Healthy Child Care & Early Learning Facilities Self-Assessment

Children and Teacher

You work hard every day to ensure that children can grow, learn and play in a safe and healthy environment. This self-assessment will support your awareness of environmental exposures and provide resources to address identified concerns. After taking the assessment and using the provided resources, your childcare or early learning center will provide an environment with greater health, safety and quality for children, families, and staff.

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There are three possible responses to each question: Yes, No and Not Applicable.

  • Yes = All is well, no action required at this time. Please reassess next time you perform the self-assessment.
  • No = There is an opportunity to make improvements. Resources provided can help you determine what next steps you take.
  • N/A = Not applicable to your facility. Continue to the next question.

It is recommended that the assessment be completed on a quarterly basis, unless the item is indicated as annual, and more frequently in situations where it is warranted (ex. chronic physical symptoms displayed by children/staff, seasonal changes, geographical location and context, etc.).

Please view the checklist answers (pdf) to view all of the resources included when a user selects “no” for each question.

Outdoor Air Quality

  1. Is the exterior environment free from smoke and strong odors?

    These resources help provide information on how smoke and odors might be harmful to children's health and how to protect yourself:

  2. Do staff check the Air Quality Index (AQI)Air Quality Index identifies how clean or polluted your outdoor air is and the associated health effects that may be of concern. The higher the level of air pollution, the greater the level of health concern. prior to taking children outside?

    These resources provide more information on the AQI and health:

  3. Are windows facing areas of high vehicular activity closed during peak traffic hours?

    These resources provide more information on vehicular pollution and health:

  4. Are you following your local regulations pertaining to idling of vehicles?

    This resource provides more information about idling laws in each state:

Indoor Air Quality

  1. Is the interior free of substances (ex. deodorizers, air fresheners, perfume, etc.) that might trigger asthma, respiratory or scent sensitivity concerns?

    These resources provide more information on indoor air quality, issues for child care facilities and schools, and air quality effects on health:

  2. Is there a written policy that prohibits smoking and tobacco use on the premises and is it enforced (Conduct Annually)?

    These resources provide policy examples for smoke-free workplaces and child care centers:

  3. Is there a policy that addresses secondhand and Thirdhand SmokeThirdhand smoke is the contamination that persists after secondhand tobacco smoke has been emitted into air. It refers to the tobacco-related gases and particles that become embedded in materials, such as the carpet, walls, furniture, blankets, and toys.? (Conduct Annually)

    These resources provide more information on secondhand and thirdhand smoke:

  4. For floor drains and plumbing traps, have infrequently used drains been observed and filled with water regularly to help prevent sewer gas smell?

    These resources provide information on maintaining pipe drain traps and health effects from sewage and garbage:

  5. Are gas powered and open flame heating systems properly vented (to the outside or combustion air)?

    These resources provide information about the importance of ventilation and indoor air quality:

  6. Are Carbon MonoxideCarbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel. Over exposure to Carbon Monoxide could lead to poisoning. detectors or monitoring systems in use as recommended (where there is gas powered appliance, equipment, or combustable fuel)?

    These resources provide information on carbon monoxide detectors and carbon monoxide's impact on indoor air quality:

  7. Has carbon monoxide detector or monitoring system been checked at minimum monthly for working condition and as recommended by NFPA 72National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code includes requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) detection and warning equipment intended to protect lives by warning occupants of the presence of carbon monoxide.?

    These resources provide information on importance of maintaining carbon monoxide detectors:

  8. Have the air filters been changed as recommended (minimum every 3 months but more frequently based on occupancy and outdoor air quality)?

    These resources provide more information on how often you should change air filters and ensuring access to fresh air indoors:

  9. Have you tested for the following contaminants? (If children or staff experience chronic symptoms such as: dryness/irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, hypersensitivity and allergies, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, dizziness and nausea)
    a. Biological: mold, dander, pollen, dust mites, bacteria
    b. Chemical: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals that are released as gases from products or processes. They can be harmful and cause health related concerns. (ex. formaldehyde), lead, radon and carbon dioxide
    c. Combustion: carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke

    These resources provide information on how different contaminants impact air quality:

  10. If testing was conducted, were recommendations implemented and documented?
  11. Have you tested for VOCs after renovation, remodeling, new building construction or installation of new equipment, furniture, carpet or paint?

    These resources provide information on health impacts of VOCs and how VOCs affect indoor air quality:

  12. Has an Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC refers to the different systems used for moving air between indoor and outdoor areas, along with heating and cooling both residential and commercial buildings. professional tested your exhaust ventilation for adequate performance in limiting odors and moisture (i.e. rest rooms, janitor closets, kitchens and equipment rooms)?

    This resource provides information on the importance of bathroom venting on indoor air quality:

Mold and Fungal Presence

  1. Is the interior free of physical signs of mold or moisture damage (i.e. odors, leaks, condensation, wet drywall, wood, stained ceiling tiles, or other affected building material; in dark areas such as closets, etc.)?

    These resources provide information on mold, it's health impacts, and testing and remediation:

  2. Is the program free of excessive absenteeism as a result of sinus infections, asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns?

