Tooterville is the

“FIRST and ONLY”

licensed child care center in the St. Paul Minnesota area to receive the Eco-Healthy Childcare Certification. To obtain this certificate a child care center must comply with 20 of the 25 requirements listed below.

Pesticides and Pest Prevention

1.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. (required)

Air Quality

2.We avoid conditions that lead to excess moisture, which contributes to the growth of mold and mildew. We Maintain adequate ventilation and air flow, we repair water leaks, and we keep humidity within a desirable range.

3. We do not allow cars or other vehicles to idle near the facility.

4. We do not use scented candles or air fresheners.

5. We do not permit smoking anywhere on the premises or in sight of children (required)

Household Chemicals

6.We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products and least toxic disinfecting products. When other products are required, they are used only for their intended purpose in strict accordance with all label instructions. We store cleaning products where children cannot access them.
7. We only use chlorine bleach when and where it is required or recommended by state and local authorities. We use it prudently and never use more than necessary. (Tooterville use’s Shaklee natural products, No Bleach)

8. We do not use aerosol sprays of any kind.

9. We use only low-VOC paints, and do not paint when children are present.

Lead

10. We use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula, we run the water for 5-10 seconds or until it feels noticeably colder.

11. Our facility was built after 1978 (after lead paint was banned).

12. We do not use imported, old or handmade pottery to cook, store or serve food or drinks.

13. We supply a rough mat at the entrance of our facility and encourage the wiping of shoes before entering– or–we are a shoe free facility.

Mercury

14. We do not use any mercury-containing thermometers. Instead we use digital thermometers.

15. We securely store and recycle all used batteries and fluorescent and compact light bulbs.

Furniture and Carpets
16. Furniture is in good condition without foam or inside stuffing exposed (the same goes for stuffed animals or any other foam item).

17. Furniture is made of solid wood, with few, if any, items made of particleboard.

18. We do not have wall to wall carpets.

19. Area rugs are vacuumed daily and cleaned at least twice a year using biodegradable cleaners.

Art Supplies

20. We use only non-toxic art supplies approved by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) (see www.acminet.org/index.htm for a list)

Plastics and Plastic Toys

21. We avoid toys made out of soft plastic vinyl (i.e., we buy only those labeled “PVC-free”)

22. We never use the microwave to heat food that is in plastic containers, plastic wrap or plastic bags.

Treated Playground Equipment

23. We do not have playground equipment made of treated wood.

Recycling and Garbage Storage

24. We recycle all paper/cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastic bottles.

25. We keep our garbage covered at all times to avoid attracting pests and minimize odors.

Tooterville complies with all of the 25 criteria.

We also have installed flooring and a playground made from recycled materials.
We used low VOC paint on all the walls.
We have refinished and reused much of the facilities existing fixtures to keep in the belief of Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.
The sheets in our baby room are 100% cotton.
Our curriculum has an emphasis on educating the children to be more “earth friendly”.
Staff are not allowed to wear perfume, (due to preventing allergens or asthma attacks to children with asthma).
We offer soy, rice and regular milk.
We are a peanut free environment.