Day Care Centers

Justus Cleaning Green Daycare Cleaning Services of Southern California has the knowledge, and equipment, to help your child’s Daycare Center Go Green! Selecting child care can be an overwhelming task. Not only do parents want to find a safe, high quality child care center, but more and more parents are seeking childcare that is also environmentally safe and responsible.

Since there is new awareness that the environment impacts the health and wellbeing of the children and families it serves, there is a trend toward green daycare centers and preschools.

A Green Child Care Center
A green child care center is one that is environmentally friendly. They take measures to ensure that the environment provides the best in health for children, offer locally-grown or organic food, and celebrate multiculturalism. Also children are taught to respect the earth and its precious resources.

Justus Cleaning’s Green Cleaning Services focus’s on several specific areas when it comes to Day Care Centers.

Pesticides and pest prevention

Pesticides and insecticides used to treat pests like roaches and ants as well as weeds, should be non-toxic whether they are used inside or outside of the facility. If toxic techniques are required, a professional must apply the least toxic treatment available, parents must be notified in advance, and children cannot be exposed for at least 12 hours after application.

Air quality

This category is concerned with environmental factors that lead to mold and mildew. These factors include proper ventilation and humidity and attention to water leaks. In addition, smoking, scented candles and air fresheners must be prohibited.

Household chemicals

The chemicals in common household products used for cleaning or other domestic activities like bleach and paint can be harmful to children and the environment. We call for the use of nontoxic and biodegradable products as well as minimal bleach use. Also facilities should use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints which have fewer odors and are less toxic than other paints.

Lead

These measures deal with reducing lead exposure. Avoid the use of imported or handmade pottery for food service. Lead paint was banned after 1978, so childcare centers built before this are at risk of high lead exposure. Also, all visitors, staff and children should be required to wipe their shoes on a rough mat before entering the facility.

Mercury

Switch to digital thermometers instead of mercury-based thermometers.

Furniture and carpets

Avoid wall-to-wall carpet and make sure to clean all carpets. Rugs and carpet should be vacuumed daily. Use biodegradable carpet cleaners at least twice a year to clean area rugs and carpets. Buy solid wood furniture and avoid particleboard.

Plastics and toys

Avoid heating all plastic items in the microwave and toys constructed out of soft plastic vinyl. The safe bet is to buy toys labeled PVC free.

Treated playground equipment

When selecting playground equipment avoid items that are made of treated wood.

Recycling and garbage storage

Recycle items like glass, paper, plastic and aluminum. When storing garbage, keeping it covered will reduce pests.

Getting all staff, parents, and children on board will ensure that the daycare facility maintains a cooperative eco-friendly environment.