Child care facilities must have first aid kits handy. In some states, a single kit may be legal for a family daycare home, but standards suggested by the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care mandates each daycare center have two first aid kits. One kit remains on site, while the other travels with the driver whenever children are traveling in the center's care. The same guidelines recommend kits be continually stocked with disposable non-porous gloves, antiseptic, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer. Bandage tape, sterile gauze (goz) pads, flexible roller gauze, and triangular badges should also be included. The kits will need safety pins, eye dressing, pen or pencil, note pad, syrup of ipecac (ih-pih-kack), a cold pack, a first aid guide book, insect sting preparation, water, soap, and small plastic or metal splints. As a final precaution, the number of Poison Control and coins for a pay phone should be included. Another must for first aid is proper training for caregivers. State regulations mandate the minimum standards employees must secure and maintain. Education in C-P-R, and other first aid procedures is required by all states, but the time limits on gaining this education varies depending on the amount of hours worked, as well as the employee's position. Childcare providers can usually receive state-certified first aid training at community centers, Red Cross centers, and local hospitals. Remember, centers with a high rate of turnover may not have trained newly hired workers yet, so ask your provider what training he or she has.
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