SAFE ENVIRONMENTS Policy Number SE1003
Policy Council Approval Date
8/19/15
Keywords Disabilities, Emergency Situations, Hazardous Substances, Hygiene, Illness or Injury, Safety Committee, Sanitation Board of Directors Approval Date
No. of Pages 2
8/19/15
8/19/15
Effective Date
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Explorers Academy ensures that each site has facilities consistent with the health, safety, and developmental needs of young children, including adequate space, light, ventilation, heat, and other physical arrangements. Explorers Academy ensures that all classrooms have at least 35 square feet of space per child and similar furnishings, toys, and materials that meet the developmental needs of preschool-aged children. Equipment, toys, materials, and furnishings provided by Explorers Academy are age-appropriate, nontoxic, aligned with learning outcomes, and kept in good condition at all times. All sites have outdoor playgrounds with appropriate equipment for the number of children served, providing at least 100 square feet of outdoor play space. Playground and classroom spaces are designed to minimize the possibility of injury to children. Toilet and handwashing facilities are readily available, clean, in good repair, and appropriate for use by young children. Toileting and diapering areas must be separate from areas used for cooking, eating, or children’s activities. Explorers Academy provides center environments free of toxins, such as cigarette smoke, lead, pesticides, herbicides, and other air pollutants, as well as soil and water contaminants. The program ensures that no child is present during the spraying of pesticides or herbicides. Children do not return to affected areas until safe to do so. Hazardous chemicals must be stored in locked containers out of the reach of children. Only sources of water approved by the local or State health authority are used. Disposal of all sewage and waste must comply with local and State requirements. The program provides for the maintenance, repair, safety, and security of all Head Start facilities, materials, and equipment. Explorers Academy establishes a standing Safety Committee that conducts monthly safety inspections at North Park and annual inspections at all sites; staff at outlying sites are expected to conduct monthly safety inspections and report findings to the Safety Committee. Indoor and outdoor premises must be cleaned daily and kept free of undesirable or hazardous materials or conditions. Classroom toys and materials are sanitized at least weekly by teachers using an appropriate
sanitizing solution. Documentation of cleanings is maintained. When inspections note health or safety concerns, Explorers Academy corrects those problems as soon as possible. All sites have a safe and effective heating system that is insulated to protect children and staff from injury. No highly flammable furnishing, decorations, or materials that emit highly toxic fumes when burned may be used in the program. Fabrics used in the program must be flame-retardant or treated to be flame-resistant. Working fire extinguishers are readily available to staff and regularly inspected. All sites have smoke detectors that are regularly tested and inspected. Exits at all sites are clearly visible and evacuation routes are clearly marked and posted so that the path to safety outside is unmistakable. Explorers Academy conducts regular evacuation and lockdown drills to ensure staff and children are familiar with emergency procedures. Electrical outlets accessible to children must have child-resistant covers, child-protection outlets, or safety plugs at all times, unless in use. Windows and glass doors in the program are constructed, adapted, or adjusted to prevent injury to children. All Explorers Academy sites make adequate provisions for children with disabilities to ensure their safety, comfort, and participation.
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Code of Federal Regulations Citation:
See Related Policies:
PP1046 – Safety
§1304.53(a)
