Promoting Children’s Safety ao kNous Lesson Essential Questions What are objectives for maintaining a safe environment for children? What are the guidelines for promoting children’s safety? What are ways to promote and practice fire safety in an early childhood program? What are the procedures for treating poisonings? What are the signs of child abuse? How can children resist abuse? What are the different types of liability as a childcare provider?What are objectives for maintaining a safe environment for children? Supervise children at all times Maintain at least the minimum adult-child ratio as required by the state of DE Develop safety limits Provide a safe environment Practice fire safety Know emergency procedures for accidental poisoning. Develop plans for weather emergencies Recognize signs of child abuse and report any known or suspected cases. Teach children how to protect themselves from assault.@ @) DLs Supervision of children ko * Supervision is ESSENTIAL to the prevention of harm to children. That means no child shall be left alone or unsupervised while under the care of childcare staff. * The appropriate number of adults needed to maintain the recommended adult: child ratios should be physically present in the room where children are being cared for. They should provide oversight and timely attention to the children’s actions and needs.Basic strategies for supervision of children Child count-regularly count children ona { routine, scheduled basis and record the number of children present. Count the children at every transition Physical location of adults interests.Develop safety limits * Limits have been called rules. The most important limits set by EC teachers involve safety issues. Brainstorm some limits that need to be set at the beginning of the school year. Discuss how they should be worded. * Activity: Plan for a circle time activity to teach the classroom limits and rules to preschoolers. Be creative and keep the lesson child centered.Outdoor safety-playground Nuts, bolts, and screws should be recesses, covered, or| sanded smooth and level. Metal equipment should be free of rust, and chipping paint. Wooden equipment should be free of jagged edges and splinters. There should be no “V” angles in equipment to entrap a child. Swings should have adequate clearance in all directions so that no one is hit by the swing. There should be 8 feet between equipment and trees/buildings. Swing seats with backs and safety straps should be available for toddlers and children with disabilities YY i \\ \ \ \\ \) d \Transportation af * Allstates require that children be fastened in a properly adjusted safety seat or seat belt when riding in a vehicle. * Staff must have parental permission to transport children-either on bus or in a car. * Each child must have his/her own seatbelt.Managing emergencies, accidents and injuries os, * The severity of many injuries and emergencies can be lessened if adults and children know how to respond. It requires advanced training and practice of emergency routines. — Evacuation drills should be practiced once a month. What should you practice? * Practice leaving the building so the children know the sound of the alarm and where to go. At least some of the drills should be unannounced. Times should vary-even have nap drills when the fewest adults are present Designate a meeting place outside, away from the building where everyone can be accounted for. Always keep daily attendance records so you know how many people were in the building. Keep this information with you.What should you practice cont. Post diagrams showing the main shut off for electricity, gas and water. Post diagrams of exit paths from each room. Plan at least one alternate exit from each room. Make sure exits are not blocked by furniture or clutter. Time each drill and keep a record of the times. Prearrange an emergency shelter where you will stay so parents know where to look for their child. Family childcare providers should arrange with at least 2 neighbors to serve as emergency back up care. Post their names and numbers by the phone. Children who cannot walk-infants and disabled-may require special equipment, such as a large wagon, to evacuate them quickly. Be sure this equipment is always readily available and practice their evacuation also.Fire Fire drills are the most common reason to practice evacuation. Teach children fire and burn prevention. The “Stop, Drop and Roll” method can be successfully taught to children 3 & older for the purpose of extinguishing a fire if it is on a person. The “STAY LOW & GO” method is recommended for teaching children to get down low and get out of a burning building. Know the location of all fire extinguishers. Fire t ws extinguishers, and fire/smoke alarms should be t \ checked once a month to make sure they’re working.Winter safety Pea Warmly dressed children benefit from outdoor play, even in cold weather, however, do not allow children to play outdoors when there’s risk of frostbite. Snowballs can be dangerous as well as fun. Hard- packed ice can hurt. Eating snow is not healthy. Particularly in cities, it can contain dirt and atmospheric substances. Make sure