The CCDF department at Seneca-Cayuga Nation take seriously the safety and caution of the members’ children, specifically each year when they return to school.  Before the start of every school year, they perform extensive Health and Safety checks at all of the 56 partnering daycare facilities responsible for educating our tribal members. Due to COVID-19 the health checks will be taking place this summer and will include additional measures to proactively protect our children.

What is entailed within the health checks each year you may wonder? The checks are performed within Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Upon arrival, the CCDF team goes in, requiring the host to fill out an application documenting the visit. The following items are looked for:

-Check their license capacity of the facility, evaluating how many students enrolled total for the year, and then specifically check how many are SCN members.

-Ensuring there is no Smoking or tobacco use on or near the premises

- Emergency procedures are up to date, including up to date evacuation plans

-Staff are certified in training procedures, including CPR training

-Evaluate lunch and  snack area is compliant with Health and safety regulations

-Windows and doors are screened in

- Water and other hazards are contained

-Fence is included fence  accommodating DHS criteria

-Wall sockets are covered

-Sufficient supplied heat and ac for climate conditions

- Operating smoke detectors, current and available fire extinguishers, two un-blocked exits, emergency supplies are available

-Transportation vehicle is available and inspected routinely, transportation belts utilized and working

-Date of their last fire drill and tornado drill documented and maintained

-Employees completed appropriate vaccinations, background checks, completed CCDF professional development training

Due to COVID-19 there will be an additional section added to the annual report to ensure heightened sanitization practices for the children, reinforcing unwell children to be isolated.

Director Of CCDF Kylee Williams commented on the value of this program:  “CCDF’s purpose is to provide affordable and quality childcare. We want to make sure all the children we take care of in our facilities are safe and healthy. Our children are so important to us, ensuring we hold the care facilities they attend to the utmost standards. We’ve held many day cares accountable, ensuring there is a follow through. We want to ensure all of our children are receiving the quality of care that is expected for them.”

The process can take anywhere from 6-7 months to complete fully. The checks for the 2020 year, are expected to be completed around July-August timeline.