Childcare Classroom Daily Opening Inspection

Pre-opening classroom readiness checklist for early learning teachers. Verifies staff-to-child ratios, sanitation, electrical safety, allergen labeling, and emergency supplies before children arrive — supporting state childcare licensing compliance.

Staff Readiness & Ratio Verification

• Lead teacher or qualified caregiver is present and credentialed before first child arrives
  Verify the lead teacher holds current required credentials (e.g., CDA, state-issued certificate) and is physically present in the classroom.
• Current staff-to-child ratio for enrolled age group
  Select the ratio status for today's opening. Ratios must comply with state licensing rules before children are admitted.
• Substitute or additional staff coverage documented for any absent staff
  If any scheduled staff are absent, confirm a qualified substitute is arranged and documented in the daily log.
• Staff sign-in log completed with arrival times
  Daily staff sign-in sheet is current and reflects actual arrival times for all staff on duty.

Sanitation & Hygiene

• Diaper changing surface cleaned and sanitized with approved disinfectant; disposable liner or paper in place
  Changing surface must be non-porous, free of cracks, and sanitized with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Verify liner supply is stocked.
• Handwashing sinks stocked: soap in dispenser, single-use paper towels available, warm running water confirmed
  Child-accessible handwashing sinks must have liquid soap, single-use towels, and running water at a safe temperature (≤120°F / 49°C per OSHA 1910.141).
• Tabletops and high-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches, cubbies) sanitized
  Wipe down all tabletops and frequently touched surfaces with an EPA-registered sanitizer before children arrive.
• Shared toys and manipulatives cleaned or removed from circulation if visibly soiled or damaged
  Inspect toys for visible soil, cracks, or broken parts. Remove any items that cannot be sanitized or pose a choking/injury hazard.
• Trash receptacles lined, covered (where required), and emptied from previous day
  Diaper pail and general waste bins must be lined and covered. Diaper pail must be foot-operated or otherwise hands-free.

Electrical & Physical Safety

• All unused electrical outlets at child height (≤48 in. from floor) fitted with tamper-resistant covers or GFCI protection
  NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 406.12 requires tamper-resistant receptacles in childcare facilities. Verify every accessible outlet has a cover or is a tamper-resistant receptacle. Document any missing covers and replace before opening.
• Furniture and shelving units taller than 30 inches are anchored to wall or otherwise tip-resistant
  Bookshelves, cubbies, and storage units must be secured to prevent tip-over. Check anchor hardware for looseness.
• All cleaning products, medications, and hazardous materials stored in locked cabinet inaccessible to children
  No cleaning agents, sanitizers, medications, or other hazardous substances may be accessible to children. Locked storage required per most state licensing rules.
• Classroom floor and play areas free of tripping hazards, sharp objects, and small items (choking hazards < 1.25 in. diameter)
  Walk the entire classroom floor and play area. Remove any debris, broken items, or objects small enough to pose a choking risk for children under 3.
• Window blind cords and curtain ties secured or cut to eliminate strangulation hazard
  Looped cords on window coverings pose a strangulation risk. Use cordless blinds or ensure cords are wound and secured above child reach at all times.

Allergen Labeling & Food Safety

• Each child's personal food/snack container is labeled with child's full name and date
  All food items brought from home must be individually labeled. Unlabeled items must be held and parent contacted before serving.
• Classroom allergen alert list is current, posted visibly, and matches enrolled children's records
  A current allergen alert list (listing each child's known food allergies/intolerances) must be posted at the classroom entrance and at the snack/meal area. Verify it reflects any new enrollments or updated medical forms.
• Classroom snack or meal service area cleaned and sanitized; no cross-contact risk from previous day's food residue
  Tables, trays, and utensils used for food service must be sanitized. Check for any food residue that could cause allergen cross-contact.
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for enrolled children with anaphylaxis risk are present, unexpired, and accessible to staff
  Verify each prescribed EpiPen is in its labeled case, within expiration date, and stored per the child's emergency action plan. Staff must know location and be trained in use.

Emergency Supplies & Egress

• First aid kit present, stocked per state licensing minimum contents list, and accessible to staff (not locked away from staff reach)
  Minimum first aid kit contents typically include: adhesive bandages (assorted), sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, and a first aid manual. Restock any depleted items before opening.
• Emergency contact binders/cards for all enrolled children are present in the classroom and up to date
  Each enrolled child must have a current emergency contact card with at least two contacts, physician name/number, and known medical conditions/allergies on file in the classroom.
• Primary and secondary emergency exit routes unobstructed — doors open freely, pathways clear of furniture/equipment
  Per NFPA 101 §7.1, means of egress must be continuously maintained free of obstructions. Check that exit doors open without a key from the inside and that pathways to exits are clear.
• Emergency evacuation diagram posted at classroom exit and assembly point location confirmed
  Evacuation map must be posted near the primary exit door. Confirm the designated outdoor assembly point is accessible and unobstructed.
• Fire extinguisher visible, unobstructed, inspection tag current (within 12 months), and pressure gauge in green zone
  Per NFPA 10, portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly (visual) and annually by a licensed service provider. Verify the tag date and that the gauge needle is in the green (charged) zone.

Attendance & Documentation

• Daily attendance/sign-in sheet prepared with today's date and enrolled children's names
  Attendance sheet must be ready at the classroom door for parent/guardian sign-in at drop-off.
• Health observation log available — staff prepared to document any visible illness symptoms at drop-off
  Staff must conduct a brief health check at drop-off. Log must be available to record symptoms such as fever, rash, vomiting, or conjunctivitis that may require exclusion per facility illness policy.
• Any open licensing deficiencies or corrective actions from previous inspection posted or on file and being addressed
  If the facility has any outstanding deficiency notices from the state licensing agency, confirm the corrective action plan is active and documented.
• Inspector name and classroom/room number
  Enter your full name and the classroom or room identifier for this inspection record.
• Inspection date and time completed
  Record the date and time this opening inspection was completed. Must be before first child's scheduled arrival.
• Overall classroom readiness — any open deficiencies not yet corrected?
  Note any items that could not be corrected before opening and the action taken (e.g., item removed from service, supervisor notified, maintenance request submitted).