Childcare Facility Assessment Checklist

When assessing the potential indoor air quality problems associated with any childcare facility, the following signs can help you identify indoor air quality challenges within the facility.

OBSERVE

 General level of cleanliness

 Presence of mold or mildew

 Dirty or poor performing HVAC equipment or stand alone air conditioners (e.g., dirty filters, dirty coils, dirty air ducts and air duct face covers)

 Blocked vents or air intakes

 Unvented combustion sources or appliances (e.g., gas, wood, kerosene)

 Remodeling activities

 New furniture or carpeting

 Improperly stored or unvented chemicals, including pesticides

 Presence of humidifiers or dehumidifiers

 Presence of air cleaning devices (i.e., ozone generators on air cleaning devices)

 Presence of plants in room

 Presence of potpourri/candles

 Presence of chalk/erasers/dry erase board cleaners

 Condition of trash cans

 Presence of arts and crafts materials

 Presence of pets in classrooms

 Presence of water staining on walls or ceiling

 Unusual or noticeable odors (e.g., mold, mildew, chemical smells, fragrances, air fresheners or candles, trash)

 Stale air

FEEL  Excessive humidity

 Lack of air movement

 Drafts

 Air flow into and out from vents

LISTEN

 Unusual equipment noise

 Unusual noise inside walls or ceilings

 Air blowing from supply vents

 Concerns of staff about indoor air quality