Parents are expected to provide re-useable lunchboxes and containers- St. Edward’s Preschool has a "low waste"
lunch policy. We will not accept foods in plastic or paper bags.
All classroom activities will promote low/no waste in use of materials- We reduce, reuse, and recycle all possible
classroom materials.
We do not use paper or Styrofoam cups, plates or bowls. All snacks are served on reusable dishes,
and drinks are served in reusable cups. We wash and sanitize all serving wear after each meal time.
Communication and documentation will be as "paperless" as possible, within the guidelines of Licensing and
Health & Safety. We use both sides of all paper, limit copying, and communicate electronically with parents as much
as possible. We shred all possible paperwork, and re-use in art and activities.
1) Education and Awareness
We create opportunities to educate the families we serve on eco-friendly practices.
2) Pesticides and Pest Prevention
We use non-toxic techniques both inside and outside the facility to prevent and control pests (both insects and weeds).
If a serious threat remains and pesticide application is the only viable option, parents are notified in advance and
a licensed professional applies the least toxic, effective product at a time when children will not be exposed to
the application area for at least 12 hours (see manufacturer’s instructions to ensure 12 hours is enough time). REQUIRED
We thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to avoid possible exposure to pesticides, and we take the opportunity to
educate children about the importance of doing so.
3) Air Quality
We avoid conditions that lead to excess moisture, because moisture contributes to the growth of mold and mildew.
We maintain adequate ventilation (suitable fans or open screened windows). We repair water leaks and keep
humidity within a desirable range (30-50%).
We do not allow cars or other vehicles to idle in our designated parking areas.
We do not use scented or unscented candles or manufactured air fresheners.
During operating hours, we do not permit smoking anywhere on the premises or in sight of children. REQUIRED
4) Household Chemicals
We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products and least-toxic disinfecting and sanitizing products.
When other products are required, they are used only for their intended purpose and in strict accordance with all
label instructions. We store cleaning products where children cannot access them.
We use chlorine bleach only when and where it is required or recommended by state and local
authorities. We use it prudently and never use more than necessary.
We use only low-VOC household paints and do not paint when children are present.
5) Lead
To avoid possible lead exposure from water lines, we use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
We run the water for 10-30 seconds or until it feels noticeably colder. REQUIRED
To avoid possible lead exposure, we do not use imported, old or handmade pottery to cook,
store or serve food or drinks.
To reduce possible exposure to lead-contaminated dirt, we supply a rough mat at the entrance
of our facility and encourage the wiping of shoes before entering.
6) Mercury
We do not use any mercury-containing thermometers or thermostats. Instead we use digital options.
We securely store and recycle all used batteries and fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
7) Furniture and Carpets
To avoid possible exposure to flame retardants, we ensure furniture is in good condition without foam or inside
stuffing exposed. Stuffed animals, matting, pillows and other foam items are also intact.
Furniture is made of solid wood, with few, if any items made of particleboard.
Area rugs are vacuumed daily and cleaned at least twice a year using biodegradable cleaners.
8) Plastics and Plastic Toys
When using a microwave, we never heat children’s food in plastic containers, plastic wrap or plastic bags.
We never use sip cups made of hard clear plastic (bottles labeled #7).
Instead, we use bottles made of opaque plastic or glass.
9) Recycling and Garbage Storage
We recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastic bottles.
We keep our garbage covered at all times to avoid attracting pests and to minimize odors.
In addition to the above measures, we are striving to achieve the following additional goals by year end 2010.
(Note: For the healthiest environment for children and staff, smoking should not be allowed on the
premises at any time).
We do not use aerosol sprays of any kind.
Our facility was built after 1978 (after lead paint was banned) - OR - the facility was built before 1978,
but we keep the building free of flaking or peeling paint and regularly wash all areas around doors and windows.
We use lead safe practices when removing lead-based paint or when renovating our facility, and we have
visited
www.epa.gov/lead to learn more.
We check our toys for lead by searching
www.healthytoys.org or by purchasing lead testing
kits at a local home improvement store.
Furniture and Carpets
We do not have professionally installed wall-to-wall carpeting where children are present.
Art Supplies
We use only non-toxic art supplies approved by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).
Treated Playground Equipment
We do not have playground equipment made of treated wood – or – if we do, we seal it with paint or a
polyurethane coating twice a year.
Radon
We have appropriately checked our facility for radon by using a radon testing kit available from a local
home improvement store and have visited
www.epa.gov/radon for local resources.
Plastics
We avoid toys made out of soft plastic vinyl (such as vinyl dolls, beach balls, and “rubber ducky”
chew toys). Instead, we buy only those labeled “PVC-free”.
Composting
All compostable food materials will be set aside daily in a closed container, and removed into a
compost bin at the end of the day. This bin will be an integrated part of the Life Lab garden
project of St. Edward’s Preschool.
Note:
Additional measures and goals may be added as necessary to support our goals and objectives.
15040 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124
For more information please contact Karin Bray at
education@StEdwards.org or by phone (408) 377-3045.
