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Stepping Stones, 3rd Edition (SS3):This icon indicates the STANDARD is also part of the SS3 collection.
The information and Standards contained in this website are current as of today. The information contained in this website is updated regularly and reflects all updates, edits, and/or changes made to the Standards and the content contained in collections of Standards. Any information obtained from this website, or any other source, previous to today may contain differences in content. To obtain the hardcopy version of CFOC3, please visit the APHA Bookstore or http://www.aap.org.
Caring for Our Children
National Health and Safety Performance Standards
Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs
3rd Edition
Caring for Our Children, 3rd Edition (CFOC3) is a collection of 686 national standards that represent the best evidence, expertise, and experience in the country on quality health and safety practices and policies that should be followed in today's early care and education settings.
CFOC3 Standards are regularly revised based on new evidence and policy statements. The CFOC3 Database contains the most up-to-date standards.
The latest version of the CFOC3 PDF is dated October 1, 2015.
(For the most up-to-date standards, search the CFOC3 Database)
PLEASE NOTE: The standards contained in these versions are not updated as often as the standards contained in the online content. The online standards are the most up-to-date.
Important Information About New Bleach Concentration
Effective 3/1/2013
Major Change in Caring for Our Children, 3rd Edition (CFOC3):
- Standard 3.1.4.1: Safe Sleep Practices and SIDS/Suffocation Risk Reduction
(p. 96 in hard copy)- Change: The use of blankets is no longer recommended.
Change is addressed in the COMMENTS section of the standard, under "Use of Blankets" on page 98. (updated December 2011)
Additions and Significant Changes
- Additions and Significant Changes (pdf) in the 3rd Edition of Caring for Our Children since the 2nd Edition (2002)
American Public Health Association |
American Academy of Pediatrics |