Safety is the non-negotiable foundation of quality childcare in Surrey BC. A beautiful facility with engaged programming means nothing if basic safety standards are not met. This checklist is designed for Surrey BC parents visiting licensed childcare centres — 20 specific safety indicators you can observe and ask about on your tour, without needing prior expertise.
Physical Safety Indicators to Observe
- ☐ Secure entry: Front door has a buzzer, keypad, or staff-monitored entry — children cannot exit unsupervised and unauthorized adults cannot enter easily.
- ☐ Fenced outdoor area: Outdoor play space is fully enclosed with secure gate latches — no gaps or low sections that could allow a child to exit.
- ☐ Age-appropriate equipment: Play structures are sized and designed for the age group in the room — infant/toddler areas have soft flooring, no high climbers, appropriately small toys.
- ☐ Hazard-free environment: No small choking hazards visible on floors in infant/toddler rooms. Cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects are locked and out of reach.
- ☐ Emergency exits marked: Clear exit signage visible from every room. Ask where the assembly point is for fire/emergency evacuation.
- ☐ First aid supplies visible and accessible: Ask where the first aid kit is — should be in every room.
- ☐ Handwashing stations: Sinks accessible to children at child height in every room; adults have separate handwashing access in diapering areas.
Supervision and Ratio Indicators to Ask About
- ☐ “What are your current ratios, and are they always maintained?” — MCFD minimum: 1:4 for infants/toddlers, 1:8 for preschool. Ask specifically how ratios are maintained when an educator calls in sick.
- ☐ “Are all children always visible to educators?” — Look for open-plan room layouts where educators can see the entire room without blind spots.
- ☐ “What is your outdoor supervision protocol?” — All outdoor time should have active educator presence, not just passive monitoring.
- ☐ “What is your protocol for a missing or unauthorized pickup?” — Should be specific: ID verification, authorized pickup list, direct educator handoff.
Health and Illness Safety to Ask About
- ☐ Illness exclusion policy: Clear criteria for when a child must stay home (fever threshold, specific symptoms, return conditions). Should be in writing.
- ☐ Medication administration: Written parental authorization required for all medications, including OTC. Medication log maintained.
- ☐ Allergy management: Documented allergy action plans for known allergies; nut-free environment standard in most BC licensed centres.
- ☐ Communicable disease notification: Policy to notify families of any confirmed communicable disease (e.g. hand-foot-mouth, norovirus) in the centre.
Staff Verification to Confirm
- ☐ Criminal record checks: MCFD requires criminal record checks for all staff and regular volunteers. Ask when checks were last conducted.
- ☐ First Aid certification: MCFD requires minimum first aid certification levels for licensed staff. Ask what level educators hold.
- ☐ ECE certification: Ask “how many of your educators hold current BC ECE certification?” — the more, the better.
Mini Minds Childcare — A Safe Choice in Newton, Surrey BC
Mini Minds Childcare at 19228 96 Avenue, Newton, Surrey BC meets all MCFD safety requirements and welcomes parents to use this checklist during their tour with us. Our educators hold current criminal record checks and first aid certification. We are MCFD-licensed, regularly inspected, and fully ECE-staffed. Book your safety-focused tour at Mini Minds today →