General Health and Safety Precautions
CCDC is committed to providing a safe and healthy school environment. Our policies and procedures are designed to prevent injuries, prepare for emergencies and educate children about safe and healthy practices. State and local regulatory agencies that issue and renew the operating licenses for CCDC, i.e., the CT Department of Public Health and the Westport-Weston Health District, periodically review and approve our health and safety policies and procedures during the operating license renewal process.
Sanitation: Vigorous attention is paid to sanitation procedures to help minimize outbreaks of infection among children. The staff receives annual training regarding the use of universal precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease and blood borne pathogens in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. These include, but are not limited to, the following: adult use of protective gloves, individual bedding storage and regular sanitization of cots/cribs, toys, eating surfaces and use of a commercial sanitizer. Staff are required to wash their hands in designated sinks upon arrival, before and after changing diapers, assisting children with toileting, prior to serving food and after coming in contact with bodily fluids. Children are required to wash their hands upon arrival, before and after diaper changing, after toileting, prior to eating and after coming in contact with bodily fluids. Parents are responsible for washing their hands and their children’s hands upon arrival.
Physical Plant Maintenance: Indoor and outdoor spaces licensed for use by children are inspected by the local and state health departments every two years. Staff members are trained to be alert to any potential hazard on a regular basis and report problems to the Director or Assistant Director. Parents also have a responsibility to alert staff to any hazards they may identify. All program spaces are professionally cleaned each night after use.
Fire Codes and Safety: Inspections by the Westport Department of Fire Services are conducted each year to ensure compliance. Fire drills are conducted monthly with children and staff evacuating the building and gathering at a designated area. The building is equipped with an automatic smoke detector system. Each room also has a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises.
Building Security: All outside doors to the building automatically lock upon closing. The CCDC entry door has an electronic key pad. Staff and families submit individual codes that are programmed into the system and used to unlock the door for entry. Our license requires that we notify everyone that firearms are not permitted.
Storage of Harmful Substances: All potentially harmful substances kept at CCDC are stored in areas inaccessible to children. Substances which could be ingested or cause harm if they come into contact with skin are not to be kept in areas accessible to children. Parents are responsible for monitoring the contents of their child’s cubby, including items contained in tote bags brought in from home.
Non-toxic Materials: Only non-toxic materials are used by children.
Accident Prevention: Despite good faith efforts, accidents may occur. Reports are completed for all accidents or incidents that require ice, cleaning and bandaging or any medical intervention. Parents are given a copy of the form and asked to sign it. The Director /Assistant Director and Nurse review accident reports in an effort to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.
Toys: Toys in the infant and toddler programs are large enough to prevent swallowing or choking. Each of those rooms has a device to determine safe sizes. The following are never permitted in any rooms: latex balloons, toy guns or other toy weapons.
Tricycle Riding: Children are required to wear individually designated bike helmets, (purchased by CCDC,) when using any riding toys outside. Riding will only occur in designated areas on the premises under staff supervision.
Drinking Water: Our water is from a public source. Water is tested to confirm acceptable lead content every two years.
Allergies: Parents are responsible for immediately informing the staff that their child has a confirmed or suspected allergy or allergies.