Daycare and Childcare Facility Safety Inspection Checklist

This checklist covers childcare safety standards from Caring for Our Children (CFOC) 4th Edition, NAEYC accreditation criteria, and state licensing requirements. Designed for childcare directors and licensing inspectors.

Industry: Education / Childcare
Frequency: Daily / Weekly
Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
Role: Childcare Director / Licensing Inspector
Total Items: 23
Compliance: Caring for Our Children (CFOC) 4th Edition - NRC/AAP/APHA, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, CPSC Guidelines for Home Playground Safety, Head Start Program Performance Standards

Indoor Safety

Safety of indoor childcare spaces.

All electrical outlets covered with tamper-resistant covers?
Heavy furniture anchored to walls (anti-tip)?
Window blind cords inaccessible to children (strangulation risk)?
Safety gates at stairs and restricted areas?
Small objects, choking hazards, and sharp items out of children's reach?

Outdoor Playground Safety

Playground equipment and surfacing per CPSC and CFOC.

Impact-absorbing surfacing (9-12 inches) under all equipment?
No broken, sharp, or protruding components on equipment?
No entrapment hazards (openings 3.5-9 inches)?
Equipment age-appropriate and separated by age group?
Equipment checked for excessive heat on hot days?

Supervision and Staff Ratios

Compliance with mandated staff-to-child ratios.

Staff-to-child ratios meeting state licensing requirements?
All supervising staff with valid background check clearance?
Children in sight and sound of qualified staff at all times?
At least one staff with current pediatric CPR/First Aid?

Health and Hygiene

Health and hygiene practices for childcare settings.

Handwashing after diapering, before meals, and after outdoor play?
Diapering area sanitised after each use?
Exclusion policy for sick children posted and followed?
Medications in locked cabinet with written authorization forms?

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency plans and drills for childcare facilities.

Monthly fire drills conducted and recorded?
Emergency plan posted in each room with evacuation map?
Emergency contact cards for every enrolled child current?
First-aid kit accessible in each room and outdoors?
Safety observations or licensing violations noted

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Why Use This Daycare and Childcare Facility Safety Inspection Checklist?

This daycare and childcare facility safety inspection checklist helps education / childcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for childcare director / licensing inspector professionals, this checklist covers 23 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / weekly.

Ensures compliance with Caring for Our Children (CFOC) 4th Edition - NRC/AAP/APHA, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, CPSC Guidelines for Home Playground Safety, Head Start Program Performance Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Daycare and Childcare Facility Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 23 inspection items across 5 sections: Indoor Safety, Outdoor Playground Safety, Supervision and Staff Ratios, Health and Hygiene, Emergency Preparedness. It is designed for education / childcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily / weekly. Each completion takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Who should use this Daycare and Childcare Facility Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Childcare Director / Licensing Inspector professionals in the education / childcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.