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9 Section 2: Program Standards Health + Safety Requirements Providers are responsible for maintaining an environment that promotes health, safety and well-being among children and staff. To do so, you are expected to follow state and/or federal health and safety requirements and to provide necessary training to staff to maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices for providers. Because state regulations may change periodically, please refer to Title 392 (NAC) for a current list of health and safety standards and requirements for subsidy providers. The information below includes both best practices and DHHS regulations. Environmental Safety • The building and physical premises are clean and in good repair. • A working phone is available at all times. • Emergency phone numbers are posted visibly within the home/facility and the provider is aware they are required to contact 911 or local emergency services if needed. Required numbers include: Emergency services for fire and rescue, police and poison control. • The home/facility has operable utilities, including electricity, heat and water. • The home/facility has a sufficient number of safe, age-appropriate play materials available for children to use. • A first-aid kit is available on the premises and kept in locked storage. The kit should include a working fever thermometer, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, sterile gauze, first-aid tape, scissors and disposable gloves. • Toilets and sinks are clean and in good working order for children to use. • Outdoor play areas are free of safety hazards and children are not exposed to extreme temperatures. • Children are protected from streets, alleyways, parking lots and garages, and do not have unsupervised access to bodies of water. • Smoking and/or vaping is prohibited in any part of the home/facility where care is being provided (see page 11 for more information). • Tobacco products and containers holding cigarette butts, cigar butts or ashes are inaccessible to children. Food or Allergic Reaction • A prevention and response plan is in place for emergencies due to food and allergic reactions. • Records are maintained that include a list of each child’s allergies and intolerance to food, with clear instructions if exposure occurs. Safe Sleep • Clean, comfortable and age-appropriate napping/sleeping arrangements and surfaces are available for each child. • Practices are followed for safe nap/sleep times. Infants must sleep on their backs, unless there is a medical reason and written note from a physician. Child Development • The provider understands child development, including physical, intellectual, social and emotional changes in children. Child Maltreatment • The provider is trained to recognize and immediately report any signs of abusive head trauma. • The provider understands how to recognize signs of child abuse and/or neglect and immediately reports concerns (see page 12 for more information). Transporting Children • Written permission is obtained from parents before transporting children. • Children are not left alone in the vehicle. SUBSIDY REGULATIONS For a current list of health and safety standards and requirements for subsidy providers, visit: Child Care Subsidy Program Regulations – Title 392 dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Title-392.aspx Title 392 Guidance Document dhhs.ne.gov/Guidance%20Docs/ Title%20392%20Guidance%20 Document.pdf