Healthy and Sustainable Child Care Checklist

  • Healthy and Sustainable Child Care Checklist

  • Description of the CPCHE Heathy and Sustainable Child Care Checklist
    The ideas and suggestions included in this checklist and resource hub— ranging from choosing safer cleaning products and toys to introducing a fragrance-free policy or composting program — can help a child care program go beyond basic regulatory requirements to create healthier and more sustainable indoor and outdoor environments for the children in their care.

    The checklist corresponds with content in the CPCHE Healthy and Sustainable Child Care Resource Hub. As you move through the checklist sections, click the links provided to learn more about the recommended actions and why they are important.

    You may complete the checklist all at once or, if you have provided your email address and selected save, you can return to complete the checklist at a later time.

    The checklist comprises 102 questions across the following topic areas.

    • Outdoor Air Quality (questions 1-8)

    • Indoor Air Quality (questions 9-18)

    • Outdoor Learning and Play (questions 19-28)

    • Indoor Learning and Play (questions 29-43)

    • Sun Safety and Extreme Heat (questions 44-50)

    • Cleaning and Disinfecting (questions 51-60)

    • Kitchen and Food Preparation (questions 61-73)

    • Facility Maintenance and Office Administration (questions 74- 80)

    • Sustainability and Climate Action (questions 81- 95)

    • Inclusivity, Equity and Accessibility (questions 96- 102)

    Who is the checklist for and how can it be used?
    Early Childhood Educators and providers may wish to use the checklist to learn about ways to enhance environmental health and sustainability, and to better understand where their child care program is doing well and where there are opportunities for improvement. They can also complete the checklist to earn Professional Development credits (see below). Child care administrators and directors may wish to use the checklist together with staff as an assessment and planning tool, and as a way to track and report on progress over time (e.g., sharing results with board members, communities and families). Public Health Inspectors may use it with child care programs during routine visits, as an additional resource to discuss environmental health concepts and suggest possible actions. Parents and guardians may wish to use it as a basis for engaging in a dialogue with their local child care program about health and sustainability. However you engage with this resource, we applaud your efforts.

    Getting your Professional Development Certificate
    Upon completion of the checklist, the Canadian Child Care Federation will provide a one hour Professional Development certificate. A certificate will be auto generated upon completion and sent to the email address you have provided.

    Important!: As soon as you have submitted your checklist responses, please be sure to download and/or print the report and your certificate, as these will not be stored.

    Questions or for more information, please contact: flora@healthyenvironmentforkids.ca

  • Information About You


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  • Disclaimer

    This checklist encourages best practices and policies for healthy and sustainable child care environments. It is the responsibility of each child care program to follow the mandated licensing requirements along with public health and safety requirements within their respective region and province or territory. It is up to each child care program to decide how to utilize the information and suggestions contained herein, and to adapt them to local needs and circumstances. While the checklist items are intended to support the health and well-being of children and staff, the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment (CPCHE) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) bear no responsibility for any adverse consequences that may arise from the interpretation or application of the information provided.

    Confidentiality and use of information

    All personal information will be kept confidential. Name and email address will be used solely for the purpose of sending checklist results and Professional Development certification, and so that the user can utilize the option to save partial results and return to the checklist at a later time. Postal codes are used solely for the purpose of identifying which regions of the country are engaging with the checklist. Postal addresses will not remain linked to the name or email address of the person completing the checklist.

    The checklist uses Jotform to store the responses that are submitted, in some cases using third party services like Amazon web services or Google Cloud. Your responses to the checklist questions will only be saved short term so that users may return to complete their work. Beyond that, information will not be stored or used by CPCHE or CCCF for any purpose. Results of the checklist will be provided to you in PDF form after it is completed. Please be sure to save and/or print your checklist results, as they will not be saved.

