It’s not enough to just have the best curriculum and the best teachers. We also want to provide the healthiest environment for our kids and our staff. That is why Country Home Learning Center went through the process of earning the Eco Healthy Child Care certification. That means our centers are among an exclusive list of child care providers that, in the words of the Child Environmental Health Network (CEHN), create “child care settings that are as environmentally healthy as possible.” By earning the Eco Healthy Child Care certification, we make it easy for parents to choose child care centers that “are committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for children to learn and grow.” (CEHN.org)
How Does It Work
It’s pretty simple actually. In order to qualify as an “Eco Healthy” center, we need to complete 24 of 30 best practices that help us make safer choices for children and reduce children’s exposure to environmental health hazards. We make sure that everything your child comes in contact with during the day — air, toys, playground equipment, etc. — is safe and non-toxic. We use non-toxic pesticides and cleaners, and we even recently changed our menus to offer more nutritious meals. To see the entire Eco Healthy checklist, click here. And, if you have any questions about the certification or what it means for your family, leave a comment here or ask the front desk staff at your Country Home location.
Eco-Healthy Quick Facts (via CEHN.org)
- The Eco-Healthy Child Care® program endorses providers who comply with at least 24 of 30 best practice techniques.
- We offer child care providers training and marketing via our website, newsletters and other media outlets. We work hard to get providers the credit and support they deserve. Many of our materials can be downloaded for free.
- We encourage parents to choose Eco-Healthy Child Care® facilities.
- Recipient of the Children’s Environmental Health Excellence Award in 2006 from the U.S. EPA.
- Recipient of the 2009-2010 Childcare and School IPM Recognition Award from the IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
Missed the previous Your Child’s Care & Education posts? No Problem. Jump to the other posts to view information about our other certifications and accreditation.
Part 1: AdvancED Accreditation
Part 2: CDA Certified Teachers
Part 4: Texas Rising Stars