Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• What are the policies regarding illness? (e.g.: Are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does caregiver have someone to substitute in case she gets sick?)
• Is a physician on call?
• Are medical records maintained?
• Is the staff or caregiver trained in first aid?
• Does the center or home have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does my child receive constant supervision, indoors and out? (Young children should never be left unattended while on a bed, chair, changing table, high chair, stroller, baby walker, baby swing, or in the water; outdoor dangers include swimming pool, pond, garage tools, driveway, streets, kidnapping, wandering off.)
• Is my baby checked often when in a crib or playpen?
• If older does my child receive appropriate supervision?
• Is all baby equipment strong, stable, and in good repair?
• Is the crib latched?
• Are the crib slats no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart? Does the crib have protective bumper pads?
• Does the mattress firmly abut the side of the crib?
• Does the home or center have separate cribs and crib sheets for each infant?
• Is the crib mattress covered with heavy plastic?
• Do strollers or infant seats have safety harnesses?
• Are the crib and playpen free of toys that could be used to climb out?
• Can all doors inside the home or center be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
• Do all glass doors have decals?
• Are the rooms well-ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
• Are latched safety gates placed at the top and/or bottom of stairways?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
• Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, first aid supplies.)
• Are the facilities free from poisonous plants, indoors and out?
• Are all foods or drinks within reach safe for your child? (Examples of dangerous foods or beverages: any food that a child could choke on like popcorn or hard candy; beverages that are hot or alcoholic.)
• Are hot radiators covered?
• Is my child kept away from dangerous places like the stove or hot water faucets?
• Have furniture and other household objects with sharp corners been padded or removed?
• Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
• Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
• Is my child safe around pets?
• Are pet dishes out of reach?
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
• Do children get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting?
• Do children seem safe with one another?
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
• Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for your child's level of development?