Policies and Procedures-LCHS/EHS FME-1.. Playground Safety and Environment FME-2.. Daily Classroom Safety Checklists FME-3..Play Area Safety Checks FME-4 Drug and Tobacco-Free Environments FME-5.. Physical Environments FME-6.. Appropriate Space FME-7.. Evacuation Routes FME-8.. Fire Extinguishers/Smoke Detectors FME-9.. Flammable Materials FME-10 Lead-free Environments FME-11 Heating and Cooling FME-12 Cleaning of Interior and Exterior Surfaces FME-13 Permits/Inspections FME-14 Toxin-Free Environments FME-15 Inventory of Classroom Materials, Supplies and Equipment FME-16 Emergency Lighting, Well-Lit Rooms and Inspection FME-17 Electrical Outlets
Title: FME-1 Playground Safety and Environment Purpose: (a) (3) (5); (a) (9); (a) (10) (x); (a) (10) (vii); (a) (10) (xvii); 1304.52 (g) (5) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will provide outside play environments with ageappropriate equipment that meet national safety guidelines. As renovations are made on existing playgrounds, Lauderdale County Head Start/ will meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for public playground safety and will make playgrounds accessible to children with disabilities. 1. For general outdoor play, children will only use those areas and equipment identified as safe and appropriate. Children are not to be allowed on equipment, which has been identified as unsafe. This includes excessively tall swings that do not meet safety guidelines, tall slides, or other equipment that does not have effective resilient surfacing (i.e., deep sand, pea gravel, or mulch) in the fall zone. 2. Supervised activities, such as nature walks, may take place on other areas of the school ground. 3. The associates and/or assistants will assist children in taking out portable equipment daily. 4. The associates and/or assistants will supervise children at all times, participate in the children's activities, and encourage safety and observation of playground rules. Both the associate and assistant will be with the children when on the playground or on a nature walk. 5. The children will be encouraged to drink fluids before and after play. Also, if the weather is very hot, fluids will be encouraged during play periods. 6. The associates will communicate with the parents regarding clothing and footwear most appropriate for the safe use of outdoor areas and equipment. The parents will be informed that outside play is a daily activity throughout the winter so that they can dress their children appropriately. Lauderdale County Head Start
Title: FME-2 Daily Classroom Safety Checks Daily Health and Safety Checklist Purpose: (a) (7); (a) (10) (viii); (a) (10) (x); (a) (10) (xvii); 1304.52 (g) (5) The Head Start/Early Head Staff will conduct daily safety checks of the classroom environment and equipment promoting the safety of enrolled children in accordance with Head Start/ Performance Standard requirements. 1. Each day classroom staff will complete a daily inspection of the classroom learning environment. 2. Staff will complete the Daily Health and Safety Checklist on a daily basis. Forms will be submitted to the Education Manager for monitoring. 3. If hazards found can be immediately corrected, the associate or assistant will remove the hazard before allowing children to play in the classroom. 4. If hazards found cannot be immediately corrected, such as broken equipment or other safety concerns, the associate and/or assistant will prevent children's access to the hazard. 5. The staff member(s) will report any uncorrected hazard to the Program Director so any arrangements for removal/repair can be made. 6. Classroom equipment will be cleaned and sanitized according to Head Start standards on an ongoing basis. Classroom staff will ensure that tables are washed before and after each meal with a sanitizing solution, water play tables are to be washed and sanitized daily. 7. Toys and materials used in infant/toddler classrooms must be cleaned as needed with a sanitizing solution according to EHS guidelines. 8. Staff and visitors to infant classrooms will avoid stepping on classroom carpets for the safety and health of crawling infants. 9. Trash will be removed from classrooms, bathrooms, and other program facilities on a daily basis by custodial staff. Lauderdale County Head Start
Title: FME-3 Play Area Safety Checks Daily Health and Safety Checklist; Daily Safety Checklist-Gym Area Purpose: (a) (7); (a) (10) (viii); (a) (10) (x); (a) (10) (xvii); 1304.52 (g) (5 The Head Start/Early Head staff will conduct daily safety checks of the center play areas and equipment promoting the safety of enrolled children in accordance with Head Start/ Performance Standard requirements. 1. Each day, as children are taken to the playground, the associate or assistant will inspect the playground and equipment for any safety hazards and will take the action specified. The staff will inspect the outside play areas on a daily basis. NOTE: Children are not to touch trash or debris. The associate or assistant (wearing disposable gloves) will pick it up. a. Trash, glass, or sticks on ground - remove before children play. b. Wasp nests - spray nest to kill wasps, immediately store spray away from children. c. Fire ants - Warn children to avoid ants, report to this to the Program Director or custodian. d. Broken equipment or vandalism - keep children away from hazard; report it to the Program Director. e. Loose hardware - if possible, tighten hardware. If still loose, keep children away from hazard; report it to the Program Director. 2. If hazards found can be immediately corrected, the associate or assistant will remove the hazard before allowing children to play in the area. 3. If hazards found cannot be immediately corrected, such as broken equipment or fire ants, the associate and/or assistant will prevent children's access to the hazard.
