When I had my son I looked around for eco-friendly childcare being that I was a FT college student. I found care I liked, and it was somewhat green-minded, but there were not many options. Luckily things have gotten better, so I thought I'd post some info for parents who may be looking for safe and green childcare options...
There aren’t many too many eco-friendly child care centers around but here in my state (Oregon) we have The Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC) program which can help you even if you live out of state.
EHCC follows up with centers and makes sure that certified (or endorsed) centers are as environmentally healthy as possible. Eco-Healthy providers are committed to reducing children’s exposure to toxins and other environmental health hazards. A childcare center can qualify as “Eco-Healthy” by completing a checklist that highlights 25 simple green steps such as…
Endorsed programs are listed on the website. Oregon currently has over 1000 endorsed eco-healthy child care programs, but if you don't live in Oregon you can still take steps to find eco-friendly childcare...
Have you been looking for greener childcare for your little ones? Any luck?
There aren’t many too many eco-friendly child care centers around but here in my state (Oregon) we have The Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC) program which can help you even if you live out of state.
EHCC follows up with centers and makes sure that certified (or endorsed) centers are as environmentally healthy as possible. Eco-Healthy providers are committed to reducing children’s exposure to toxins and other environmental health hazards. A childcare center can qualify as “Eco-Healthy” by completing a checklist that highlights 25 simple green steps such as…
- Eliminating pesticides from lawn play areas.
- Keeping air quality clean and non-toxic.
- No smoking allowed at or around the site.
- No aerosols of any kind.
- Non-toxic art supplies for the kids.
- Low-VOC paints used for walls and furniture.
- PVC free toys only.
- Biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products and the least-toxic disinfecting and sanitizing products must be used.
- Recycling programs must be in place.
- Non-toxic techniques both inside and outside the facility to prevent and control pests (both insects and weeds).
- And more
Endorsed programs are listed on the website. Oregon currently has over 1000 endorsed eco-healthy child care programs, but if you don't live in Oregon you can still take steps to find eco-friendly childcare...
- Use the Oregon EHCC checklist (pdf) as a guide and take it with you when you visit centers.
- Try a basic Internet search. Hit Google, type in “YOUR AREA HERE eco-friendly child care” and some options may pop up.
- Some eco-friendly child care options are available at Low Impact Living.
- As a parent you can gather other parents and make your wishes about safe and green childcare known to local centers.
Have you been looking for greener childcare for your little ones? Any luck?
