Safety & Security Policies

The center director and providers have educational backgrounds and/or experience that meet licensing requirements. Full-time providers are trained in CPR/First Aid, Universal Precautions and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse. Providers are required to have additional training hours dependent on job title and employment status and are encouraged to attend training which would enhance the child care environment and experiences of the children served.

No child will be left unsupervised while at Kessel Kids CcLc. Caregivers will regularly conduct a child count including at every transition and when leaving one area and arriving at another. Providers will assess the child care environment continually to reduce or eliminate any barriers to supervision.

Standards for provider ratios are based on what a child needs in order to have a reasonable amount of quality care and to allow for one-to-one interactions.

Child to provider ratios will be maintained following guidelines enforced by the HHS. The ratios will not exceed what is outlined by HHS, however, the ratio may be minimized to assist with increasing the quality of services provided if and when the need to minimize the ratio is identified or the center is financially able to do so.

Age of Children  |  Minimum Ratios

• Two weeks to two yrs. |  1 staff:4 children
• Two years  |  1:6
• Three years  |  1:8
• Four years  |  1:12
• Five to ten years  |  1:15
• Ten years and over  |  1:20

When there are mixed-age groups in the same room, the staff to child ratio will be consistent with the age of the majority of children when no infants or toddlers are in the mixed-age group. When infants and toddlers are in the mixed age group, the staff to child ratio follows the ratio for infants and toddlers. At least two staff will always be available if more than 6 children are present.

Ratios may deviate from the norm when children are resting, during activities, for transportation purposes and to accommodate during special circumstances. These regulations can be found in HHS Licensing Standards and Procedures.

Parents are entitled to unlimited access to their children and the providers caring for their children during the center’s hours of operation or when the children are at the center with the exception of parental contact prohibited by a court order.

Kessel Kids CcLc is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the children as well as others present within the facility.

Persons on Kessel Kids CcLc premises that are not the owner, provider, substitute, subcontracted provider or volunteer having passed an HHS background check approving them for involvement within the childcare setting,will not have unrestricted access to children. This does not include children they are the parent(s)/ legal guardians of, and they will not be included in the staff to child ratio. Unrestricted access means that a person has contact with a child alone or is directly responsible for child care.

Persons who do not have unrestricted access will be under the direct supervision and monitoring of a paid provider at all times and will not be allowed to assume any child care responsibilities. The primary responsibility of the supervision and monitoring will be assumed by the provider unless he/she delegates it to the provider’s assistant due to conflict of interest with the person. Supervision is defined as being in charge of an individual engaged with children in an activity or task and ensuring that they perform it correctly. Monitoring is defined as being in charge of ensuring proper conduct of others.

Center providers will determine the purpose of any individual on the property that is present without knowledge of the center. The director will be contacted to request approval if the person is to be on site. Providers will follow the center’s Emergency Management Procedures in the case of an intruder. Individuals not employed by the center but who may be on the property for other reasons such as maintenance, repairs, etc. will be monitored by paid providers and will not be allowed to interact with the children on the premises.

A sex offender who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor (even if the sex offender is the parent, guardian, or custodian) who is required to register with the Iowa sex offender registry shall not operate, manage, be employed by, or act as a contractor or volunteer at the child care center and shall not be on the property of the child care center without the written permission of the center director, except for the time reasonably necessary to transport the offender’s own minor child or ward to and from the center. The center director is not obligated to provide written permission and must consult with their HHS licensing consultant first. If written permission is granted it shall include the conditions under which the sex offender may be present including:

1. The precise location in the center where the sex offender may be present.
2. The reason for the sex offender’s presence within the facility.
3. The duration of the sex offender’s presence.
4. Description of how the center provider will supervise the sex offenders to ensure that the sex offender is not left alone with a child.
5. The written permission shall be signed and dated by the director and sex offender and kept on file for review by the center licensing consultant.

Confidentiality of information about a child and family will be maintained. Enrollment information and all other information regarding a child and his or her family will be accessible only to the parent(s)/ legal guardian, by those with consent from the parent(s)/ legal guardian, to providers on a need to know basis and to HHS.

Under state law, information about a person in child care or the relative of a person in child care is confidential. Anyone who acquires such information through the operation of a child care center may not disclose it, directly or indirectly, except upon inquiry before a court of law or with the written consent of the person. In the case of a child, written consent must be obtained from the parent(s)/ legal guardian or as otherwise specifically required or allowed by law.  Child care consultants have unrestricted access to children’s files. Immunization records are accessible to public health officials without parental consent.

