The Importance of Health and Safety

Health and safety is the foundation of a high quality child care program. Child care providers should be trained in, and follow, best practices in health and safety. Healthy and safe children are better prepared to learn and grow. Making the best choices for your child’s health and wellness is not always easy.

The following health and safety information and resources can help you give your child a healthy start at home and in the child care setting.

For additional information and resources contact your local Child Care Resource Center by calling 2-1-1.

Recommended Training for Providers

Child care providers should be trained in the following health and safety topics:

  1. Pediatric First Aid and CPR
  2. Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunizations)
  3. Safe sleep practices and Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  4. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment
  5. Recognition and prevention of child abuse and neglect
  6. Medication administration Prevention and response to emergencies due to food allergic reactions
  7. Emergency preparedness and response for natural disasters or man-caused events
  8. Handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials
  9. Indoor and outdoor safety (including identifying and protecting children from hazards, bodies of water, traffic, etc.)
  10. Safety measures in transporting children (if applicable).

Practices for Child Care Programs

  • The Basics of Healthy and Safe Child Care (PDF)

    In partnership with families, all early care and education programs should provide enriching early childhood experiences that promote the long-term success of children and assist low-income working parents with the cost of child care.

  • Safe Sleep Practices (PDF)PDF

    At home or in the child care setting all infants should sleep alone, on their back, and in a safety approved crib to reduce the risk of infant death.

Recommended Training for Families

The Family Role in Child Care Emergency Preparedness:

  1. Ask to review your child care program’s emergency preparedness plan
  2. Participate in your child care program’s emergency preparedness planning
  3. Update your emergency contact information regularly
  4. Know your child care program’s emergency contact numbers and relocation sites

Practices for Home

  • Babies Cry, Have a Plan at Home and in Child Care

    A crying baby can be stressful. Particularly if you're an exhausted parent struggling to figure out how to soothe your new baby. This website provides helpful information on how to make a plan to cope with these stressful times.

  • Nutrition in Child CarePDF

    The National Resource Center For Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education provides helpful information on establishing healthy habits that will help your child thrive and grow.