Put water in your wellness policy.  Points = 500

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• Add specific water-related language ensuring access to free, clean and safe drinking water throughout the childcare or workplace day

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• For examples of model school wellness policy language see Model Wellness Policy Language for Water Access in Schools

 

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Check on tap water safety.  Points = 500

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• Download and read the following guide from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to learn about how to assure tap water safety in your facility: Drinking Water Best Management Practices for Schools and Childcare Facilities Served by Municipal Water Systems.

  • Mas informacion en espanol aqui.

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Educate about drinking water.   Points = 500

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• Download the bookmark in English or Spanish for a take-home for parents, providers and co-workers

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Dispense water the child-friendly way, throughout the day.   Points = 1000 each

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The Child Nutrition Act requires access to water throughout the day.  Here are some popular user-friendly approaches for the childcare setting:

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1. Put child-sized pitchers on the table and offer cups so children can pour their own water. Providing a vessel near a water source allows students to take more than just a sip or two at a time, increasing overall consumption. 

2. Station an Igloo-type cooler for water access outside ​along with cups and/or reusable water bottles. 

3. Provide each child with a re-fillable water bottle 

   • Fill it at a sink with child-friendly taps and stepstool OR a bottle filling station.

   • Store reusable water bottles at school and clean bottles regularly. Keeping reusable water bottles at school overnight decreases the likelihood that the bottles will be lost. 

   • Teach bottle hygiene to parents and professionals.  Reusable bottles must be properly cleaned and fully air-dried at least once per week to prevent development of odors or bacteria. See page 51 of Water Works: A Guide to Improving Water Access and Consumption in Schools to Improve Health and Support Learning.

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