Children will not be exposed to tobacco, nicotine, electronic cigarettes or vaping in childcare. Children with respiratory problems or any child in care should not be exposed to additional risk from the air they breathe. Second hand smoke can cause additional risk of asthma, respiratory infections and SIDS.

Smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited in all child care centers and preschools, in the outdoor play area and in any vehicle in which children receiving care are transported. Children shall not be exposed to providers wearing clothing that smells of smoke. Providers will be sent home to change his or her clothing or offered an alternative article of clothing if available. Providers are encouraged to bring extra clothing to store at the center if it supports providing a clean, sanitary classroom environment.

Alcohol and illegal drugs as well as lethal weapons are prohibited on facility premises.

All staff, substitute staff, and volunteers at Kessel Kids CcLc follow the safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Products Safety Commission for infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and to prevent accidental sleep related deaths. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. SUID includes all unexpected deaths; those without a clear cause, such as SIDS, and those from a known cause, such as suffocation. Infants 12 months and under are placed on their backs to sleep with infants under 4 months of age that roll over being gently rolled back to their backs during sleep. Any infant arriving asleep or falling asleep out of his or her crib will be immediately moved to his or her crib to maintain a safe sleep environment. A child cannot sleep in another position without a waiver from the child’s primary physician as such due to medical necessity. The waiver must be specific and include an expiration date. Only one infant will be placed in each crib. Child care providers need to maintain the ability to see and to hear all sleeping infants while moving throughout the classroom. Providers must clearly communicate whereabouts and intentions of actions to ensure one provider is in each classroom zone.

Soft and loose bedding will be kept out of sleep environments. These items include but are not limited to such things as pillows, bumper pads, comforters, bibs and any type of blankets. Items or materials will not be draped or attached to the cribs. We ask that blankets be kept at home and not brought to the center for children under the age of one. Crib mattresses will be firm and fitted with tight sheets. Crib bedding will be washed daily. Infants will not share cribs. Infants who do not have a designated crib due to lower attendance will be placed in a crib with new bedding to eliminate sharing of germs. A manufacturer's certificate indicating safety is placed in the center’s licensing file. Infants will be monitored for overheating. The classroom environment temperature will be kept comfortable, such as that of a lightly clothed adult, with the option of in floor heat in the cooler months. Extra clothing or sleep sacks will be used as an alternative to blankets if extra warmth is needed.

Swaddling will not be practiced at Kessel Kids CcLc. There is evidence that swaddling may increase the risk of certain health outcomes. The risk of sudden infant death is increased if an infant is swaddled and placed on his/her stomach to sleep. We believe that although there may be benefits to swaddling, the more serious health concerns that may result outweigh the benefits. We encourage families to dress their infants in appropriate clothing to support with maintaining temperature if this is a concern. Pacifiers may be used during sleep with parent permission, but should not be attached to the infant's clothing, string, cord or stuffed toy.

Supervised “tummy time” will be encouraged to assist with the development of strong back and neck muscles to prevent the development of flat areas on the back of the head.

Safe sleep practices are shared with families prior to enrollment during classroom tours. In addition, information regarding safe infant practices are shared in monthly newsletters, within our nursing room and outside our classroom on an informational bulletin board.

Kessel Kids CcLc will work to prevent the risk of strangulation at the center. Strings and cords that are long enough to encircle a child’s neck will not be accessible. Window blinds will not have looped cords accessible to the children in care. Parents will be asked to remove hood and neck strings from children’s clothing. Dramatic play items with handles or straps will be removed or shortened. Pacifiers should not be attached to strings or ribbons. In and when lanyards are utilized, they must be the breakaway type.

Regular inspections of play areas indoors and outdoors of the facility are important in preventing injuries. The indoor and outdoor play area and equipment should be inspected daily for the following:

• Missing or broken parts
• Protrusion of nuts and bolts
• Rust and chipping or peeling paint
• Sharp edges, splinters, and rough surfaces
• Stability of handholds
• Visible Cracks
• Stability of non-anchored large play equipment
• Wear and deterioration

Observations shall be documented and filed.  Problems shall be corrected. Monthly playground inspections are completed and on file in the licensing notebook. A monthly safety check of all the equipment within the facility is also completed to provide an opportunity to notice issues with equipment that require maintenance.

