Toxic-free childcare guide

Childcare centres and preschools have been identified as significant places where children might be exposed to potentially hazardous substances. However, there is not much information available that can help childcare service operators identify risks and make changes. 

This guide is intended to help childcare and preschool centre owners and staff, as well as relevant Australian state and territory policy makers, understand the risks and provide practical actions to help ensure the safety of children using these services.

This guide provides an overview of the main chemical classes to look out for and their risks, in addition to looking into each space in a typical childcare centre or preschool and highlighting what types of products to avoid and lists some safer alternatives. Finally it provides advice specifically tailored to both childcare centre owners and staff, and policy makers, regarding what they can do to improve the safety of these services.