CHILD CARE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

 

KITCHEN

  1. Refer to food service construction guideline for basic information.
  2. Provide a 3 compartment utensil wash sink per Sec.49-487 Omaha Municipal Code. An NSF* approved dishmachine may be added for day care center use if desired.

    *NSF: National Sanitation Foundation

  3. Provide a separate handwashing sink.
  4. Refrigeration, cooking and exhaust system equipment must comply with both city codes and the state food code.

Note: Floors, walls and ceilings are to be smooth, non-absorbent, durable and easily cleanable.

RESTROOMS

  1. Provide age appropriate height lavatories (standard is 27" high) with hot/cold mixing valves. Temperature at the tap must be between 100° F and 120° F. Additional hot water provisions must be made to the kitchen to provide for proper dishmachine temperatures.
  2. Provide one lavatory per 15 children.
  3. Provide stable step-platforms for lavatories and toilets (or age appropriate size/height toilets).
  4. Provide one toilet per 15 children age 2 years or greater.
  5. Provide height appropriate paper towel and hand soap dispensers.
  6. Do not use cloth roll-type towel dispensers.

Note: Floors, walls and ceilings are to be smooth, non-absorbent, durable and easily cleanable.

 

INFANT ROOMS

  1. Diaper change surfaces must be durable, non-absorbent, of appropriate height, and of a surface material which is easy to disinfect.
  2. Provide a dedicated handwashing sink in close proximity to the diaper change area.
  3. An additional sink is needed for mixing formula, rinsing pacifiers and cleaning mouth toys.

 

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

  1. Provide one drinking fountain per 30 children or a bottled water cooler or paper cup dispensers at sinks which are not used for handwashing.
  2. Do not use combination drinking water/handwashing faucets at lavatories. Filling drinking water cups from these sinks should be avoided.

 

GENERAL

  1. Provide thermometers in all refrigerators and freezers.
  2. Metal stem probe thermometers and food-grade sanitizer product are needed for kitchen use.
  3. Test kits are required to assure proper sanitizer use.
  4. Approved nap mats or cots, cribs for infants and beds for overnight care must be provided.
  5. Approved disinfectant products are needed for non-food surfaces such as nap mats or cots and diaper change surfaces.

 

Additional reference material: Nebraska Child Care Center Standards.