5 Star Childcare
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), together with child care facilities, child care and youth associations, other governmental agencies, medical personnel and parents, developed the 5 - Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities 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 participating in this program have become knowledgeable and taken steps to reduce children's exposure to pesticides, lead hazards, radon, asbestos, mercury, mold, vehicle exhaust, chemical fumes, respiratory triggers, and more. In addition, many have started recycling programs, developed formal written plans for chemical management, make efforts to purchase items made with recycling content material, and reduce energy usage at the facility.
For more information on this program, please contact Karen Teliha at (800) 988-7901 or download the 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program Brochure.
For Parents
- List of Participating Child Care Facilities
- What to Ask when Selecting a Child Care Provider
- 5-Star Radio Spot [MP3]
- Award winning 5-Star PSA [WMV]
- 5-Star Billboard [PDF]
- 5-Star Magazine Promotion: Full Page Ad [PDF], Half Page Ad [PDF], One-Third Page Ad [PDF]
For Child Care Providers
- Application [PDF] and Guidelines
- Self Assessment for Child Care Facilities [PDF - 1.37MB]
- Environmental Pledge [PDF]
- New Grant Opportunities for Members
National Praise for Indiana's 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities
- Article from Governing Magazine, "Childproof Regulations" (covers IDEM's efforts to protect children), March 2000 issue [TXT]
- U.S. Center for Disease Control Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch encourages incentives such as the 5-Star Program for replication in other states to encourage lead poisoning prevention.
- Region V U.S. EPA calls the 5-Star Program "a great tool for childcare facilities!"
- Improving Kids Environment support for the 5-Star Program
- What should I do with my old computers and electronics?
- Where can I recycle?
- What are “Pay-as-You-Throw” programs?
- How can I get funding for recycling programs?
- What is “household hazardous waste”?
- Why is mercury dangerous?
- Where can I find information about available IDEM grants, loans, or funds?
- What are the benefits of recycling?
- What is composting and how do I do it?
- Where can I find information about flooding?
