EVANSVILLE, Ind. - October is national Children's Health Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of protecting children from a variety of hazards, including environmental risks. For families with children enrolled in Evansville's St. Vincent's Day Care Center, this month takes on a special significance.
St. Vincent's Day Care Center has joined the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's (IDEM's) Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities.
"Since we joined the Five Star program, we recycle more plastic and more cans," said Lori Murray, St. Vincent's Day Care Center maintenance supervisor. "We've quit using deodorizers in classrooms, we now use vacuums with HEPA filters, and we have installed carbon monoxide alarms. We wanted to go the extra mile in ensuring our children's safety."
IDEM worked with child care facilities, child care and youth associations, other governmental agencies, medical personnel and parents to develop the Five Star program to help Indiana parents and child care facilities learn about the environmental health and safety threats that may affect their children.
The program recognizes child care facilities that go above and beyond requirements and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Facilities earn one, three or five stars based on the extent of their voluntary measures; St. Vincent's Day Care Center achieved three star status. IDEM assists facilities in implementing the plans and conducts site visits before granting facilities membership.
Since the program began in 1998, stars have been awarded to over 100 child care facilities reaching thousands of children.
"IDEM devised a way providers could be recognized because we believe children deserve a safe place to learn and play," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "There are over 100,000 children attending day care in more than 4,000 facilities throughout the state, so anything we could do to involve the facilities was a worthwhile endeavor."
Applicants are evaluated based on their efforts to reduce children's exposure to mercury, lead, mold, asbestos, radon, pesticides, and carbon monoxide, and PCBs. In addition, many of the facilities have started recycling programs, developed formal written plans for chemical management, made efforts to purchase items made with recycling content material, and reduced energy usage.
Applicants must also address issues such as the cleaning and maintenance of their facility, proper employee training, energy efficiency, indoor and outdoor air quality, vehicle idling, recycling and environmental education.
Grants are available for IDEM Five Star child care facilities that can help reduce the cost of installing items made of recycled materials, such as playground equipment, picnic tables, carpet, fences, benches and more. With a 25 percent cash match, members are eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000 every two years.
Additional information about the Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities or grant opportunities can be obtained by calling Karen Teliha, Community Environmental Health & Education Coordinator, at (800) 988-7901 or by visiting www.IN.gov/idem/4413.htm.
About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov/) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment. \
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