Ensuring the well-being of our children is a top priority. The Sampson County Environmental Health Division plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and safety of children in daycare centers through regular inspections and adherence to strict regulations.
The Sampson County Daycare Inspection process involves two key entities: the Sampson County Environmental Health Division and the North Carolina Division of Child Development. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Frequent Inspections: Childcare centers undergo thorough sanitation inspections by the Environmental Health Division twice a year, with an additional inspection every six months.
- Focus on Key Areas: Inspectors meticulously evaluate various aspects of the daycare center, including hygiene practices, food safety protocols, proper diapering procedures, overall cleanliness, safe storage of materials, building standards, and the outdoor play environment.
Licensing by the North Carolina Division of Child Development
While the Environmental Health Division safeguards sanitation and safety standards, daycare centers also require a license to operate in North Carolina. This license is issued by the North Carolina Division of Child Development. There may be additional steps and requirements involved in obtaining this license.
Working Together for a Safe Environment
The combined efforts of the Sampson County Environmental Health Division's inspection program and responsible childcare center operators create a safe and healthy environment for children to thrive in Sampson County daycare centers.
Additional Tips:
- It's recommended to consult directly with the North Carolina Division of Child Development to ensure you understand all licensing requirements for operating a daycare center in the state.
- You can find contact information for the North Carolina Division of Child Development https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing
Sampson County Environmental Health (EH) inspectors play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in daycare centers. Here's a breakdown of the key areas they meticulously evaluate during inspections:
Hygiene Practices
Safeguarding from Germs:
Inspectors pay close attention to handwashing procedures for both staff and children. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
Food Safety
From Fridge to Plate:
Inspectors ensure food is stored, handled, and prepared safely. This includes checking kitchen cleanliness, verifying proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and ensuring water temperatures meet safety standards.
Sanitation Protocols
Diaper Changes Done Right:
Dedicated diaper-changing areas are inspected to ensure they adhere to strict sanitation protocols.
Overall Sanitation
Cleanliness is Key:
Inspectors meticulously evaluate the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the entire facility, including play spaces, storage areas, and all rooms used by children and staff.
Secure Storage
Safety First:
Inspectors verify the safe storage of chemicals, medicines, bedding, and furniture to prevent accidents or hazards.
Proper Construction
Building a Healthy Environment:
The facility's construction is evaluated to ensure it meets building codes for safety. This includes adequate lighting, proper temperature control, and features that help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Safe Playgrounds
Learning and Playing Outdoors:
Inspectors assess the outdoor play areas to ensure they are safe and stimulating for children to learn and explore.
Following each inspection, a scorecard is prominently displayed at the childcare center. This scorecard acts as a report card for the facility, reflecting its classification based on the number of demerits received during the inspection. Here's a breakdown of the grading system:
Superior
This top tier signifies the daycare achieved minimal demerits (fewer than 15) with no serious violations identified. This indicates a daycare center exceeding expectations and providing an exceptional environment for children.
Approved
This category reflects a daycare with a moderate number of demerits (15-30)but with no serious violations. These demerits may highlight areas for improvement, but overall, the daycare meets safety and sanitation standards.
Provisional
A daycare falls under this category if it receives ahigher number of demerits (30-45)or hasserious violations identified. The daycare hasseven days to address these issues and come into compliance with regulations.
Disapproved
This classification signifies a daycare withsevere demerits (over 45)or if theyfail to rectify violations within the allotted timeframe. A daycare receiving this designation is deemed unsafe for children and cannot operate until it meets all safety and sanitation requirements.
The Sampson County Environmental Health Division's comprehensive inspection program, combined with responsible childcare center operators, fosters a safe and nurturing environment where our children can learn and grow with confidence. This system ensures transparency and empowers parents to make informed decisions about their child's daycare placement.
If you're planning to open a new childcare facility, it's essential to submit a Plan Review Application to the Environmental Health Division before construction begins. This application outlines equipment specifications and ensures your facility meets all safety and sanitation requirements.
To construct a new Child Care Center in Sampson County, you'll need to follow these key steps:
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Plan Review Application: Before breaking ground, submit a Plan Review Application along with equipment specifications to the Sampson County Environmental Health Division. This ensures your facility meets all safety and sanitation regulations.
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Approval Process: The Environmental Health Division will review your application and specifications to verify compliance with daycare center standards.
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Inspections Throughout Construction: You can expect inspections from the Environmental Health Division throughout the construction process to guarantee adherence to building codes and safety protocols.
Additional Considerations:
- While the Environmental Health Division handles inspections and plan reviews, daycare centers also require licensing from the North Carolina Division of Child Development. There may be additional steps involved in obtaining this license.
- It's advisable to consult with the Division of Child Development to ensure you meet all licensing requirements in addition to the Sampson County Environmental Health Division's regulations.