A written health care plan (HCP) is required by licensing for those children with a diagnosed special need. These plans give care providers the vital information they need to manage the child’s condition on a daily basis, what to do in an emergency and how to help the child participate as fully as possible in the child care program.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers demonstrates how to create a Care Plan Clipboard that will keep important information about a child's special needs accessible to care staff.

Giving over-the-counter and prescription medication is a big responsibility. It is important to obtain authorization, follow licensing requirements, and implement best practices to reduce your liability risk.

This includes products such as Tylenol, Motrin, etc.

This applies to medications that are available by prescription from a doctor or health professional

This apples to products such as diaper ointment, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, insect repellent etc.

There are many types of emergencies that could potentially occur in child care: anaphylactic reactions, injuries, storms, fire, etc. Having a first aid kit readily accessible - on-site and off-site - can help you respond quickly.

Licensing requires an incident report to be filled out when the child has been seriously hurt, hospitalized or died. For any incident report, it is recommended to obtain the parent’s signature, give parents a copy, keep a copy in the child’s file and one in an incident log binder. Incident reports should be kept until the child is 18 years old.

Keeping children safe is the first priority of any child care program. While all injuries cannot be prevented, providing safe environments and active supervision decreases the possibility.

Following proper procedures for sanitizing surfaces, handwashing and having exclusion guidelines in place decreases the spread of germs and keeps everyone healthier.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers demonstrates how to set your work space and prepare a bottle of formula in a child care setting.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers demonstrates how to clean and sanitize food prep and eating areas in a child care setting.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers demonstrates best practices for handling dishes, glasses and utensils when serving food in a child care setting.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant, Sarah Myers, talks about safe and sanitary ways to prepare and serve food in a child care setting.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers shares 7 important things to remember when serving food in a child care setting.

Child Care Aware® Health Consultant Sarah Myers talks about ways that mealtime can be an opportunity for children to learn how to pass and serve food, practice manners and build social skills.

This manual developed by the North Dakota Department of Health provides information about head lice, prevention actions, treatment options and guidelines appropriate for use in the home, child-care settings, schools and communities