Print This Page
Protecting Children in Child Care Programs
Because of their small size and developing bodies, infants and young children are particularly sensitive to chemicals. Children’s exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to physiological changes, developmental effects, and/or neural and behavioral problems. It is especially important to protect children from harmful chemicals in those places where they spend the most time – their homes, schools and child care programs.
Toxic products
Using less toxic household products for cleaning, building maintenance, yard care and other applications helps reduce children’s exposure to harmful chemicals. The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, or LHWMP, provides more information in “Tips for choosing less toxic products.”
Bisphenol A is a chemical of special concern because it is associated with serious health effects, even at low doses, and it is found in products and containers used to feed children. These include baby bottles, formula containers, juice and water containers and canned food containers. To find out more about bisphenol A – and how to avoid products containing this chemical – see “Bisphenol A in Plastic Bottles, Food Containers and Canned Goods.”
Because pesticides also pose a significant risk to young children, Washington State requires public schools and licensed daycare facilities to notify parents and employees about pesticides used on their grounds. For information about what is required under this law, see “Parent notification law.”
Assistance for child care programs
Free consultations about making child care facilities environmentally safe for children are available from the LHWMP. Consultations are provided either by telephone or on-site and address issues such as: how to choose safer products, how to safely store and dispose of products containing harmful chemicals, how to protect indoor air quality, and how to make buildings safer.
Contact Tracee Mayfield at 206-263-8538 or tracee.mayfield@kingcounty.gov for more information.
Public Health –Seattle & King County, Child Care Health Program also provides consultations on health and safety issues to King County child care providers and facilities. A child psychologist provides consultations on child behavior issues. Nutritionists and health educators offer nutrition advice, training opportunities and health and safety education materials. Call 206-296-2770 for more information.
Funding assistance for child care sites is available through LHWMP’s Voucher Incentive Program. The program provides matching dollars (up to $500 per site) to help child care programs take steps to become environmentally safer. For example, voucher funds can be used to:
- replace carpets with less-toxic alternatives
- test wooden window frame replacements for lead (in buildings built before 1978)
- purchase door mats or a HEPA vacuum cleaner
- purchase less toxic child care materials and products
- other activities that reduce children’s exposure to toxics.
For more information about the Voucher Incentive Program, call 206-263-8899.