  • Outdoor Air Quality (questions 1-8)
    How do we reduce exposure to outdoor air pollution?
    LEARN MORE
  • 1. We schedule and tailor children’s activities according to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), smog, forest fire and extreme heat and cold alerts.
  • 2. We reduce traffic pollution by encouraging the use of public transit and sustainable, active transportation by staff and/or families.
  • 3. We locate children’s activities away from parking areas during drop-off and pick-up times.
  • 4. Our children’s outdoor play areas are located as far from sources of traffic pollution as possible.
  • 5. Our centre has a no idling policy: we prohibit vehicle idling, we have posted ‘No idling’ signs, and we provide client families with educational resources.
  • 6. We have taken measures to reduce the amount of vehicle exhaust that enters the centre through air intake vents, the entrance door and/or windows.
  • 7. We minimize or eliminate the use of leaf blowers and fossil fuel-powered mowers and other equipment.
  • 8. We are aware of potential sources of chemical exposures and noise in the vicinity of the centre (e.g., industrial facilities, dry cleaners, gas stations, high traffic corridors) and consider ways to reduce exposures, such as closing windows and minimizing outdoor play when pollutant levels are at their highest (e.g., at peak production times, rush hour).
  • Indoor Air Quality (questions 9-18)
    How do we reduce exposure to indoor air pollution?
    LEARN MORE
  • 9. We require staff members, children and parents/ guardians to remove outdoor footwear before entering.
  • 10. We ‘bust that dust’ by frequently damp mopping or vacuuming floors and by removing dust from surfaces with a damp cloth.
  • 11. We dispose of vacuum bags and dryer lint safely.
  • 12. We avoid wall-to-wall carpeting or extensive carpeting.
  • 13. We provide adequate ventilation in all rooms to ensure regular fresh air exchange and to reduce excess moisture.
  • 14. We ensure that there is no visible mould or mouldy smell in the facility, and that plumbing leaks or other sources of excess moisture are promptly addressed.
  • 15. We have a fragrance-free policy. We don’t use air “fresheners”, we use only fragrance-free cleaning and laundry products, and we ask staff and visitors not to wear fragranced personal care products
  • 16. We have conducted a radon test. If the radon level was high, we have taken remedial measures to reduce levels below the Government of Canada guideline.
  • 17. We have optimized indoor air quality by upgrading the filters used in our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, if feasible and applicable, and/or the safe use of portable air cleaners that have been tested by Consumer Reports or certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
  • 18. We never use ozone-generating devices or any device (e.g., fogger) that propels sanitizing/disinfecting chemicals into the air.
  • Outdoor Learning and Play (questions 19-28)
    How do we create healthy and sustainable outdoor environments for children?
    LEARN MORE
  • 19. Children spend time daily in green/natural outdoor spaces.
  • 20. We provide regular access to nearby nature and land-based learning.
  • 21. Our outdoor spaces are not treated with pesticides.
  • 22. We follow public health advice to prevent children’s exposure to insect bites and to reduce insect habitat around the centre.
  • 23. We take actions to minimize the need for insect repellents. We are aware of outdoor settings where ticks and mosquitoes are most prevalent, we remove any stagnant/standing water, avoid outdoor play during peak biting times, and encourage parents to provide protective clothing
  • 24. When an insect repellent is used, we apply only those intended for children and bearing a Pest Control Products [PCP] Act number, and we closely follow label instructions.
  • 25. We take steps to reduce children’s exposure to chemicals in pressure-treated wood.
  • 26. We opt for natural play structures rather than plastic. We consider using natural objects, such as rocks and logs, and varied terrain to create engaging play spaces rather than relying on structures made of treated wood or plastic.
  • 27. We choose natural permeable surfaces, such as native grasses or groundcover, to prevent rainwater run-off that can contribute to erosion and flooding while helping reduce heat stress.
  • 28. We ensure that children always wash their hands with soap and warm water when returning inside and before eating to reduce exposure to contaminants.
  • Indoor Learning and Play (questions 29-43)
    How do we create healthy and sustainable indoor areas for children?
    LEARN MORE
  • 29. We check regularly for product recalls on all toys, play equipment, furniture and accessories
  • 30. We reduce/remove sources of noise that may be dangerous to children’s hearing (e.g. some toys with batteries, loud music)
  • 31. We avoid old, donated or inexpensive toys or other objects that may contain lead or other hazardous chemicals.
  • 32. We do not use PVC plastic (vinyl) toys.
  • 33. We have established a toy safety policy that considers toxic substance hazards.
  • 34. We ensure that areas where arts and crafts activities take place are well ventilated.
  • 35. We use liquid, gel and paste art materials rather than powders and sprays and avoid all solvent-based and scented products.
  • 36. We use only art and craft materials intended for use by children and avoid products that bear hazard symbols.
  • 37. We store materials in original containers and out of reach of children when not being used.
  • 38. We avoid craft materials that have any scent as they may affect children with allergies or sensitivities.
  • 39. We never use electronics or other hazardous materials in craft projects.
  • 40. We avoid the use of sleep mats/ cots made of polyurethane foam and/or vinyl.
  • 41. If foam/vinyl sleep mats/ cots are used, we ensure they are fully encased in washable fabric that is laundered frequently.
  • 42. We avoid the use of upholstered furniture, draperies and other items that have been treated with flame retardant chemicals or stain repellent chemicals when possible.
  • 43. We avoid using spray-on stain repellents and flame retardant products.
  • Sun Safety and Extreme Heat (questions 44-50)
    How do we protect from extreme heat and stay sun safe?
    LEARN MORE
  • 44. We ensure natural and/or built shade is available in outdoor play areas.
  • 45. Our centre has established a protective shade policy to reduce children’s exposure to UV radiation and extreme heat.
  • 46. We check the UV index daily and schedule children’s activities accordingly.
  • 47. We check Environment Canada’s heat warnings or the EC Alert Me app daily.
