As more and more children have entered regulated child care arrangements, concern about the safety of these settings has increased. Currently, more than 215,000 children attend regulated child care settings in North Carolina. This descriptive study summarizes the results of a statewide, self-administered, mail survey of North Carolina child care center directors conducted in the fall of 1999. The four-page survey included questions about choking hazards, storage of hazardous materials, electric shock, fire, and burn risk, and staff training in first aid procedures. 178 completed surveys were returned for a response rate of 61%. Four out of five centers reported serving at least one of six possible choking foods to children under five. About one in four centers reporting ever storing a hazardous agent in non-original packaging. Nearly all centers reported having a smoke detector but only 26% tested it on a monthly basis. All centers reported having at least one staff member certified in CPR and one staff member certified in first aid. On average, 68% of all staff members were certified in CPR and first aid. Syrup of Ipecac was available in only 29% of centers. Additional staff training was the safety improvement need most frequently mentioned by directors. Results are compared to those from a similar survey conducted in 1992 and policy implications are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify indoor safety risks in North Carolina child care centers. 2. Describe directors' views on needed child care center safety improvements.
Keywords: Child Care, Injury Risk
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.