scarves and hoods do not become caught on equipment. Have children remove wet clothes promptly.Summer Safety Beware that heat can burn children from the asphalt, sand, playground equipment or concrete. Protect the skin of young children by asking parents to provide or authorize the use of sunscreen lotion and protective items such as hats and visors. Limit the amount of time in direct sunlight, particularly between 10 and 2 pm Make sure there is access to drinks before, during and after vigorous play and at least every 2 hours to prevent dehydration. Provide constant supervision when children are near water. Children can drown in less than an inch of water. Teach children to prevent insect stings by reacting calmly to the presence of insects. Keep trash cans away from outside play areas. Avoid serving sweet foods and drinks outside unless you have water to clean up the sticky areas.Potential Safety hazards in a childcare environment * It’s important to look at your home or center through the eyes of a young child to spot potential safety hazards. * Certain minimum safety standards are set by laws that regulate childcare.(Use Delacare regs) — State licensing guidelines are designed to protect children-not to make your life difficult. — Local building, sanitary, and fire safety codes are there to protect children and must be followed. — Conduct regular safety checks of your space using the site safety checklist at least once a month.Indoor Safety-Furniture ¢ Arrange so there are clear traffic paths. * Place chairs away from windows cabinets and shelves to prevent climbing. * Bolt heavy-top furniture so they cannot be pulled over.Doors * Install devices that slow door closings or place rubber gaskets on the door to avoid pinched fingers. ¢ Use doors with vision panels at child height to avoid opening onto a child. cisti Gi 3 Kitchen aN SN ben * The kitchen should be inaccessible to children unless you can provide constant supervision. * Place cooking equipment out of child’s reach * Do not carry hot foods or liquids when children are nearby, which includes your cup of coffee or tea! * Keep the hot water tem no higher than 120F to prevent scalding from tap water * Make sure electrical cords are not within reach or crossing traffic path. * Handout: How would you make this kitchen safe?Sleeping Areas Place cribs, cots, and mats away from open windows, blinds and shade cords. Place cribs, cots and mats at least 1 % feet apart with clear pathways between them. Emergencies will require quick access to sleeping children.Electrical Wiring * Cover unused outlets with outlet covers. There are many different types. If your children can remove the covers you’re using, try a different kind. * Avoid the use of extension cords as much as possible. Place them behind furniture, along the wall to reduce the chance of tripping. Never place extension cords under carpeting. They may become frayed and cause a fire. Keep extension cords away from children who may bite or mouth them.Outdoor safety cont. Tire swings should have drainage openings every 5-6 inches. All elevated equipment should have at least 12 inches of impact absorbing material underneath that extends at least 8 feet around the surface. Sand, pea gravel, wood chips or manufactured surfaces are often used. Pea gravel and wood chips are not suitable for infant/toddler playgrounds. Sandboxes should be located in the shade, and at night covered with lids to protect them from animal feces and debris. The sandbox should be raked at least once per week for debris. Do not use trampolinesPlayground cont. * Supervise children’s use of equipment at all times. Outdoor play time is not social or break time for adults * Remove a child who is misusing equipment from that area and explain your reasons to the child.Riding toys Use low riding toys with seats close to the ground Avoid riding toys with sharp edges, loose pedals Warn children to keep hands and fingers away from moving parts Do not allow children to ride “double” unless the equipment was designed for 2. Supervise down hill riding. ALWAYS ensure children wear helmets.Pedestrian * Use rope spaced with knots for children to hold onto to keep young children together while walking. Teach children the 4 basic rules of pedestrian safety: — Sidewalks are for people-streets are for cars, buses, trucks, etc — Cars and trucks can hurt you — Stop at the curb or edge of road. Never go into the street without an adult. — Keep away from cars in driveways and parking lots.Field Trips You may need special safety rules for field trips. Make sure every child understands the special rules before you leave. Make sure you have a signed permission slip for each child. Identify children with a label that lists the programs name and phone number. DO NOT LIST THE CHILD’S NAME ON THE TAG. Carry an emergency first aid kit with you. Be sure to have a cell phone or coins for a pay phone and your list of emergency numbers, including copies of the children’s emergency forms.Supplies/food/toys Choking hazards. Objects smaller than 1%” should not be given to children who mouth things. Do not give popcorn, hot dogs, whole grapes, candies, gum, or cough drops