[Megan]

When we talk about a “Playground Safety Inspection,” we are referring to an inspection conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector utilizing the standards outlined in the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC) and the Public Playground Safety Handbook. A Certified Playground Safety Inspector will have a valid certification number and conducts the inspection in accordance with nationally accepted criteria. Both DCYF and Bright Stars look at playgrounds as one aspect of the things they review during on-site visits. However, neither entity conducts actual playground inspections. Staff from DCYF and BrightStars use standards that are based on the USPSC playground safety guidelines and so they may identify some key safety items to be aware of during their visits, however, this does not, in any way, substitute for an actual inspection or audit by a certified inspector. Learn more on the topic of safety inspections by reviewing our FAST FACTS document on the topic.

[Megan]

A playground safety audit is a one-time process that focuses on compliance with the current standard of care. Unless your program contains only brand new equipment that was purchased from a knowledgeable manufacturer and installed by a certified installer, your playground is due for a safety audit. The purpose of the audit is to identify non-conforming products and designs, installation problems and environmental hazards that could pose long term health risks to children (based on the CPSC guidelines and ASTM standards).

Some of the items covered in a safety audit include:
• Entrapment- Any condition that impedes the withdrawal of a body part from an opening
• Protrusions- A projection that has the potential to cause bodily injury
• Layout- Age and activity separation, site lines, and supervision
• Surfacing- The depth of surfacing based on the height of the equipment

A playground safety audit should be conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.

A playground safety inspection is conducted at regular intervals and focuses on immediate hazards caused by aging or damaged equipment. There are many factors that contribute to the need for maintenance, such as:
• Physical wear
• Environmental factors
• Vandalism

Child care centers should design maintenance inspection programs based on the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining their equipment. Heavily used components will require more frequent inspections and preventative maintenance should be ongoing.
Documentation makes it easier to keep on top of your maintenance needs. Develop short term and long term plans and a budget line for your outside, gross moto space. Keep a binder of your audit and regular inspections to formalize your commitment to safety for the children in your care.
A playground safety inspection should be conducted by a Certified Safety Inspector or a well trained staff person.

[Megan]

Your inspection/audit report should note any non-compliant issues or deficiencies, identifying a priority hazard rating on a scale of Level 1-5, with 1 being the most hazardous. The definition of each of those hazards is as follows:

Level 1 Priority Hazard
A readily accessible hazard that would cause an accident that would result in: death, brain damage, permanent paralysis, loss of vision, loss of speech, loss of limb, or organ destruction. Condition should be corrected immediately.

Level 2 Priority Hazard
Serious injury resulting in temporary disability. Condition should be corrected as soon as possible.

Level 3 Priority Hazard
Minor (Non-Disabling Injury). Condition should be corrected when time permits.

Level 4 Priority Hazard
Potential for Injury is minimal. Condition should be corrected if it worsens.

Level 5 Priority Hazard
Existing condition is compliant.

Once you understand each of the concerns identified on your inspection report, you can create a plan and a time schedule that addresses these issues, focusing on taking care of the Level 1 hazards immediately. This could include removal of the unsafe element, repair of the unsafe element (in consultation with a Certified Playground Safety Inspector), or closure of the unsafe element (using temporary fencing or caution tape).

If you are unclear about what makes a playground safe, please download a free copy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Public Playground Safety Handbook here.

[Megan]

The table is not included in the page limit.

[Megan]

Capital grant requests must be accompanied by written estimates. If you don’t currently have estimates then you would not be ready for the capital grant stage.

[Megan]

The intent of the additional categories of children with high needs is really to make sure we include those programs who may not serve children with DHS subsidies (such as public schools). We do not require that programs serve children in all of those categories, so please only give information on those you are able to confirm meet those particular criteria. For example, a center could indicate children with IFSPs or IEPs if they have IFSPs/IEPs on file for each of those children. Or if a program participates in school lunch program, they would know which of the children receives free or reduced lunch. Each category is a little different, but an early learning/child care center should only report those children they can show meet those high needs areas.

[Megan]

Ideally, you will have a written estimate. However, recognizing time constraints we are not requiring a written estimate in order to submit an application for a planning grant. You should contact an architect or other relevant professional to discuss how much planning services may cost (this might even be a range) given your facility and what you do know about your project. This will help guide your grant request and will be useful in completing the facilities improvement table portion of your narrative application as well as determining what other funding may need to be secured as you go through the planning process.

[Megan]

Yes, you can apply for a grant if you have a probationary license. DCYF does consider a license on probation to be a valid license (there are many reasons a center may have a probationary license).

[Megan]

In order to apply for a capital grant, you will need one written estimate from a licensed, insured contractor. The contractor you select should verify that they have the ability to manage a Davis-Bacon compliant project including maintaining all appropriate reports and records as this is an important factor in the estimated cost of a project. If you are awarded capital grant funding, you will need three bids before you begin work.

An estimate is a close approximation of the price that will be charged to do a job based on the information that is available at the time of estimate. A bid (or quote) is the actual price a contractor states they will perform the work for based on a well-defined scope of work/plan (this price can be impacted with any changes to the scope or plan).

For some tips and information on selecting a contractor, visit the Selecting Professionals section of the RICCELFF resource library.

[Megan]

Family child care homes are not eligible for the current grants being offered. We encourage family child care homes to pursue grant funding currently available through the Center for Early Learning Professionals.

[Megan]

Yes! You can now submit multiple grant applications (and/or multiple TA applications) using the same log in credentials (user name and password).

We were having a bit of difficulty with that at first, but it has thankfully been resolved and this feature is now available. You will only be able to work on one grant application at a time, but once you submit your application, you can move on to another application if you would like. This might be applicable if you are applying for both a planning grant and a capital grant, or if you are applying for grants for multiple licensed centers.

[Megan]

If you have received a Quality Improvement Grant from The Center, you ARE still eligible for a Facilities Improvement Grant from the RICCELFF as long as you meet the Facilities Improvement Grant eligibility requirements! (Congratulations on your Quality Improvement Grant award!)

To learn more about what makes an organization eligible, please visit the Funding page of the website where you will find links to the Facilities Improvement Grants. From there, you can download the instructions which review eligibility guidelines and funding priorities. Visit the Facilities Improvement Grant section of our website. You will also be able to watch a training video which goes through eligibility requirements or you could sign up for a live informational session.

[Megan]

Each licensed center can complete both a planning grant application and a capital grant application. Organizations that have multiple centers can submit applications for each of their licensed centers.

[Megan]

Our online application is being used not only to allow you to easily apply for funding, but also for us to easily capture and be able to report on important data. Therefore, it is very important that all applications be submitted using this system. If you do not have access to a computer or you are having trouble with the online process please contact Megan mressler@lisc.org for additional support.

[Megan]

If you know that you need to make improvements to your space, but you don’t really know what those are then you should start by applying for a planning grant. You may also want to submit a technical assistance application which can be found HERE, our team can assist you!

[Author]

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