4. Staff will complete the Daily Health and Safety Checklist on a daily basis. Forms will be submitted to the Education Manager for monitoring. The Education Manager will forward any concerns noted to the Program Director. Forms will be kept on file in the Education Office. 5. Staff member will complete a daily inspection of the gym play area before children arrive in the morning. Staff member will complete the Daily Safety Checklist Gym Area on a monthly basis. Form will be submitted to the Education Manager for monitoring. Any concerns will be reported to the Program Director for correction. 6. Play areas will be inspected twice yearly by a trained playground inspector. Any hazards will be reported to the Program Director for correction. 7. The staff member(s) will report any uncorrected hazard to the Program Director so that any arrangements for removal/repair can be made.
Title: FME-4 Drug and Tobacco- Free Environment Drug Free Workplace Form Purpose: (a) (8) The Lauderdale County Head Start/ program will provide a drug and tobaccofree environment for the staff, children, and parents. This includes both smoking and use of smokeless tobacco (i.e., snuff, chewing tobacco). This procedure applies to employees, volunteers, students, and visitors of Lauderdale County Head Start/. This operational procedure is in compliance with Policy GBRAA of Florence City Board of Education. 1. There will be no drug or tobacco use of any kind permitted in any Lauderdale County Head Start/ facility or on its grounds by any staff member, visitor, or volunteer. 2. Each staff member will sign and date that they have reviewed and read the policies regarding a Drug and Tobacco-Free Environment. The signed document will be placed in each employee's personnel file at the Head Start Center. 3. Tobacco-Free signs are posted at property entrances and on all entrance doors. The Florence City Policy will be strictly enforced. Any visitor or volunteer not following this procedure will be given information regarding the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy.
Title: FME-5 Physical Environments Purpose: (a) (1) (2); (a) (6); (a) (10) (i)-(ii); (a) (10) (iv); (a) (10) (ix); (a) (10) (xii) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will provide a developmentally appropriate environment that will provide for the individualized needs of all children. Facilities will meet requirements for playgrounds, classroom space, equipment, supplies, materials, and safety. LCHS/EHS will ensure that all indoor premises are cleaned daily and kept free of undesirable and hazardous materials and conditions. 1. Materials provided by the Head Start Program offer opportunities for each classroom to utilize materials, equipment, and activities related to the theme being studied as well as, requirements suited to the developmental level of each child. 2. Educational items enhance the learning environment for the development of the whole child. 3. Along with the permanent structures on the playground, there is an assortment of equipment that children can take to the playground. 4. Some classroom experiences can be provided in the outdoor environment with proper preparation, materials, and supervision. 5. Materials, as well as the shelves and furnishings will be cleaned regularly by classroom staff. Classroom staff will complete the Daily Health and Safety Checklist each day. Checklists will be submitted to the Education Manager at the end of each month. Education Manager will review the forms and file them in the Education Office records. 6. Lauderdale County Head Start will purchase the best quality materials, since materials used by groups of children receive considerable wear and tear.
Title: FME-6 Appropriate Space Purpose: 1314.53(a) (2) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will provide appropriate space for the conduct of all program activities. Procedure: 1. Appropriate indoor and outdoor space is sufficient for all program activities and support functions, including office work, the storage of staff belongings, food preparation, janitorial services, children s activities and parent activities according to Head Start Performance Standards. It includes: a. Doors, gates, counters, and walls to keep food preparation areas separate from other areas, b. Resting and napping facilities, cot, bed, or mat for each child- cribs for infants and toddlers must be spaced a minimum of 3 feet apart. c. Space is provided for the care of children who become ill during the day and cannot be sent home.
Title: FME-7 Evacuation Routes Purpose: (a) (10) (vii) To provide exits and evacuation routes that are clearly marked and posted, for the safety of children and staff. Procedure: Lauderdale County Head Start/ will ensure safe evacuation from a facility by: Following the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), including the suggestion that exits have a minimum width of 36 inches. Ensuring that exits are clear and are not padlocked or chained shut during program hours. All exit doors operate easily and open outward. Having entrance and exit routes examined and approved by local fire authorities and clearly marked. Conducting monthly fire and evacuation drills. Having accessible evacuation routes for children with disabilities who cannot walk on their own, and smooth ramps for children with disabilities to be wheeled. Providing evacuation cribs for infants Providing at least two exits on each level of the building, each of which leads to an open space at ground level.
