Children Immunizations
Programs are required to keep a record of each child’s immunizations. Children shall be immunized appropriately for their age, unless they have religious, philosophical or medical exceptions. The record should be a copy of the child’s immunization record from the physican’s office. If the child is exempt then an exemption form needs to be kept on file.

Inclusion/Exclusion Guidelines for Child Care
Learn more about guidelines for including or excluding children in your program when they are sick.

Administering medication
Prior to administering any medication to children, providers need to have permission from the parent. Please refer to the child care regulations about specific requirements for administering medication. Sample permission to administer medication form.

Diaper Changing Procedure
Staff shall follow a step-by-step diaper changing procedure such as Guidelines for Diapering. The procedure is posted in the diaper changing area.

Emergencies
Programs should have a plan about what to do in different types of emergencies. The programs need to practice and document practicing these plans. For more information about emergency readiness please see our Emergency Response Planning Guide for Child Care.

Pressure Treated Wood:
Pressure treated wood contains chemicals which can be harmful to children. Programs should not use pressure treated wood for play equipment or other structures. Learn more about the health hazards of pressure treated wood and alternatives on the Department of Health’s website.

Lead Paint:
In 1996, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 165, Vermont’s lead law, an act to prevent childhood lead poisoning in older rental housing and child care facilities (built anytime before 1979). The law requires that landlords of older buildings and child care facility operators take steps to help prevent children from being exposed to lead. Learn more about lead poisoning and requirements for child care programs. The Department of Health has a specific form that child care facilities must complete if they are located in a building that was built prior to 1979.

Mandated Reporting:
Child care providers are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Learn more about how to make a report.

Poisonous Plants:
Child care programs must protect children from any and all conditions that could harm them. Children need to be protected from poisonous plants. The Northern New England Poison Control Center has information about potential poisonous plants and other substances.

Playground safety info:
Outdoor play environments at child care centers should offer experiences that will enhance children's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.

It is estimated that each year, over 205,850 injuries on playgrounds occur in the United States. This year, approximately fifteen children will die from injuries as a result of a playground accident (2008 National Recreation and Park Association). Information about how to keep your playground safe can be found at the National Program for Playground Safety

Resources:
 

Healthy Child Care Vermont  are health consultants that can help you with questions about children’s health in group settings.

National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
The Resource Center seeks to enhance the quality of child care by supporting state and local health departments, child care regulatory agencies, child care providers, and parents in their efforts to promote health and safety in child care.

National SAFEKIDS Campaign
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign's mission is to prevent the number one killer of children - unintentional injury.

National Program for Playground Safety

NPPS researches, trainings, and developments

S.A.F.E.

play areas! NPPS' mission is to help the public create safe and developmentally appropriate play environments for children.