IDEM to bring 5-Star Child Care program to 2008 Indiana Lead-Safe & Healthy Homes Conference

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Staff from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will be available to answer questions about the agency's Five Star Environmental Recognition for Child Care Facilities program during the 2008 Indiana Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Conference Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. The event will be held at the Indianapolis Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center, 1801 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis.

The program recognizes child care facilities that go above and beyond requirements and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Facilities earn one, three or five stars based on their voluntary measures. IDEM assists facilities in implementing the plans and conducts site visits before granting facilities membership.

"IDEM devised a way providers could be recognized because we believe children deserve a safe place to learn and play," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "There are over 100,000 children attending day care in more than 4,000 facilities throughout the state so anything we could do to involve the facilities was a worthwhile endeavor."

An added benefit of becoming an IDEM Five Star facility is the availability of grants. Money is available which can help reduce the cost of installing items made of recycled materials, such as playground equipment, picnic tables, carpet, fences, benches and more. The state will fund up to $5,000 (subject to eligibility). A 25 percent cash match is required. Members are eligible to receive grant funding under this grant once every two years.

Additional information about IDEM's Five Star Child Care program or grant opportunities can be obtained by calling Karen Teliha, Community Environmental Health & Education coordinator, at (800) 988-7901 or by visiting www.idem.IN.gov/4180.htm.

Who:  The Indiana Department of Environmental Management

What:  2008 Indiana Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Conference

Where: Indianapolis Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center, 1801 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis

When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 5; 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6

Technorati Tags: News State Environment Government Indianapolis Marion County Source: Indiana Department of Environmental Management - IDEM