Kessel Kids CcLc providers will offer positive guidance, redirection, take a proactive approach to reduce the likelihood of the behavior, offer clear and consistent rules as well as involve a child in problem solving to foster a child’s ability to become self-disciplined. Providers will encourage children to develop respect for people and property, take responsibility for their actions and support children with developing self- control and problem solving. Aggressive physical behavior toward providers or children will not be tolerated.

Discipline policies have been developed to encourage and strengthen positive behavior.  One of the primary goals of our program is to assist children with developing appropriate social skills. These skills include interacting appropriately with others in order to maintain an environment in which all children feel safe and secure.  It is important for children to display respect for one’s self and others while attending the center.

Guidance is non-punitive at Kessel Kids CcLc.  Discipline does not allow for corporal punishment; punishment that causes humiliation, fear, pain or discomfort; locking children in an area or using mechanical restraints; associating with illness, toilet training, food or rest; or the use of verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about a child’s family. If mechanical restraints are used as part of a treatment plan for a child with a disability, the provider is trained on use of the restraint. Any use of the above mentioned disciplinary actions would be grounds for termination.

Aggression or Fighting

Children displaying aggression or fighting will be assisted with problem solving. Positive guidance will be utilized versus punishment with consideration that a child may not yet have the capabilities of understanding the situation and carrying out problem solving techniques. If aggression or fighting arises:

• Children will be separated if more than one child is involved.
• The child injured physically or emotionally will be comforted.
• The child displaying aggression or fighting will be allowed to de-escalate and the provider will support with positive guidance on an individualized basis.
• Completed incident or observation cards will be completed and signed by the parents of the children involved.
• If there is a pattern of recurrence, the center director will evaluate the environment and caregiver supervision and make changes accordingly.

Physical Restraint

Physical restraint will not be used unless it is used to ensure a child’s safety or that of others. If physical restraint is utilized it will be done so in a gentle manner and only as long as needed to gain control over the situation.

Medicines or drugs

Medications or drugs will not be used unless prescribed by a health care provider and with specific instructions on usage of the medication.

Time Away

“Time-away” will be used if other management of techniques are ineffective.  “Time away” may be used for children over 18 months of age who may harm themselves or others. “Time Away” will be used on an individualized basis as this technique of behavior management is not always effective for every child. The “Time Away” period will be used to enable a child to de-escalate and return to his or her baseline. As a general rule, the “Time Away” period will not exceed one minute per year of age.

Every child in the infant and toddler classrooms may be at the risk of being bit or being a potential biter. Biting is not something to blame on parents, the child or the child care provider. It is part of a developmental stage common among children birth to three years of age. Biting is a form of communication which is commonly a response to a child’s needs not being met or a tactic to cope with a challenge or stressor. A child may bite due to teething, impulsiveness or lack of control, excitement or overstimulation, frustration or to see a reaction. The five broad causes of behavior include 1) the developmental stage of the child, 2) individual differences, 3) the environment, 4) the child does not know something yet, and 5) unmet social needs.  It is important that we do not label children as “biters” as this can harm a child’s self-perception and reinforce the biting behavior (Zero to Three, 2010).     `

Kessel Kids CcLc providers will take a proactive approach to prevent biting behaviors. Providers will be responsible for understanding the developmental stages of the children in care. Positive relationships between the children and providers as well as a supportive environment will be the baseline to preventing challenging behaviors such as biting.

Providers are encouraged to take a proactive approach to behaviors such as biting. Oftentimes, a responsive provider will be able to determine when biting may occur and intervene to prevent the behavior. However, when biting does occur the caregiver will respond accordingly (Zero to Three, 2010):

• Keep all emotions intact, not expressing frustration or anger to the child
• Ensure all children are safe
• Providers should in a firm, calm voice address the child that bit in a short, simple manner
• Providers should shift their attention to the child who was bitten and show support to that child
• Go back and talk with the child (if the child is verbal and able to talk about what happened) and the different approaches that he or she may take versus biting
• Help the child move on

Discharging a child without first addressing the underlying cause of a behavior and meeting the needs of the child is not an appropriate response to a challenging behavior.

Biting is a way of communicating. It is the provider’s responsibility to observe and focus on what needs of the child are not being met versus being preoccupied with what discipline method to utilize in response to biting. Observation Cards will be utilized to track the occurrences of the behavior along with the context of the situation. The data will be kept in the child’s file and utilized to identify patterns as well as possible solutions. The information will also be shared with the child’s family.

