The Orgeon Environment Council developed in 2005 an Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC®) program to ensure child care facilities are as environmentally healthy as possible.  After five years of success, the EHCC® became in 2010 a national program led by the Children’s Environmental Health Network.  Ottawa Daycare, Daycare in Ottawa

An evaluation checklist consisting of 30 criteria was created to evaluate childcare facilities. We are proud to have become the second childcare in Ottawa and fifth in Ontario to be endorsed by the program in 2007!
 

​Pesticides and Pest Prevention​
✓  We use non-toxic techniques both inside and outside the facility to prevent and control pests both

    for insects and weeds.
✓  We thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to avoid possible exposure to pesticides and we take

    the opportunity to educate children about the importance of doing so

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​Air Quality​
✓  We avoid conditions that lead to excess moisture as it contributes to the growth of mold and

    mildew.  We maintain adequate ventilation through an advance air filtration system for both the

    central air conditioning and heating.
✓  We repair water leaks and keep humidity within the desirable range of 30-50%.
✓  We do not allow cars or other vehicles to idle in our designated parking areas.
✓  We do not use scented or unscented candles or manufactured air fresheners.
✓  We do not permit smoking anywhere on the premises.

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​Household Chemicals​

Important Note - The Childcare is mandated by law to follow all Covid-19 cleaning protocols listed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Ottawa Public Health. 
✓  We use biodegradable non-toxic cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing products.
✓  When other products are required, they are used only for their intended purpose and in strict

    accordance with all label instructions.  We store these products where children cannot access them.
✓  We used chlorine bleach only when and where it is absolutely required or recommended by the

    province and local authorities.  We use it prudently and never more than necessary.
✓  We do not use aerosol sprays of any kind.
✓  We use only low-VOC household paints and do not paint when children are present.

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​Lead​
✓  The water used in our facility has been tested by the City of Ottawa in May 2009 and is

    100% lead free.
✓  Our facility was built before 1978 and was completely renovated in 2002.  We used lead-safe

    practices when removing lead-based paint when renovating our facility.
✓  To avoid possible lead exposure and plastic exposure, we only use wood, stainless steel or glass

    to prepare, cook, bake, store and serve foods and liquids.
✓  We check our toys for lead by searching www.healthytoys.org and by purchasing a lead testing

    kit at a local home improvement store.  Also, all new daycare toys are made natural materials or wood.



​Mercury​
✓  We do not use any mercury containing thermometers or thermostats.  Instead we use digital options.
✓  We securely store and recycle all used batteries and fluorescent and compact light bulbs.



​Furniture and Carpets​
✓  To avoid possible exposure to flame retardants, we ensure that furniture is in good condition

    without foam or inside stuffing exposed.
✓  Furniture is made of solid wood, with few if any items made of melamine.
✓  Our facility does not have any carpets or area rugs.



​Art Supplies​
✓  We use only non-toxic art supplies.

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​Plastics and Toys​
✓  We avoid toys made of plastics or vinyl, such as vinyl dolls, beach balls and ‘rubber ducky’ chew

    toys.  We instead purchase toys made of natural materials or wood.
✓  Our facility does not have a microwave.
✓  We never use baby bottles or sippy cups made of plastic unless provided by the parents.  We

    use stainless steel or glass.

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​Treated Playground Equipment​
✓ We do not have any playground equipment or house structures made of treated wood.



​Recycling and Garbage Storage​
✓  We are a cloth diaper friendly facility.
✓  We recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastics.
✓  We make an effort to compost all compostable items.

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​Education and Awareness​
✓  We create opportunities to educate the families we serve on eco-friendly practices.