It's Your Oregon: Iris Valley Learning Center

Penny Lane-Garver: Keizer, OR

Since providing a safe learning environment for children is so important to the Iris Valley Learning Center, becoming an Eco-Healthy Childcare just made sense for them.

“We were so excited when we saw the Eco-Healthy Childcare flyer,” says Center Director Penny Lane-Garver. “We knew immediately it was something we would like to be a part of.”

The Iris Valley Learning Center, a certified childcare center in Keizer with 13 employees serving nearly 100 children, is the first childcare facility to qualify as “Eco-Healthy,” but in the next few months, OEC expects many more to follow in their footsteps.

Helping childcare providers make their childcare environment as healthy as possible is the goal of OEC’s new Eco-Healthy Childcare program. The program is free, simple and effective, and is available to all Oregon childcare providers. Childcare facilities can qualify as “Eco-Healthy” by completing a checklist that highlights 25 simple steps that ensure a safe place for children.

The folks at Iris Valley know that most of the steps on the checklist are simple yet effective. For example, they avoid microwaving food in plastic to prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals. They use non-toxic pest control techniques that avoid pesticides.

By qualifying as “Eco-Healthy,” Iris Valley and the other childcare facilities receive a colorful sticker to place in a prominent location to let parents and others know of their commitment to being eco-healthy. Qualifying facilities will also receive a colorful poster to help everyone remember what it means to maintain an eco-healthy facility.

Last, but not least, OEC and its partners will publicize a list of all childcare facilities in Oregon that qualify as eco-healthy – so that parents can easily locate healthier options for their children.

Click here for information on how to become an Eco-Healthy Childcare.