Orlando, FL  5/23/2017 1:13:21 PM— Did you know that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), discovered that at least two-thirds of the 220 licensed programs they visited across the country had safety hazards in one or more of these areas?

Cribs: 8 percent of the inspected facilities had cribs that did not meet current safety standards, with problems such as slats spaced too far apart and decorative foot- and headboard cutouts that could catch a baby's clothing.

Bedding: 19 percent used soft bedding (quilts, comforters, pillows); these materials may present a risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Child Safety Gates: 13 percent didn't block stairs and other dangerous spots from infants and toddlers.

Window Blinds: 26 percent had loops on their window blind cords, which pose a strangulation threat to children under 5.

Recalled Products: 5 percent had toys, cribs, bean-bag furniture, and other products that had been recalled by the CPSC.

Playground Surfacing: 24 percent lacked safe ground covering, such as wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel.

Playground Maintenance: 27 percent failed to keep the playground surfaces well maintained.

The study examined federal, non- and for-profit, and in-home centers.

Daycare centers nationwide and here in Florida follow guidelines and regulations from the federal and the local government to safeguard our children. Noncompliance with these laws can result in the closure of your child care center or payment of large sums of money in fines.

As a responsible owner of a Child Care operation in the State of Florida you want to make sure that laws and guidelines  required on your type of license are acknowledged and strictly followed. 

Following are some of the industry’s best kept secrets to stay away from trouble:

• Keep a low child-to-adult ratio. Child Care Aware suggests that the caregiver-to-child ratio should be at least 1:3 for infants and young toddlers, 1:6 for older toddlers and 1:9 for preschoolers. Also, make sure to train your staff and obtain certifications on pediatric CPR and first aid.

• The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) monitors a number of web sites for product recalls.  If you would like to receive notifications on product recalls you can subscribe to their updates.

• Train your child care center’s staff in proper medication storage, handling and administration -- and review it regularly. Have written parental authorization and instructions.

• The rate of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been dropping at home but it has been increasing in child care centers. Check regularly the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help prevent SIDS.

• Avoid accidents, store labeled medicines, household cleaning products and all hazardous substances in locked, childproof cabinets and never store food and cleaning supplies together. Keep play areas free of tripping and choking hazards and keep play areas for younger and older children separate and securely gated or fenced.

• Make sure the staff and children are current on immunizations.

• Have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors regularly inspected and practice fire drills and emergency procedures every month.

• Make sure everyone in contact with children has had an extensive background and criminal screening and keep at least two adults with each group of children most of the time.

Existing insurance products to protect your business and yourself from liability and risks.

Workers Compensation

Standard for almost any type of business and mandated when employing 4 or more employees, regardless of full or part-time status. Premiums are regulated by the state.

Garzor’s Commercial Child Care Insurance Products

Our commercial child care insurance program provides comprehensive coverage for licensed commercial child care centers, nursery schools, Montessori schools (kindergarten and under), preschools, and before-and after-school programs. 

In summary, make sure to fulfill all the requirements of the licensing procedure, maintain your insurance policy and comply with all inspections to avoid legal issues.