Healthy Environments in Child Care Centres

The information on this page is for child care professionals. If you are looking for information for community members visit Child Care and Early Learning.

On this page:

Attachment and early relationship health

Children form attachments when caregivers provide safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. It involves responding to the child’s needs in a caring and consistent manner and is important for healthy growth and development. This means responding warmly, sensitively, and consistently to a child’s needs, helping them grow and develop healthily. Babies can securely bond with more than one adult, including child care providers. Positive relationships and experiences help children build resilience and may prevent the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

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Smoke-free environment

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. This includes vaping and cannabis products. Children who breathe second-hand smoke have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and childhood respiratory illnesses. It can also negatively impact a child’s learning behavior and attention span.

Sun safety

In Canada, the highest ultraviolet (UV) radiation times are usually from April to September between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. UV radiation is harmful to children as their skin is more prone to sun damage. Children need to protect their skin and eyes to enjoy sun safely.

For more information on UV radiation, sun protection and its health effects, visit

Extreme weather and poor air quality

Children are more at risk to the impacts of extreme heat, cold and poor air quality. Check your local weather forecasts and alerts daily so you know when to modify outdoor activities or take extra care at your child care centre. 

More information on the health effects of extreme heat, cold and poor air quality:

How to receive weather alerts

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) sends alerts for air quality advisories, heat warnings and extreme cold warnings. This will help your child care centre plan ahead for extreme weather events.

Emergency preparedness

You must have an emergency plan and an emergency kit for your child care centre.

Plan in advance for emergency situations such as,

  • no water or water interruption
  • sewage back-up
  • power outages
  • fire

You should be prepared to be in an emergency for at least 72 hours. Your plan will help you and the children in your care react quicker in an emergency - especially if you are required to evacuate.

Information on emergency planning and service disruption

Alert Waterloo Region (AlertWR) is a local service that allows you to receive important public safety messages in the event of a large scale emergency such as a flood, severe weather, or other emergency situations. 

Subscribe to Alert Waterloo Region

Contact with animals and pets

Children can benefit from spending time with animals. However, infants and children under five years are at a higher risk for infections and injury from animals.

If your child care centre decides to have a pet, consider the following when choosing the type of animal:

  • Hamsters, guinea pigs and fish make suitable pets in a child care centre.
  • Reptiles, especially turtles, are not safe pets. They may carry bacteria, such as Salmonella.
  • Birds are not recommended in child care centres since bird seed attracts mice. Birds also require extra housekeeping duties.

For more about animals in a child care centre, see the Recommendations for the Management of Animals in Child Care Settings, 2018 (Government of Ontario).

Animal exhibit safety

All animals, including all domestic, wild and exotic animals can cause illness. To protect children from getting sick while visiting animal exhibits follow these tips:

  • Hand washing is the best way to prevent illness.
    • Always wash hands thoroughly after children or child care providers touch an animal, their bedding or pen enclosures.
    • Use alcohol hand gel sanitizers only when hand wash facilities are not available.
  • Do not allow children or child care providers to eat or drink near the animal exhibit.
  • Do not bring children’s toys to the exhibit.
  • Discourage children from sucking fingers or touching their mouth or face.
  • Supervise young children closely especially those under five years of age.

Anyone who has a fever, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting within a month after visiting a petting zoo or animal exhibit should speak to their health care provider.

Reporting animal bites and scratches

If someone is bitten or scratched while at your child care centre, take these actions on our animal bites and scratches page.

Report animal biting or scratching incidents to Public Health at 519-575-4400 or submit the animal bite report form to prevent the spread of rabies.

Collect the following information for Public Health:

  • Pet owner’s name, home address and phone number.
  • Description of animal (e.g., breed, colour, markings, size, pet name).
  • Details of circumstances of incident (e.g., was it provoked?).
  • Name(s) of victim and parent or guardian, address and phone numbers.

Rabies is a fatal disease. The virus can be transmitted through an animal’s bite, scratch or through contact with its saliva. 

Learn more on our rabies page

Health resources for child care providers

Health resources to share with parents/guardians

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Food and drinking water safety in child care centres

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