Quick Reference |

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for Child Care

The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) laws protect the health and safety of workers. OSHA laws, or “standards,” ensure that employers protect their employees from work-related hazards, including exposure to diseases carried in the blood. The NC Department… Continue reading

Child Care Facility Disability Self-Assessment | Acceso por Discapacidad

Use this self-assessment (available in English and Spanish) to identify areas of a child care facility that may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If “no” is marked for any of these items, contact a local Child Care Health Consultant for support. A CCHC can conduct a more in-depth assessment of the facility and help identify community resources to improve access.

Daily Health Check

The Daily Health Check is a quick daily routine for families and early educators to communicate about the child’s current needs. The Daily Health Check includes observing the child and sharing information about their emotional and physical health. Conducting a regular Daily Health Check is one way to identify children who are in distress, sick, or injured and need exclusion from care or who need additional support to safely attend child care that day… Continue reading

Emergency medication – Epinephrine auto-injectors in child care

Be prepared to respond when someone without a prescription for epinephrine experiences a severe allergic reaction. About severe allergic reactions A sudden, severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis (anna-fih-LACK-sis). It can occur suddenly and worsen quickly. Approximately 22% of anaphylactic… Continue reading

Hurricane Helene Resources

Find information and resources for long-term recovery after Hurricane Helene.

New! Measles

Measles is a very contagious disease that spreads through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Measles can cause serious health problems, especially in children younger than 5 years old… Continue reading

Nursemaid’s Elbow

Children are surprisingly tough, but early educators know all too well that a child’s body can be just as fragile as it is strong. In this issue of “Be on the Safe Side,” from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education, the topic is a relatively common injury experienced by young children–nursemaid’s elbow… Continue reading

One Wipe Per Swipe

Do you worry about the number of diapers and wipes children use in child care? It is a rule! A child’s diaper must be changed when wet or soiled. [1] It is best practice to change a diaper at least every 2 hours. [3] Only one disposable wipe can be used per swipe… Continue reading

Safe Products

Before bringing a new product, medication, or device, into a child care facility it is best practice to first determine if it is safe. Check the links below for safety information. Searching for recalls is one good way to determine if a product is unsafe… Continue reading

Serving Bottles to Infants

When feeding infants, it is not necessary to warm formula or human milk. Bottles can be served cold from the refrigerator. [1] However, the child or family may prefer that the bottles be warmed. If so, below are several safe ways to warm a bottle …. Continue reading