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IDEM 5-Star Recognition for Child Care

You're careful about exposing your child to toxic chemicals and creating a healthy environment at home. But what about the child care facility your child attends? Is it doing all it can to protect your child's environmental health?

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has received national recognition for its 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities. The program promotes healthy development in young children free from pesticides, harmful chemicals, lead paint hazards, radon, and other often invisible environmental health threats.

The 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities ensures child care providers have taken steps to reduce and eliminate hazards that can cause permanent, long term developmental problems in young children.

Applicants receive a lead risk assessment, radon test, and on-site confidential assistance. IKE provides no idling signs for no charge, with financial support from the Duke Energy Foundation.

To find out if an Indiana childcare facility is on the list, visit IDEM's website or call (800) 988-7901.

Want more information? Here are some helpful links:

A Parent's Guide to Choosing and Safe and Healthy Childcare, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

IDEM's 5-Star Rating System

1 Star

To achieve one star, the facility should:

  • Complete the self assessment;
  • Ensure the building is clean and well maintained;
  • Provide hazard communication training for employees;
  • Flush cold-water pipes 30 seconds daily before first use; and
  • Never store pesticides at the facility.

3 Star

To achieve three stars, the facility should:

  • Meet all one-star requirements;
  • Implements a 100% tobacco-free facility and grounds;
  • Perform a radon test;
  • Implement integrated pest management strategies;
  • Check for lead hazards in water, soil, dust, and paint chips;
  • Discourage idling vehicles near entrances/exits; and,
  • Contact utility company to identify PCB-containing transformers.

5 Star

To achieve five stars, the facility should:

  • Meet all one- and three-star requirements;
  • Remove pets with fur or feathers;
  • Recycle; and,
  • Replace disposable utensils and plates with reusable dishware.
 
 

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