When biting occurs, the child who was bitten should be immediately cared for following the event. The child with the challenging behavior will be taught in a caring and firm manner that the behavior is not acceptable and other alternative behaviors may be discussed to prevent further occurrences. The providers should determine the needs of the child including changes in environment or routine. An individualized action plan shall be put in place when a pattern of biting is determined. Discharging a child will only be done in extreme circumstances. The center will utilize the consultants available in the area if and when the center needs support with coming up with an action plan to meet the needs of a child.

An Incident/Accident report will be utilized to inform a parent that his/her child was bitten. The name of the child participating in the challenging behavior will remain confidential. The parent will provide a signature on the report and one copy will be placed in his or her file and an additional copy will be sent home with the parent. An Observation Card will be utilized to track the challenging behavior as well as to support identifying any patterns associated with the occurrences. A copy of this report will be shared with the parent and an additional copy will be placed in the child’s file at the center.

First aid procedures shall be utilized in response to a biting situation.  The providers should evaluate the bite mark noting if the bite broke the skin or if blood/body fluids is coming from the site. If blood or body fluids are present, wash the area with soap and water and cover with a bandage. It should be determined if the child who was biting had any blood or bodily fluids in his or her mouth. If the child does have blood or bodily fluids in his or her mouth, the provider should support the child with rinsing his or her mouth out with plain water and notify the parents of the child of the exposure.

A Child Attendance/Symptom Record is maintained daily within the classrooms. These reports require providers to document and follow-up on any health related concern as well as assist with tracking absenteeism.  This record is intended to track the person affected, date and time of illness, a description of the symptoms, the response of the caregiver to the symptoms, who was contacted in response to the entry and what was concluded or the end result of the entry.

These records are intended to record accidents/injuries and assist the center with tracking environmental factors that may result in accidents/injuries. Incident reports are completed no matter how small or insignificant an accident or injury may seem. Incident reports need to be completed as soon as possible following an incident and signed by the director upon completion. The incident report also needs to be signed by the parent(s)/ legal guardian. The parent(s)/ legal guardian will receive a copy of the incident report and a copy of the report will be kept in the child’s file. Minor incidents should be reported to parents’ daily and major incidents resulting in injury or change of health status immediately.

Observation cards are intended to track behavior. They are utilized to identify patterns of behavior and to support staff with making adjustments to the classroom environment and staffing patterns if needed. A copy of the report can be sent home with the parent(s)/ legal guardian and an additional copy kept within the child’s file.

Kessel Kids CcLc reserves the right to dismiss a child without notice due to the following reasons;

• The center cannot make reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of a child
• The child is a threat to the safety, health and/or well-being of himself/herself or others.
• A family has not paid their bill for two consecutive weeks and has not made arrangements with the director for a payment schedule
• A parent(s)/ legal guardian refuses to have their child examined by a healthcare professional
• It is advised by a professional that a child should not be enrolled
• Misrepresentation on application or enrollment forms
• Continuous absence or change in schedule without notice
• Repeated tardiness picking up a child at closing time
• Child’s file and immunizations are not up to date
• Parent(s)/ legal guardian consistently chooses not to sign their child in or out
• Parent(s)/ legal guardian threatens safety of staff, child or others
• Health and safety concerns with a child are not being addressed by parent

All observations or suspicions of child abuse or neglect will be immediately reported to HHS no matter where the abuse may have occurred.

• Providers serving in the caretaking role of children are mandatory reporters of child abuse. Providers are provided with orientation regarding mandatory reporting within 30 days of employment. Iowa Code Section 232.69 requires any director or employee of a licensed child care center to report to the HHS within 24 hours when there is reason to believe the child has suffered sexual or physical abuse or neglect. The first oral report must be followed within 48 hours with a written report to HHS. The person who witnessed the abuse or effect of the abuse should make the reports.
• Suspected abuse may also be reported by calling the county HHS office or calling the 24-hour, toll-free, Child Abuse Hotline number: 1-800-362-2178.
• Reporters of suspected abuse will not be discharged for making the report unless it is proven that a false report was knowingly made.
• Providers accused of child abuse may be suspended or given leave without pay pending investigation of the accusation. Parent(s)/ legal guardians of suspected abused children will be notified. Parent(s)/ legal guardians of other children utilizing the center’s child care services will be contacted by the center director if a provider is suspected of abuse so they may share any comments or concerns they may have. No accusation or affirmation of guilt will be made until the investigation is complete. If a caregiver is found guilty of child abuse, he or she will be dismissed of their duties.

