Childcare Center Daily Health & Safety Check

Pre-open daily health and safety check for licensed childcare centers. Aligned with state licensing requirements covering staff:child ratios, environmental hazards, sanitation, allergen segregation, and emergency preparedness.

Opening Readiness & Staffing

• All assigned classrooms have the required staff:child ratio in place
  Confirm each room meets the applicable licensed ratio for the age group before opening.
• Required staff are present, on duty, and not assigned to conflicting duties
  Verify staffing coverage is adequate for supervision, breaks, arrivals, and transitions.
• Daily attendance and room assignment roster is current
  Confirm the roster reflects current children, staff assignments, and room placement for the day.
• Substitute or float coverage is available for breaks and unexpected absences
  Verify backup coverage is identified if a staff member becomes unavailable during operating hours.

Environmental Hazards & Room Safety

• Floors, walkways, and exits are free of slip, trip, and fall hazards
  Check for wet floors, cords, clutter, loose rugs, blocked pathways, and other walking-surface hazards.
• Furniture, shelves, and equipment are stable and secured
  Verify heavy furniture, storage units, and equipment are not tipped, damaged, or accessible in a way that creates a hazard.
• Small objects, broken items, and choking hazards are removed from child-accessible areas
  Inspect floors, low shelves, play areas, and tables for items that could be mouthed or swallowed by children.
• Indoor temperature is comfortable and within center policy
  Record the room temperature if your center uses a defined comfort range for occupancy.
• Lighting, ventilation, and room conditions support safe supervision
  Confirm visibility is adequate for active supervision and that rooms are not excessively hot, cold, or poorly ventilated.

Sanitation, Hygiene, and Cleaning

• Handwashing sinks are stocked with soap and single-use drying supplies
  Verify soap, paper towels or approved drying method, and accessible sinks are available for staff and children.
• High-touch surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized per center procedure
  Check tables, counters, diapering areas, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces for completed sanitation.
• Diapering and toileting areas are clean, stocked, and odor-free
  Inspect diaper stations, toilets, and changing supplies for cleanliness and readiness.
• Trash, soiled linens, and waste are contained and removed appropriately
  Confirm waste containers are lined, covered if required, and not overflowing.
• Cleaning chemicals are stored securely and separated from child-accessible items
  Verify chemicals are labeled, secured, and not stored near food, toys, or personal items.

Allergen Control & Food Safety

• Allergy list and emergency action plans are available to assigned staff
  Confirm staff can access current allergy information and response instructions for enrolled children with known allergies.
• Allergen-free foods and supplies are segregated and clearly labeled
  Check that allergen-sensitive items are stored separately to prevent cross-contact.
• Food preparation and serving surfaces are clean and ready for use
  Verify counters, utensils, and serving areas are clean before food service begins.
• Medications, epinephrine, and other emergency medications are secured and accessible per policy
  Confirm medications are stored according to center procedure and are not accessible to unauthorized persons.

Emergency Preparedness & Safety Equipment

• Emergency exits are unobstructed and openable from the inside
  Verify exit routes are clear, doors function properly, and evacuation paths are not blocked.
• Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and within inspection date
  Confirm extinguishers are mounted or readily accessible and appear current per center procedure.
• Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency notification systems are operational
  Verify required alarm systems are functioning according to the center's testing schedule.
• Emergency contact information and evacuation procedures are posted and accessible
  Check that staff can quickly access emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and response procedures.
• First aid kit is stocked and readily available
  Confirm the kit is complete, accessible, and not expired or missing essential supplies.