The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) requires all child care centres that are located within its boundaries to have policies that cover specific health topics. The information in these policies is there to assist the staff in making decisions around infection prevention and control (IPAC) and food safety. Policies should be well written, practical and specific to the individual centre.
SMDHU requires certain topics to be covered in the policies. However, the format used for the policies is at the discretion of the operator. Review the Policy Development Tool to assist with creating policies.
SMDHU will be reviewing policies annually and not during inspections as was previously done. To ensure effective review of policies, SMDHU will no long be reviewing policies on-site. Instead, centres will submit policies either electronically or a hardcopy may be dropped off at either 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie or 2-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst. Each corporation will be expected to submit a copy of their policies to SMDHU by April 30 of each calendar year. SMDHU will provide feedback on the policies by July 30 of each calendar year so the centre can update staff/parents/families of any changes prior to September.