Providing each classroom with a emergency procedures manual with evacuation routes, and secondary evacuation routed detailed for each classroom, as well as other program spaces and facilities. Exits are clearly marked and evacuation routes are posted in each classroom to ensure the safety of children and staff in emergency situations. All exit doors operate easily and open outward. Exit doors are unobstructed.
Title: FME-8 Fire Extinguishers/Smoke Detectors Purpose: (a) (10) (v) To provide available and working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors that will uphold the safety of children and staff.!. Lauderdale County Head Start/ will support fire protection by: a. Determining the size, type, placement, and number of fire extinguishers to be installed by consulting with the Florence Fire Department and by complying with local building and fire codes. Florence Fire Department will conduct regular inspections of all equipment b. Placing fire extinguishers in accessible locations, and ensuring that all staff is aware of these precise locations. c. Providing training to staff on the use of fire extinguishers, and posting instructions for their use on or near the extinguishers themselves. d. Ensuring that the Florence Fire Department services fire extinguishers annually and tags them with the service date. e. Providing an appropriate number of smoke detectors that are installed and tested regularly. e. Providing education on fire prevention to children and families.
Title: FME-9 Flammable Materials Purpose: (a) (10) (iii) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will ensure that flammable and other dangerous materials and potential poisons are stored in locked cabinets or storage facilities separate from stored medications and food and are accessible only to authorized persons. All medications, including those required for staff and volunteers, are labeled, stored under lock and key, refrigerated if necessary, and kept out of the reach of children 1. Staff will store cleaning materials, detergents, aerosol cans, pesticides, medications, poisons, chemicals used in lawn care treatments, and other toxic materials in their original labeled containers, entirely separated from food, and out of children s reach. 2. Staff will use materials according to the manufacturer s instructions, only for their intended purpose, and in a manner that will not contaminate play surfaces, toys, food, or food preparation areas. 3. Staff will ensure that all medications are under lock and key, have child-protective caps, are labeled, and are stored away from food and at the proper temperature. 4. Home Visiting Staff will explain to families how to store and secure cleaning materials. 5. Head Start/EHS will ensure that no highly flammable furnishings, decorations, or materials that emit highly toxic fumes when burned are used in program facilities.
Title: FME-10 Lead-Free Environments Policy: (a) (10) (iv) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will ensure that paint coatings on both interior and exterior premises used for the care of children do not contain hazardous quantities of lead. 1. Lauderdale County Head Start/ will ensure that paint coatings in all program sites do not contain hazardous quantities of lead. a. Only lead-free paint will be used on both exterior and interior surfaces. b. Parents will be educated about the dangers of lead paint and the danger of lead contamination in other household products.
Title: FME-11 Heating and Cooling Purpose: (a) (10) (i) To provide an effective heating and cooling system, that ensures the safety of children and staff. 1. Safe cooling and heating systems are checked by staff or by other appropriate professionals to ensure that State and local laws are followed. 2. Heating and cooling units are vented properly; 3. Hot water pipes and similar equipment are screened or insulated to prevent burns and other injuries. 4. Portable open-flame and kerosene space heaters, portable electric heaters, and portable gas stoves are not used; 5. Heating and ventilating equipment is professionally inspected annually, or immediately if there is a concern about, or malfunction of the equipment. The inspection verifies that the equipment is installed, cleaned, and maintained.
