Health & Safety
The staff at Shepherd of the Valley have met the requirements by the Department of Social Services-Community Care Licensing to work in a Early Childhood Education setting. We continue our education yearly to bring forth the best practices of health and safety in our classrooms and school.
- All staff is trained and certified in CPR, AED and First Aid for Children Infants and Adults.
- All staff meet the immunization requirements and complete a health screening.
- Onsite employee with training in Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto Injector.
- California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training for all Childcare Providers.
- Best Pest Management Practices Around Children- Healthy Schools Act for all Providers.
- California Emergency Services- Lead Poisoning Prevention.
- All staff have a background check through the Department of Social Services.
- All staff meet the required coursework and degrees to work in Early Childhood Education.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. It is our desire to provide a healthy classroom in which to play, work, and learn. As Early Childhood Education providers we will apply wellness practices and policies that support each child and family to ensure a healthy school environment.
- We work closely with a Childcare Health Consultant through the Public Health Department.
- We follow current county guidelines for health and safety in child care settings.
- Health checks are completed daily.
- Children will stay home if they have sick symptoms.
- Proper handwashing is done with soap and water many times a day.
- Cleaning and sanitizing of classroom equipment and materials is done throughout the day and nightly by a janitorial service.
- Classrooms are equipped with Hepa Air Filtration Systems.
- Window and doors will be open to bring in air flow (weather permitting).
- Classrooms will be kept comfortable with heating and air conditioning as needed.
- Food is safely prepared and stored.
- Snacks provided support children’s healthy eating habits.
- Food allergies and intolerances are noted and alternate foods are discussed with the child’s family.
- Families will be notified of any communicable illnesses and/or Covid exposures and proper guidelines will be followed.
- Safety drills are practiced monthly with children and staff are trained in emergency preparedness.
- Low teacher/student ratios are implemented to ensure supervision and attention to individual needs.
- Children are taught to be healthy through personal care, physical fitness, nutrition, and rest.
