Run Childcare Classroom Daily Opening Inspection — Free

Staff Readiness & Ratio Verification

Lead teacher or qualified caregiver is present and credentialed before first child arrives critical (required)

Verify the lead teacher holds current required credentials (e.g., CDA, state-issued certificate) and is physically present in the classroom.

Yes No N/A

Current staff-to-child ratio for enrolled age group critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

Sanitation & Hygiene

Diaper changing surface cleaned and sanitized with approved disinfectant; disposable liner or paper in place critical (required)

Changing surface must be non-porous, free of cracks, and sanitized with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Verify liner supply is stocked.

Yes No N/A

Handwashing sinks stocked: soap in dispenser, single-use paper towels available, warm running water confirmed critical (required)

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).

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

Electrical & Physical Safety

All unused electrical outlets at child height (≤48 in. from floor) fitted with tamper-resistant covers or GFCI protection critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

Furniture and shelving units taller than 30 inches are anchored to wall or otherwise tip-resistant critical (required)

Bookshelves, cubbies, and storage units must be secured to prevent tip-over. Check anchor hardware for looseness.

Yes No N/A

All cleaning products, medications, and hazardous materials stored in locked cabinet inaccessible to children critical (required)

No cleaning agents, sanitizers, medications, or other hazardous substances may be accessible to children. Locked storage required per most state licensing rules.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

Window blind cords and curtain ties secured or cut to eliminate strangulation hazard critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

Allergen Labeling & Food Safety

Each child's personal food/snack container is labeled with child's full name and date critical (required)

All food items brought from home must be individually labeled. Unlabeled items must be held and parent contacted before serving.

Yes No N/A

Classroom allergen alert list is current, posted visibly, and matches enrolled children's records critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for enrolled children with anaphylaxis risk are present, unexpired, and accessible to staff critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

Emergency Supplies & Egress

First aid kit present, stocked per state licensing minimum contents list, and accessible to staff (not locked away from staff reach) critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

Emergency contact binders/cards for all enrolled children are present in the classroom and up to date critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

Primary and secondary emergency exit routes unobstructed — doors open freely, pathways clear of furniture/equipment critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

Fire extinguisher visible, unobstructed, inspection tag current (within 12 months), and pressure gauge in green zone critical (required)

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

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.

Yes No N/A

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).

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Run: Childcare Classroom Daily Opening Inspection

Staff Readiness & Ratio Verification

Sanitation & Hygiene

Electrical & Physical Safety

Allergen Labeling & Food Safety

Emergency Supplies & Egress

Attendance & Documentation

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