POLICY: Smoking and/or the use of tobacco products or smokeless tobacco (e.g. vaping), alcohol, cannabis, or illicit substances in any form is prohibited on the child care facility premises, including outdoors spaces.
Assembly Bill No. 615 Chapter 335 California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.795 This bill prohibits smoking in day care facilities, including private residences. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/environmental-tobacco-smoke/california-tobacco-laws-reduce-ets-exposure)
PURPOSE: To maintain the health and safety of the environment.
To prevent airborne pollutants.
To provide the safest environment possible consistently.
To assure everyone is aware of their responsibility for the safety of children and staff.
To comply with licensing regulations.
PROCEDURE:
- Do not allow smoking, tobacco products, vaping, or other air pollutants to infect your premises, including indoor air or your outdoor play areas.
- Post notices to warn all who enter your gate that it is a smoke-free environment.
- Staff clothing should not smell of smoke. Staff who smoke off premises should wash hands and change clothing prior to contact with children.
- Institute disciplinary action against any offenders.
- The use of cannabis, illicit substances, or alcohol by staff on the premises or while caring for children, including use before arrival, during breaks, or during lunch, is a serious safety and legal concern.
- Institute disciplinary action, consider termination. Notify licensing and complete an incident report. Follow site policies.
- The use of alcoholic beverages and legal drugs in family child care homes after children are not in care is not prohibited, but these items should be safely stored at all times.
- Review Health and Safety Code Section 1596.795: https://www.daycare.com/california/state79.html
- Caring for Our Children, Chapter 3, Tobacco, and Drug Use: https://nrckids.org/CFOC/Database/3.4.1.1