General Criteria for the Child-Friendly Seal of Aproval
Taking the initiative to be child-friendly doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Whether a store, medical clinic, repair facility or government office, a child-friendly place is one that parents (one of the largest consumer groups in America) will gladly patronize.
Many organizations and businesses care deeply about children and are interested in becoming child-friendly. The following list of criteria identifies some of the most basic steps to child-friendly compliance. These steps can be adapted to suit almost any public facility.
Infants
-
Infants need to eat frequently and become agitated when hungry. Set aside a quiet space in a clean, well-ventilated corner or room for mothers to nurse or feed their infants.
- Mothers are not the only people who care for infants and small children. Fathers and male caretakers also need access to essential facilities. Install changing tables in both men's and women's restrooms.
-
Design doorways for easy stroller access and provide a stroller parking area when possible.
Toddlers
- Toddlers are very energetic and need to move around. Provide a small, clean play area with a few age-appropriate toys or books in which toddlers and small children can explore and play.
- Children love gifts and will often play contentedly with a new possession for a long time. Have a give-away item such as stickers, a fruit-sweetened lollipop or small toothbrush to hand to a child when they arrive. Always ask a parent's permission if offering food.
Children
- Encourage staff to acknowledge children when they come in and treat them with respect. This can be as simple as looking directly at them, smiling and asking their names. The world often seems hostile and intimidating to children.
- Place a flip-down child-sized toilet seat on one or more toilets in the public restroom. If there is no public restroom, make it a policy to allow children (and pregnant mothers) to use the private restroom in emergencies.
- Install a small sink (positioned lower than the adult sink) or provide a sturdy step-stool. Make sure soap and towel dispensers are accessible to small hands.
Families
- Make sure staff members have some basic knowledge about children and their development. When employees know something about what children of different ages are interested in, they are more likely to have enjoyable and appropriate interactions.
- Train staff to be aware of parents' extra needs and offer help whenever possible: carry bags to the car, help fold a stroller, hold open the door or reach an item located on a high shelf. These small kindnesses can make a parent's day and will be remembered.
Criteria for Specific Business Types
If you are a business owner or patron of an establishment that you think qualifies for the Child-Friendly Seal of Approval please contact CFI.