Childcare Safety Checklist: What to Look For 2026

Safety is the foundation of quality childcare. During tours and visits, knowing what to look for helps you identify programs that prioritize your child's physical wellbeing. Use this checklist to evaluate safety in any childcare setting.

Indoor Safety

General Environment

Look for:

• Clean, uncluttered spaces
• Child-sized furniture
• Good lighting
• Adequate ventilation
• Comfortable temperature
• Smoke and CO detectors

Hazard Prevention

Check for:

• Covered electrical outlets
• Secured cords and blinds
• Chemicals/cleaners locked away
• Medications secured
• No choking hazards accessible
• Sharp items stored safely

Furniture and Equipment

Assess:

• Sturdy, stable furniture
• No sharp edges
• Safe cribs meeting standards
• Secure changing tables
• Properly stored toys
• No recalled items

Fire Safety

Verify:

• Posted evacuation routes
• Accessible fire extinguishers
• Clear exits
• Regular fire drills
• Working smoke detectors
• Fire safety training for staff

Outdoor Safety

Playground Equipment

Inspect:

• Age-appropriate equipment
• Safe surfacing underneath
• Well-maintained condition
• No rust or broken parts
• Proper spacing
• Regular inspections

Outdoor Environment

Check:

• Fenced and secure area
• Locked gates
• Shade available
• Free of hazards (debris, plants)
• Weather-appropriate shelter
• No standing water

Supervision Outdoors

Ensure:

• Adequate staff ratios outside
• Active supervision
• All areas visible
• Emergency procedures known
• First aid accessible

Sleep Safety

Infant Sleep

Critical for infants:

• Firm, flat sleep surface
• No loose bedding or soft items
• Babies placed on back
• Individual cribs meeting standards
• Staff trained in safe sleep
• Regular sleep checks

Toddler/Preschool Rest

Check:

• Individual sleep mats/cots
• Clean bedding
• Appropriate supervision
• Safe rest environment
• Space between sleepers

Food Safety

Kitchen and Preparation

Verify:

• Clean food prep areas
• Proper food storage
• Temperature-controlled
• Allergen management
• Handwashing before meals
• No cross-contamination

Feeding Safety

Ensure:

• Supervision during meals
• Choking hazard awareness
• Appropriate foods for ages
• Allergy protocols followed
• Clean highchairs/tables

Supervision

Staff Ratios

Confirm:

• Meet or exceed state requirements
• Maintained throughout day
• During all activities
• Outdoor and indoor
• During transitions

Active Supervision

Observe:

• Staff positioned well
• Eyes on children
• Interactive, not distracted
• Quick response to needs
• Awareness of all children

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Plans

Ask about:

• Written emergency procedures
• Fire evacuation plan
• Shelter-in-place protocol
• Lockdown procedures
• Medical emergency response
• Regular drill practice

Medical Emergencies

Verify:

• First aid kits accessible
• CPR/First Aid trained staff
• Emergency contacts available
• Medication protocols
• Incident documentation

Security

Access Control

Check:

• Secure entry system
• Visitors signed in
• ID required for pickup
• Authorized pickup list
• Cameras if used

Child Release

Ensure:

• Photo ID verification
• Authorized pickup only
• Clear procedures
• Custody documents honored
• Sign-out required

Health and Sanitation

Cleanliness

Look for:

• Regular cleaning schedule
• Sanitized surfaces
• Clean bathrooms
• Handwashing supplies
• Diaper changing sanitation

Illness Prevention

Verify:

• Sick child policy
• Hand hygiene promoted
• Cleaning protocols
• Outbreak procedures
• Staff health requirements

Transportation (If Applicable)

Vehicle Safety

If they transport:

• Proper car seats/boosters
• Vehicle maintenance
• Licensed, insured drivers
• Attendance tracking
• Emergency supplies

Using This Checklist

During Tours

Actively:

• Look for these elements
• Ask specific questions
• Trust your observations
• Note concerns

Follow-Up

If concerns:

• Ask for clarification
• Request to see documentation
• Factor into decision
• Trust your instincts

Key Takeaways

Safety is non-negotiable:

• Foundation of quality care
• Must meet basic standards
• Beyond compliance is better

Use your eyes:

• Observe actively
• Trust what you see
• Ask questions
• Note red flags

Key areas:

• Indoor environment
• Outdoor safety
• Sleep safety
• Supervision
• Emergency preparedness
• Security

Trust your instincts:

• If something feels off
• Ask about it
• Don't ignore concerns
• Safety comes first

This checklist helps you evaluate the safety basics. A safe environment is the minimum—but essential—foundation for quality childcare.

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What every centre asks you to bring

Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.

Best Nap Mat

Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap Mat

~$98

GOTS-certified with a removable, machine-washable cover, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.

Check price on Amazon

Best Backpack

Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack

$31

Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.

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Best Lunch Box

Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box

$34

Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.

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Best Labels

Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)

~$43

Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.

Check price on Amazon