Lyle and Tina have attended emergency safety courses in addition to their CPR and 1st Aid training. These trainings have allowed them to become better prepared during times of emergencies and disasters. One important element is that emergency plans are in place to provide protection in the event of an emergency or disaster. We practice drills monthly so that the children are better prepared and develop skills needed for a real emergency. You should receive a copy of Little Giggles Daycare Emergency Plan. The evacuation are located at each daycare exit for you to view anytime.
There is an assigned shelter, which is located in the basement laundry room. This shelter provides an emergency contact list for each child, comfort items, toys, emergency supplies, such as first aid items, flashlights, personal hygiene supplies, blankets, food and water. Lyle and Tina also have an emergency backpack that includes similar items needed for a required evacuation.
For fire emergencies, there is a fire extinguisher located on each floor of the home and one in the garage. There are also smoke detectors installed in each floor. These smoke detectors are tested monthly and batteries replaced at least once a year or more if needed. If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire. There are four exits - the front of the house, the side of the house, one to the backyard from the kitchen and another to the backyard from the daycare room.
In the event of a tornado warning, the children will gather in the assigned shelter and will remain there until the severe weather has passed. Lyle and Tina own a NOAA Weather Radio to alert them if bad weather is apparent and when to implement the emergency plan.
Electrical outlets within reach of the children are covered with child resistant covers.
There are emergency first aid kits available on every level of the home, one located outside and additional ones in each transporting vehicle. These kits are evaluated and replenished every 6 months or as needed.
Please see Illness/Medication Policy for medical emergencies.
SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. SIDS, sometimes known as crib death, struck about 4,500 babies in 2004. Doctors don't know what causes SIDS, but they have found some things that can make babies safer. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development state that one of the most important thing that can help reduce the risk of SIDS is to put healthy babies on their backs to sleep. They also recommend that you do not place blankets or other soft bedding with a sleeping infant. Some babies have health or medical conditions that might require them to sleep in an alternative position. Below are the safe sleep practices for Little Giggles Daycare:
1. Infants will always be placed on their backs to sleep, unless there is a signed sleep position waiver on file as allowed by law. A copy of the waiver may be posted for quick reference near the infant's crib or pack-n-play.
2. Infants head or face will not be covered with blankets or bedding.
3. No pillows, stuffed toys, blankets or other objects will be placed in a sleeping infants crib or pack-n-play, unless there is a signed sleep position waiver on file. A copy of the waiver may be posted near the infant's crib or pack-n-play.
4. Pacifiers will be allowed in an infant's crib while they sleep.
5. Room temperature will not exceed 75 degrees F.
6. Only one infant will be placed in a crib or pack-n-play at a time, unless in an emergency evacuation or drill.
7. No smoking is permitted in the house.
8. Caregiver will visually check on sleeping infants by observing breathing movements at least once every 30 minutes.
9. Awake babies will be given supervised "tummy time".