for the use of nontoxic and biodegradable products as well as minimal bleach use. Also facilities should use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints which have fewer odors and are less toxic than other paints.
Lead
These measures deal with reducing lead exposure. Avoid the use of imported or handmade pottery for food service. The OEC recommends using only cold water for making formula, cooking, and drinking. Lead paint was banned after 1978, so childcare centers built before this are at risk of high lead exposure. Also, all visitors, staff and children should be required to wipe their shoes on a rough mat before entering the facility.
Mercury
Switch to digital thermometers instead of mercury-based thermometers.
Furniture and carpets
Avoid wall-to-wall carpet and make sure to clean all carpets. Rugs and carpet should be vacuumed daily. Use biodegradable carpet cleaners at least twice a year to clean area rugs and carpets. Buy solid wood furniture and avoid particleboard.
Art supplies
The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) provides an approved list of non-toxic art supplies which the OEC recommends. Look for the ACMI seal when buying art supplies.
Plastics and toys
Avoid heating all plastic items in the microwave and toys constructed out of soft plastic vinyl. The safe bet is to buy toys labeled PVC free.
Treated playground equipment
When selecting playground equipment avoid items that are made of treated wood.
Recycling and garbage storage
Recycle items like glass, paper, plastic and aluminum. When storing garbage, keeping it covered will reduce pests.
While these criteria only represent the standards set forth by the OEC, these actions make for a good foundation for further environmentally friendly activities. Childcare centers can always add in their own eco-healthy touches like starting a garden or using organic foods and materials at the facility. Getting all staff, parents, and children on board will ensure that the daycare facility maintains a cooperative eco-friendly environment.
Carla Snuggs - As a writer for Suite101.com since 2005, it is a privilege to continue on as theTopic Editor for the subject of Day Care. I received a ...
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