Health & Safety
Creating Safe, Healthy, and Secure Learning Environments
Healthy and safe environments are the foundation of quality early childhood education. Explore trusted organizations that provide guidance on child health, nutrition, injury prevention, emergency preparedness, safe sleep, active supervision, infectious disease prevention, and program safety.
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education
Website: https://nrckids.org
Focus
Promotes best practices that protect the health and safety of children in early childhood settings.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Health & Safety Coordinators
- Teachers
Resources Available
- Caring for Our Children Standards
- Health & Safety Resources
- Emergency Preparedness
- Safe Sleep Guidance
- Active Supervision Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website: https://www.cdc.gov
Focus
Provides evidence-based guidance on child health, infectious disease prevention, developmental milestones, immunizations, and emergency preparedness.
Best For
- Child Care Programs
- Teachers
- Directors
- Families
Resources Available
- Developmental Milestones
- Illness Prevention
- Immunization Resources
- Infection Control Guidance
- Emergency Preparedness
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Website: https://www.aap.org
Focus
Provides national standards and recommendations that support children's health, safety, and well-being.
Best For
- Child Care Providers
- Directors
- Families
Resources Available
- Health Guidelines
- Safe Sleep Recommendations
- Injury Prevention
- Nutrition Resources
- Policy Statements
HealthyChildren.org
Website: https://www.healthychildren.org
Focus
Offers trusted health information for families from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Best For
- Families
- Teachers
- Child Care Programs
Resources Available
- Child Health Information
- Safety Tips
- Development Resources
- Family Education
Safe to Sleep®
Website: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov
Focus
Promotes evidence-based practices that reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related infant deaths.
Best For
- Infant Teachers
- Directors
- Families
Resources Available
- Safe Sleep Guidelines
- Educational Materials
- Family Resources
- Training Materials
National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW)
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/health
Focus
Supports healthy development through evidence-based guidance on health, mental health, nutrition, oral health, and safety.
Best For
- Child Care Programs
- Health Managers
- Directors
Resources Available
- Health Resources
- Oral Health
- Mental Health
- Safety Guidance
- Wellness Tools
American Heart Association
Website: https://cpr.heart.org
Focus
Provides nationally recognized CPR, First Aid, and emergency cardiovascular care training.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Child Care Owners
Resources Available
- Pediatric CPR
- First Aid Training
- AED Training
- Instructor Certification
- Emergency Response Resources
Child Care Aware® of America
Website: https://www.childcareaware.org
Focus
Provides health and safety resources that help child care programs create safe learning environments.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Teachers
Resources Available
- Emergency Preparedness
- Health & Safety Resources
- Disaster Planning
- Provider Toolkits
American Red Cross
Website: https://www.redcross.org
Focus
Provides lifesaving training and emergency preparedness resources for early childhood professionals.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Child Care Owners
Resources Available
- Pediatric First Aid
- CPR Training
- Emergency Preparedness
- Disaster Resources
- Safety Training
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Website: https://www.nfpa.org
Focus
Develops nationally recognized fire safety standards and educational resources that help protect children, staff, and facilities.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Facility Managers
Resources Available
- Fire Safety Education
- Fire Prevention Resources
- Emergency Planning
- Fire Drill Guidance
- Fire Extinguisher Information
Ready.gov
Website: https://www.ready.gov
Focus
Provides emergency preparedness guidance for organizations, including planning for fires, severe weather, active threats, and other emergencies.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Safety Coordinators
Resources Available
- Emergency Action Plans
- Active Shooter Resources
- Severe Weather Planning
- Evacuation Planning
- Emergency Preparedness Checklists