  • 48. We seek shade (or stay indoors, if necessary), ensure children have adequate hydration and protective clothing, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
  • 49. We apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on children at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and before insect repellent, if both are being used.
  • 50. We encourage parents/caregivers to provide children with a wide-brimmed sun hat and light, loose clothing that covers the body.
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting (questions 51-60)
    How do we safely clean and disinfect in healthy and sustainable ways?
    LEARN MORE
  • 51. We practice proper hand hygiene.
  • 52. We do not use antibacterial hand soap.
  • 53. In the event that soap and water are not available, we clean children’s hands with a fragrance-free pre-moistened towelette followed by hand sanitizer.
  • 54. We ensure that all cleaning, disinfecting and laundry products are inaccessible to children and are properly labeled and stored.
  • 55. We avoid using cleaning and disinfecting products around children.
  • 56. We ensure adequate ventilation when using cleaning and disinfecting products .
  • 57. We avoid using products labeled with hazard symbols whenever possible, while recognizing that we may need to use such products to ensure infection prevention and control as per local public health guidelines.
  • 58. We use less-toxic alternatives for all cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting tasks, in consultation with our local public health officials.
  • 59. We do not mix cleaning and disinfecting products with other chemicals. We never mix bleach with other cleaning and disinfecting products as this could result in a dangerous chemical reaction. We ensure that this does not happen by posting warning signs and educating staff.
  • 60. We use fragrance-free and biodegradable laundry soap and we do not use dryer sheets and/or scented fabric softener.
  • Kitchen and Food Preparation (questions 61-73)
    How do we safely prepare food in healthy and sustainable ways?
    LEARN MORE
  • 61. We follow local public health guidance and /provincial regulations on testing for lead and on frequency of flushing water lines to reduce lead levels in drinking water.
  • 62. We use water from the cold tap for drinking and/or to prepare food or drinks. Water from hot-water taps can contain higher levels of lead.
  • 63. We do not heat food or drinks in plastic containers.
  • 64. We do not serve or store hot food or drinks in plastic containers.
  • 65. We serve low-mercury fish.
  • 66. We serve fresh and frozen foods (rather than canned foods) whenever possible.
  • 67. We employ strategies to prevent pest problems. If a pest problem occurs, we select the least toxic method of eradication/control.
  • 68. We avoid cooking at very high temperatures when using non-stick cookware coated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).
  • 69. We always use a range hood exhaust fan or open a window while cooking.
  • 70. We use the least toxic oven cleaners.
  • 71. We use the least toxic, fragrance-free dishwasher detergents.
  • 72. We run the dishwasher only when full and when children are not in the kitchen.
  • 73. We have good ventilation in the kitchen to avoid moisture build up and reduce exposure to potentially harmful pollutants from cooking and cleaning/disinfecting products.
  • Facility Maintenance and Office Administration (questions 74-80)
    How do we renovate our setting safely and operate in healthy and sustainable ways?
    LEARN MORE
  • 74. We ensure that precautions are taken during and after renovations to ensure that children and staff are not exposed to renovation dust and fumes.
  • 75. We consider energy efficiency measures in renovations and repair activities.
  • 76. We ensure that all building operations, including the Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) system (if applicable), are serviced and maintained on a regular basis.
  • 77. We ensure that all plumbing and water/stormwater drains are checked on a regular basis to reduce risk of mould and potential flooding.
  • 78. We take actions to reduce paper waste.
  • 79. We properly recycle or dispose of all electronic waste, used batteries and light bulbs, and other items that contain hazardous materials.
  • 80. Staff are regularly provided with information on best practices related to waste reduction, toxics exposure reduction and sustainability.
  • Sustainability and Climate Action (questions 81-95)
    How do we reduce the impacts of climate change and make sustainable, low-carbon choices? 
    LEARN MORE
  • 81. We use energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
  • 82. We use energy-efficient appliances.
  • 83. We use renewable energy (for example, electricity generated on-site by solar panels or wind turbine, or purchased from a ‘green’ utility).
  • 84. We adjust the thermostat one or two degrees to save energy while keeping the centre comfortable, or use an automatic timer so that we are not heating or cooling the indoors when the centre is not occupied
  • 85. We conserve water.
  • 86. We buy locally grown and/or organic food when available and affordable.
  • 87. We engage children in growing some of our own food (e.g., vegetables, herbs) for use at the centre.
  • 88. We frequently opt for plant-based foods in our menu planning.
  • 89. We compost — either through a municipal program or an outdoor or indoor bin.
  • 90. We avoid generating waste across all aspects of our program (e.g. avoiding food waste, plastic waste, single use items).
  • 91. We choose non-disposable and non-plastic options when purchasing supplies / materials whenever possible.
  • 92. We take steps to foster/ support the use of public transit and sustainable, active transportation by staff and/ or families.
  • 93. We involve children in gardening, composting, conservation, and/or other activities related to sustainability.
  • 94. We take action to rewild our setting through strategies such as depaving and planting native plants.
  • 95. We have a greening initiative, such as tree planting, creating a green roof or permeable outdoor surfaces.
  • Inclusivity, Equity and Accessibility (questions 96-102)
    How do we create inclusive, equitable and accessible spaces?
    LEARN MORE
  • 96. We take actions to create culturally safe spaces for all children.
  • 97. We have a land acknowledgement statement.
  • 98. Books and toys in our facility reflect and celebrate diversity.
  • 99. We use non-gendered terms and inclusive language.
  • 100. We have gender-neutral bathrooms.
  • 101. We ensure the facility is accessible to all bodies and abilities.
  • 102. We take actions to mitigate socio-economic and other barriers so that all children are able to fully participate in all activities.
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