    This resource provides information about molds:

  3. If mold testing was conducted, were recommendations implemented and documented?

    These resources provide information on mold testing and remediation:

Asbestos

  1. Has your facility been tested for asbestos prior to occupancy or renovation?

    This resource provides more information on what materials might contain asbestos and where you can find licensed inspectors:

  2. If asbestos was detected were recommendations implemented and documented? (Conduct Annually)

    These resources provide information on asbestos and schools and child care centers:

Radon Gas

  1. Has the facility been tested for radon gas?

    This resource provides more information about radon zones and testing:

  2. If prior testing revealed elevated radon levels, has a radon mitigation system been installed, working correctly, inspected yearly and maintenance logs readily accessible? (Conduct Annually)

    This resource provides information on radon reduction:

Lead-Based Paint

  1. If facility was built during or before 1978, has it been evaluated for lead-based paint recently, prior to occupancy or renovation?

    This resource provides information about lead sources and how to reduce lead exposure:

  2. If checked, is the evaluation dated, accessible and recommendations implemented? (Conduct Annually)

    These resources provide information about mitigating lead in child care facilities:

  3. Are the window sills void of dust?

    This resource provides information on how to identify possible exposure from lead-based paint – particularly important for buildings built before 1978

  4. Is the exterior of the building(s) free of peeling, cracked or deteriorated paint?

    This resource provides information on how to identify possible exposure from lead-based paint:

Water Quality

  1. Has the drinking water been tested for contaminants (ex. lead, copper, pesticides, etc.) prior to occupancy, post renovation or per local and state regulations?

    These resource provide information about reducing contaminants in drinking water in schools and child care facilities:

  2. If testing was conducted, were recommendations implemented and documented?

    These resources provide information on understanding water contaminants:

  3. Has the water system been flushed before use after the facility is unoccupied for extended periods?

    These resources provide information about using water after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation:

  4. Has there been periodic maintenance of the septic system as dictated by health department and local regulations?

    These resources provide information about septic systems:

Pests

  1. Is the environment free of evidence identifying vermin infestation (i.e. droppings, chewed areas, holes, etc.)?

    These resources provide information on rodent infestations:

  2. Is there an integrated pest management program in place?

    These resources provide information about integrated pest management in child care centers:

  3. When facility is being treated for pests is the building empty of occupants?

    This resource provides more information on minimizing exposure to pesticides:

  4. Is the procedure for re-entry following pest management services known and implemented?

    This resource provides information on the pest management process:

  5. Is the facility free of commercially available pesticides (ex. bug sprays)?

    These resources provide information on the safe storage of pesticides:

  6. Are exterior areas accessible to children free of large growths of undesirable or toxic plants?

    This resource provides information on poisonous and non-poisonous plants:

Chemical and Irritant Use

  1. Are cleaning and disinfecting products securely stored in approved locations?

    These resources provide information on safe storage of hazardous items:

  2. Is there a listing of approved chemicals and/or products to be used in the facility?

    These resources provide information about safe cleaning products:

  3. Do staff refrain from using cleaning and disinfecting products when children are present?

    These resources provide information about cleaning in child care settings:

  4. Do staff refrain from utilizing aerosols (perfumes, air fresheners, deodorizers, and other scented products)?

    These resources provide information on the hazards of scented products:

  5. Are safety data sheets on all approved products (ex. window cleaners, toilet cleaners, etc.) updated based on product use and readily accessible in case of emergency?

    These resources provide information on the use and storage of toxic substances:

Toys & Equipment

  1. Has playground equipment been tested for lead-based paint and all other toxic chemicals (ex. treated wood)?

    These resources provide information about toxic chemicals and children's play areas:

  2. If testing was conducted, were recommendations implemented and documented?

    These resources provide information about toxic chemicals and children's play areas:

  3. Has the soil been tested in areas that are accessible to children?

    These resources provide information about toxic chemicals in soil:

  4. If testing was conducted were recommendations implemented and documented? (Conduct Annually)
  5. Have toys and playground equipment been confirmed safe as indicated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (ex. lead free, Phthalate-FreeCertain types of plastics contain chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene that may be toxic to children., etc.)?

    These resources provide information about toy safety:

  6. Are products used for fall areas free from toxic materials and safety hazards (ex. tire rubber, pebbles or wood mulch)?

    These resources provide information about play areas and toxic chemicals:

  7. Are art supplies non-toxic and approved by ACMI (Art and Creative Materials Institute)?

    These resources provide information about toxicity in art supplies:

  8. If plastic equipment is used for eating and drinking, is it National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)Stands for National Sanitation Foundation. If a fitting or pipe is NSF rated, it has passed a standard or test procedure and is certified for use in a residential or commercial plumbing project. rated, BPA FreeA product which does not use the organic compound Bisphenol A (BPA) in its construction. Historically, many plastic products such as baby bottles, plastic plates and cutlery, storage containers and drink bottles have been made using BPA. Over exposure to BPA is a concern as it may cause possible health concerns., and in good condition (i.e. not scratched, cracked or deformed)?

    These resources provide information about BPA:

We recommend clicking print to save as a PDF so that you can refer back to the resources and add the self-assessment to your facility records.

Disclaimer

This assessment was created the by Community Development Institutes Healthy Environment/Healthy Children project. This project was funded by the EPA and is designed to implement strategies that increase awareness of the importance of Environmental Health in Early Childhood Education Settings.

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Last updated on July 17, 2024