Every mom wants two things from a preschool: a place where her child feels loved and a place that keeps her child truly safe. Below is a simple, research-backed checklist you can bring on any tour—followed by the specific ways Little Lambs meets or exceeds each point.
1. Secure Entrances & Pick-Up Procedures
Ask how visitors are screened, whether doors stay locked during class, and what ID is required at pick-up. Little Lambs uses a single locked entry with keypad access and Brightwheel QR code sign-in so only authorized adults enter.
2. Staff Credentials & CPR Training
Teachers should hold early-childhood credentials and current CPR/First-Aid certification. Johns Hopkins experts list this as the first question to ask Hopkins Medicine. All Little Lambs staff renew CPR every two years and complete 30 hours of professional development annually.
3. Thorough Background Checks
Comprehensive state and federal checks help parents rest easy. National guidelines recommend every employee pass a full screening before day one Child Care Aware® of America. Little Lambs follows this standard for teachers, aides, and volunteers.
4. Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios
Smaller groups mean closer supervision. Best-practice caps are 8–10 children per caregiver for ages 4-5 Child Care Aware® of America. Little Lambs keeps ratios at 1:8 or better in every classroom.
5. Daily Cleaning & Healthy Hand-Washing Habits
Look for posted hand-washing schedules and ask how toys are sanitized. Little Lambs disinfects high-touch items twice daily and teaches proper hand-washing before snacks and after outdoor play.
6. Allergy-Aware Snacks & Lunch Policies
Confirm that staff read labels and create nut-free tables when needed. Little Lambs provides healthy, allergy-aware snacks and keeps emergency EpiPens on site.
7. Safe, Inspected Play Areas
Outdoor spaces should be fenced, age-appropriate, and inspected for hazards Child Care Aware® of America. Our playground is gated, cushioned with engineered wood fiber, and inspected monthly.
8. Emergency Drills & Disaster Plans
Fire, lockdown, and evacuation drills should happen every month, with written plans on file Child Care Aware® of America. Little Lambs practices drills the first Monday of each month and stores a 72-hour emergency kit on campus.
9. Transparent Communication
Reliable two-way communication reduces anxiety for parents. Experts urge parents to ask how often they’ll receive updates Hopkins Medicine. Little Lambs sends Brightwheel photo updates and health alerts in real time plus weekly classroom recaps.
How to Use This Checklist
- Print or screenshot these nine points before touring any program.
- Give each item a yes/no and jot notes while you observe.
- Compare scores when you get home—safety makes the choice clear.
Ready to See Safety in Action?
Schedule a private tour at Little Lambs this week. Call 307-734-0388 or use our Contact form to pick a time that works for you. Every touring family receives our printable “First-Day Preschool Prep Guide” as a thank-you.
Because when your child is safe, loved, and learning, you can breathe easier—exactly what every Jackson Hole mom deserves.