Title: FME-12 Cleaning of Indoor and Outdoor Surfaces and Equipment Purpose: (a) (10) (viii) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will ensure that indoor and outdoor premises are cleaned daily and kept free of undesirable and hazardous materials and conditions. Procedures for daily indoor and outdoor safety inspections for undesirable and hazardous materials and conditions in and around the Head Start/ facilities include a search for poisonous plants that cause allergic reactions, as well as other common plants that toxic to young children when eaten. An effective cleaning and sanitation schedule includes: Vacuuming carpeted areas and rugs daily, and cleaning them regularly, or whenever soiled or contaminated with body fluids, using only hypoallergenic products for cleaning; Cleaning and sanitizing all kitchen equipment and maintaining equipment in good condition; and Cleaning and sanitizing toilet rooms, flush toilets, toilet training equipment, and fixtures when soiled, or at least daily. Vacuuming or sweeping and mopping uncarpeted floors with sanitizing solution at least daily and keeps its facilities free of insects, rodents, and other pest infestations by: Using outward-opening, self-closing doors or any others effective means to prevent the entrance of flies or other air-borne insects;
Making sure that each foundation, floor, wall, ceiling, roof, window, exterior door, basement, cellar hatchway or other opening is free from cracks and holes; Keeping trash and garbage containers covered and in designated areas; Ensuring that the play areas do not provide shelter to or a breeding area for pests; and Contacting the local health and sanitation department for assistance or referral for extermination, if evidence of rodents, insects, or other vermin is found. Sanitizing mops thoroughly before and after a day of use
Title: FME-13 Permits/Inspections Purpose: (a) (10) (iv)-(vii); (a) (10) (xi); (a) (10) (xiii) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will meet all fire, health, sanitation, waste disposal, inspections, reports and requirements required by the Head Start Performance Standards. 1. The Florence Fire Department will inspect the facilities, each year, at least two weeks prior to the opening of school. A copy is placed in the center file. A copy of the report will be posted in a conspicuous place in the building. 2. Buildings are equipped with a four-event system. The system monitors fire, burglary, fire trouble events and non-fire trouble events. 3. Fire drills are held monthly. Tornado and intruder drills are completed at regular intervals. Fire and tornado safety rules and fire exit routes are posted near the door in all rooms. 4. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the buildings according to the Florence Fire Department Code. A certified technician inspects fire extinguishers annually. The staff is trained in the proper use of fire extinguisher 5. Lauderdale County Health Department employees inspect the lunchroom and kitchen of Florence City Schools/Lauderdale County Head Start/.
6. Disposal of liquid waste and garbage meets Performance Standards and EPA Regulations. (Refer to 1304.22 (c) (1-4). 7. All Head Start/ facilities meet standards to accommodate individuals with disabilities. 8. Head Start is equipped with a functional weather alert radio.
Title: FME-14 Toxin-Free Environments Purpose: (a) (8); (a) (10) (xiii) Lauderdale County Head Start/ will provide an environment free of toxins for staff, children, parents, and volunteers. 1. There will not be tobacco use by staff, parents, or volunteers on or in Lauderdale County Head Start/ facilities, grounds, or buses. 2. Field trips or other off-site activities will be tobacco free. 3. Licensed exterminator and pest control companies will be used to control pest, rodents, and insects. 4. Application of pesticides and herbicides will be applied after 2:00 p.m., when children are not present. 5. Facilities are free of paint or other materials that contain lead or toxins that do not meet EPA or Consumer Safety Codes and Standards. 6. Lauderdale County Head Start/ under the direction of Florence City Schools is a gun-free environment. (See Florence City Policy GE.)
Title: FME-15 Inventory of Classroom Materials, Supplies and Equipment Classroom Inventory Checklist Purpose: To ensure that classroom inventories of materials, supplies and equipment are monitored and updated on an annual basis. 1. At the close of each program year, classroom staff will complete an inventory of classroom, equipment, materials and supplies. 2. Classroom staff will complete the Classroom Inventory Checklist and submit a copy of the signed checklist to the Program Director for monitoring. 3. Program Director will keep copies of the classroom inventory checklist in the Head Start office files. 4. Damaged equipment will be repaired if possible, or removed from classroom inventories.
Title: FME-16 Emergency Lighting, Well-Lit Rooms and Inspection Classroom Safety Checklist; Daily Health and Safety Checklists; Classroom Monitoring Report Purpose: (a) (10) (iv) The program must complete a safety inspection, at least two times per program year, to ensure that each facility s rooms are well lit and provide emergency lighting in the case of power failure. 1. The Program Director and Program Managers are to conduct ongoing checks to ensure that emergency lighting is available in all classrooms. Program Director and managers will document safety checks using the Classroom Safety Checklist, Daily Health and Safety Checklists and/or Classroom Monitoring Reports. 2. Management staff will submit purchase orders to provide needed supplies for emergency lighting needs. 3. Classroom staff must inform Program Director to report need for light replacements or concerns in classrooms. 4. Maintenance staff is responsible for replacing burned out lighting in classroom settings.
Title: FME-17 Electrical Outlets Daily Health and Safety Checklists; Classroom Safety Checklists Purpose: (a) (10) (xi) The program must prevent electrical shocks by ensuring that all electrical equipment and appliances are properly grounded. All electrical cords must be in good condition and placed out of the reach of children. All electrical outlets must be covered with child-resistant safety covers. 1. The program uses only electrical equipment and appliances that are properly grounded. 2. Small electric equipment that is purchased must meet grounded electric requirements. 3. Classroom staff and managers are to inspect all electrical cords on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are in good condition, and are out of the reach of children. Program managers will complete classroom safety checklists as part of the monitoring process. Concerns will be reported to the Program Director who will be responsible for seeing that corrective action is completed. 4. Health Manager will keep on hand a supply of child resistant safety covers to distribute to classrooms at start-up and per request during the program year.