Health and Safety

Nothing is more important than your child's health and safety. Tots N Toyland follows established procedures to help prevent illness, reduce risks, and protect every child in our care.

Handwashing

Handwashing is one of our best defenses against illness. Staff and children wash their hands regularly with warm, soapy water, including before and after meals and before and after diapering or toileting. We encourage thorough handwashing for approximately the time it takes to sing the ABCs twice.

Immunization Records

Immunization records must be provided before care begins. Children must meet applicable vaccination requirements or have a valid medical or religious exemption, as permitted by Virginia law.

Shoes in Classrooms

Shoes are not permitted beyond the entrance of our classrooms, including shoes worn by children and parents. Please walk only on the hard-surface flooring and keep shoes off the carpets where children crawl and play.

Food Safety

We follow proper food-handling procedures to protect children from foodborne illness. Food is checked for freshness and safety, handled appropriately, and served using clean equipment and sanitized surfaces.

Cleaning and Sanitation

Classroom surfaces, toys, and shared materials are cleaned and sanitized daily and as needed throughout the day to help reduce the spread of germs.

Diapering and Bathroom Assistance

Girls are wiped from front to back during diapering and toileting. We encourage children to develop bathroom independence while assisting with hygiene and cleanup when needed.

Childproofing and Hazard Prevention

We regularly check the environment for potential hazards. Safety measures may include outlet covers, secured gates, drawer locks, door knob covers, and safeguards against choking hazards, trip hazards, and hazordous cleaning materials.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

Tots N Toyland staff are mandated reporters and receive training in recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, including at least sixteen hours of annual training as required by our policy. Any employee who suspects abuse or neglect must report it to the appropriate authorities as required by law.

Our Center uses a 25-channel audio and video surveillance system that records continuously. Surveillance is one part of our broader commitment to maintaining a safe environment and protecting children from mistreatment.

Environmental and Facility Safety

Our facility is in a building constructed after the bans on lead-based paint and asbestos. We regularly monitor the environment for potential hazards, including poisonous plants. The Center uses Rockingham County water and does not keep animals on-site.

Fire safety measures include a monitored alarm system, fire extinguishers, and established evacuation routes. We also maintain stocked first-aid supplies for use when needed.