Once a child is able to get around on his/her own, the average day care facility becomes a wonderland as dangerous as it is exciting, full of potential hazards capable of causing injury or death. A child's safety must be the number one priority of any licensed or unlicensed child care facility. To minimize the possibility of an accident, child proof your surroundings. 

Child Proof Checklist

* Install window guards on all above ground level windows
* Tie up cords to blinds or draperies
* Move electrical cords out of reach
* Cover electrical outlets with caps or shields
* Put unstable furniture out of the way
* Fasten bookcases or other structures that can be pulled down to the wall
* Keep drawers closed so children will not climb them
* Make sure painted surfaces are lead free
* Keep plants out of children's reach
* Remove or secure any loose knobs on furniture or cabinets
* Put barriers around radiators
* Place a gate at the top and bottom of stairs
* Cover sharp edges or corners on tables
* Repair all loose floor tiles and carpets to prevent tripping
* Keep floor clutter out of traffic lanes to prevent tripping
* Keep sharp scissors, knives, letter openers our of children's reach
* Objects smaller than 13/8 inches in diameter such as marbles, coins, buttons and pins must be kept out of children's reach at all times
* Discard plastic bags which if placed over the face can cause suffocation