Codes
This specific tactical code is called to declare a missing child containment emergency
What is Code Pink
All prescription and non-prescription medication must be stored in this type of environment to prevent access by children.
What is locked in a cabinet or closet in the first aid bag
This minimum number of seconds staff and children must vigorously rub hands with soap and water during handwashing.
What is 20 seconds
The proper three-step manual dishwashing and surface sanitizing sequence required in facilities
What is clean, sanitize, disinfect
When do you conduct health inspection of each child and what form is to be completed if site of bruise/mark is found?
What is daily when he/she enters the classroom for the day. Daily Health Observation form.
This code is designated for a bomb threat or the discovery of a suspicious package
What is a Code Brown
Before giving medication, staff must verify that these five critical details match the medical authorization form.
What are the right child, right medication, right dose, right route, right time.
Staff must always wear these single-use protective items when directly handling or serving ready-to-eat foods
What are gloves
When should Injury/Incident report be completed
This formal written document must be completed, signed by staff, and given to parents on the same day an injury happens
What is and Injury/Incident report
This emergency code initiates a shelter-in-place protocol to temporarily separate people from a hazardous outdoor atmosphere
What is Code Green
This document must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider and parent before staff can administer prescription medication.
What is a Physician Authorization and Parental Authorization of medication form.
Staff must wash hands immediately after restroom use, diaper changes, and handling or wiping this material.
What are bodily fluids
Toys that are placed in children's mouths must undergo this specific action before being given to another child.
What is cleaned, sanitized, disinfected
Head start teachers are trained observers of well-being, but they are never legally qualified to do this.
What is diagnose an illness or medical condition
This emergency code is called for a critical medical emergency requiring immediate 911 dispatch and MAT/CPR certified staff response
What is Code Blue
This emergency rescue medication auto-injector must be kept secure yet immediately accessible for children with severe allergies.
What is Epinephrine (EpiPen)
To prevent cross-contamination during family-style dining, food containers and serving tools must follow this rule.
What is keeping serving utensils separate per dish (no sharing personal utensils)
Changing tables and diapering stations must be cleaned and sanitized at this exact frequency.
What is after "every" single diaper change
Staff should lower themselves to this physical position to safely interact and build trust during the health check.
What is the child's eye level
This emergency procedure code is activated for a fire, gas leak, or explosive hazard evacuation requiring staff to evacuate
What is Code Red
Every time medication is dispensed, staff must log the date, time, dosage, and this crucial verification item.
What is the signature or initials of the staff member who administered it
The recommended water temperature range for handwashing sinks to ensure proper cleaning without scalding.
What is warm running water (typically 100F to at least 85F)
This type of towel management practice prevents spreading germs across multiple classroom dining tables.
What is using single-use paper towels between each surface area
While health screenings flag issues, daily observations directly help programs maintain this critical standard under Active Supervision
What is keeping children healthy and safe