Provider Tip of the Week: End-of-Summer Health & Safety Checklist/ Site Safety Checklist

As summer comes to a close and a new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause, refresh, and ensure your program is fully prepared for a safe and successful start. Reviewing your health and safety procedures not only supports licensing compliance—it also helps create a smooth, secure, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.

Use your Health & Safety Checklist as a guide—it aligns closely with the Site Safety Review required by Keystone STARS. These reviews are a key part of STARS Standard LM 2.4 (see pages 12–13), which calls for a system of overall site safety that includes active supervision. From sanitizing classrooms and checking emergency equipment to inspecting outdoor spaces, taking time to complete this review ensures you’re identifying and addressing potential hazards before the school year begins.

Don’t forget: Keep your completed Site Safety Review in your STARS folder, as it will be checked during designations. If you need support or a safety tool to help guide your review, reach out to your Quality Coach—we have several available to share!

Bonus Tip: Take photos of any completed repairs or maintenance updates. These visuals are helpful for documentation, licensing visits, and tracking improvements over time.

By taking these proactive steps now, you’re setting the stage for a year that’s not only safe and compliant, but also filled with growth, joy, and endless possibilities for every child in your care.