Center providers serving in a caretaking role of children are mandatory reporters of child abuse. Information regarding mandatory reporting will be reviewed with staff at orientation. Providers will sign a statement during orientation stating he or she has been informed of and understands his or her responsibility as a mandatory reporter. Volunteers who are included in the staff-to- child ratio are also considered mandatory reporters and will be informed of his or her responsibilities as a reporter and the center’s reporting procedures.

Iowa Code Section 232.69 requires any director or employee of a child care center to report to HHS within 24 hours if there is reason to believe a child has suffered from sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect. The first oral report must be followed within 48 hours with a written report to HHS. The person who witnessed the abuse or effects of the abuse must make the report.

Staff may report child abuse by calling the county HHS office or calling the 24-hour, toll-free, Child Abuse Hotline number; 1-800-362-2178.

When making a report of suspected child abuse the following information, or as possible, should be reported:

• names and home address of the child and his/her parents or other persons believed to be responsible for his/her care
• the child’s present whereabouts if not the same as address mentioned previously
• the child’s age
• the nature and extent of the child’s injuries, including any evidence or previous injuries
• the name, age, and condition of other children in the same home
• any other information which the person making the report believes might be relevant in establishing cause of the injury to the child, the identity of the person or persons responsible for the injury or in providing assistance to the child
• the names and address of the person making the report

Legal sanctions for failure to report the abuse are as follows:

Any mandatory reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report a suspected case of child abuse is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.

Any mandatory reporter who knowingly fails to report is civilly liable for damages approximately caused by such failure (Legal Reference 232.75).                                                                   `

Any mandatory reported who, in good faith, makes a report of child abuse or participates in the investigation of a child abuse has immunity from any liability, civil or criminal. Records and/or information pertaining to the abuse may be released to the child abuse investigation without release required in other situations (Legal Reference232.73).

Kessel Kids CcLc will not transport children unless an emergency situation arises in which transportation is needed. All children transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration and weighing 10,000 pounds or less, except a school bus, must be individually secured by a safety belt, safety seat, or harness, in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and manufacturer’s instructions. Children under the age of four shall be secured in a federally approved child restraint system. Children under the age of twelve shall not be located in the front seat of a vehicle. Drivers have to possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years of age and shall not operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription or nonprescription drugs that could impair the ability to drive a motor vehicle. Drivers must also have a safe driving record for more than 5 years, with no crashes where a citation is issued, no record of substance abuse or conviction for crimes of violence or child abuse, or any crime of violence. The driver’s license number, vehicle insurance information, and verification of the current state vehicle inspection must be on file at the facility. Ratios for transportation of children will be maintained in accordance to regulations set forth by HHS.

Field trips provide for varied experiences for children. If and when a field trip is planned, parents will be informed and a Field Trip Permission Slip will be issued to a child’s family. If a family chooses to have their child stay at the center versus participate in the trip, the child may need to participate in alternative classrooms’ activities for the day to allow for appropriate supervision.

The children enrolled at Kessel Kids CcLc may participate in non-center held activities including Cresco Parks and Recreation summer time events. If a child participates in such activities, arrangements will need to be made for transportation and the Director will need to be informed of these arrangements. Public Transit is an option for transportation. Kessel Kids CcLc will not be held responsible for the child until the child returns to the center unless Kessel Kids CcLc providers are accompanying a group of children.  Proper emergency contact information and registration must be completed with the agency holding the activities. Parents/caregivers are responsible for ensuring such information is communicated to the agency.

Parents will be informed of any exposure to pets prior to a pet being brought to the facility. Any pet or animal present at the facility, indoors or outdoors, shall be in good health, show no evidence of disease and be fully immunized. All contact with animals and children shall be supervised by a provider who is close enough to remove a child immediately in the case an animal shows signs of distress or agitation. Providers are responsible for instructing children on safe procedures to follow when in close proximity to the animal and talking with children about the responsibilities associated with the care of pets. Pets must be housed in an enclosed living quarters, kept clean of waste to reduce risk of human contact, in cages of an approved type with removable bottoms and shall be kept clean and sanitary, litter boxes shall not be in areas accessible to children, litter should be removed immediately and discarded and animal food supplies should be kept out of reach of children. Animals are prohibited from the food preparation areas and caregivers and children should wash their hands after handling animals, animal food or animal wastes.