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     Factors other than the facility’s “star” rating should be considered when a parent looks at facilities that offer child care services.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health, Children’s Environmental Health Section wants to remind parents to also check the facility’s sanitation grade before choosing a center.  Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) perform a sanitation inspection in all licensed child care facilities at least once every six months.  These are state mandated inspections and a sanitation classification is posted in a visible spot upon entry into the child care center.�
      The sanitation classification depends on the number of demerits (or deductions) cited during an inspection.  The classifications are:
Superior – 0 to 15 demerits
Approved – 16 to 30 demerits
Provisional – 31 to 45 demerits (or any six point demerit).  A six point demerit is any item that is or could be harmful to a child at the time of the inspection, such as:  water temperature too hot, refrigerator not holding cool enough temperature for food storage or hazardous chemicals unlocked.  A follow-up inspection is done within seven days.
Disapproved – 46 or more demerits or failure to improve on a Provisional classification at the seven day follow-up.  The licensing agency, which is the Division of Child Development is contacted.  The center then contacts the EHS for another inspection once all demerits are corrected.
      The EHS will look at food preparation and service, hand washing of all staff and children, diaper change procedures, handling of hazardous chemical and medications, toy sanitation and outdoor learning environments.  The center is thoroughly checked for possible hazards to the safety of the children who stay there.
      “Remember, sanitation and cleanliness of a child care center should be just as important to parents as the “star” rating when choosing a child care facility”, states Merle Green, Health Director.
        For more information, call the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-3771 or visit our website at www.guilfordhealth.org.

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The Guilford County Department of Public Health has reported twenty-four cases of salmonellosis between August 1 and October 6, 2010.  Six persons with the infection were hospitalized.  No deaths have occurred. (more…)