to children under 3. Do not give peanuts to children under 4. Deflated or broken balloons are a choking hazard. Look for the non-toxic label on all toys and supplies. Some plants present a real poisoning threat to children.Toys Regularly check for sharp edges. Choose fabric items that are washable and flame retardant. Avoid toys with electrical parts. Batteries can present a choking hazard. Avoid projectile toys thrown through the air. Avoid toys that cause loud sounds like cap guns, as they may cause hearing impairment. Check manufacturer’s label for recommendations about age. Choose toys that can be used witha minimum of adult supervision.Special considerations for infants and toddlers Be alert to the changes in a child’s development. Many injuries are caused by unsafe high chairs, cribs, walkers, and play pens. Microwaves are not suitable for warming bottles and infant foods because uneven heating creates hot spots. Microwave heating continues to generate heat for up to 5 minutes after the power cuts off. In a slow cooking deceives, the cord should be out of children’s reach. Infants should be put on their backs to sleep to prevent SIDS.Activity # 2 Check it out * Site Safety ChecklistAdvanced Preparation for emergencies Keep up to date info on children and staff. Have written parental permission for emergency medical care and emergency transportation on file for each child. Post emergency evacuation procedures by the phone. Post emergency phone numbess by each phone. ®Managing an emergency _ Stay calm! Follow your emergency procedures. Act quickly. Assess the need for first aid on the scene.QV First Aid Procedures The 2 basic rules of first aid are: — Dono harm — Never move a hurt person except to save his life. Follow these steps in an emergency situation to assess injuries. First aid for poisoning — Look in the child’s mouth and remove any remaining pills, pieces of plants, etc. — Bring the child and the container or plant to the phone. Call the poison center BEFORE giving the child anything by mouth-not even water. — The staff at the poison center will give you treatment advice over the phone.Injury Reports A standardized injury report should be completed each time a child needs first aid or additional care due to injury or illness. Provide a copy to the child’s parent or guardian and keep one in the child’s file. It is helpful to keep a 3 copy ina MASTER injury report file that allows you to see patterns of injury so you can take steps to improve the safety of your program. Any injuries which result in death or hospitalization must be reported to the state childcare licensing department. Activity: What Would | Do.... «e ale Child Abuse * The state of Delaware defines child abuse as “the physical injury by other than accidental means, injury resulting in mental or emotional condition which is a result of abuse or neglect, negligent treatment, sexual abuse, maltreatment, mistreatment, non-treatment, exploitation or abandonment of a child under the age of 18 or of a person who appears to be mentally retarded.Mandatory Reporting * You are required by law to report all knowledge’ and suspicions of child abuse. You do not need to have proof that abuse has occurred before you report it. According to Delaware law, you are protected from liability and do not have to participate in judicial proceedings resulting from your report. Individuals who knowingly refuse to report suspected abuse may be fined and imprisoned. In Delaware, child abuse can be reported by calling 1-800-292-9582Some EC professionals may be reluctant to file reports of suspected child abuse. They may be concerned about: Harming their relationship with the child’s parents. Having a family withdraw from your program Whether to talk to the parents about their concerns first. Previous experiences in reporting that did not turn out ina positive way. * Possible Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglectaro yourself from accusations of child abuse Ga Never use corporal punishment. * Always report to the parent, in writing, all injuries that occur to a child, not matter how small or insignificant the injury may seem to you. * Have developmentally appropriate expectations for children’s behavior * Follow an open-door policy. * Use common sense methods of keeping the bathroom door open and avoiding the appearance of misconduct.Prevention is better than reporting it. € * Be sensitive to early warning signs of parents who are struggling, under stressful circumstances, who have poor parenting skills or who are isolated from other adults. * Be supportive of families. Provide them with info about support services. * Teach children about their right to protection from abuse. Many excellent materials, designed for young children, are available.* Having 2 adults present at all times will limit the possibilities that children are treated inappropriately. * Infants, toddlers and preschoolers should be directly supervised by sight and hearing at all times, even when children are ~sProtection Education Planning for safety means children must learn about sexual abuse and how to protect themselves from it. Warning about strangers has been a practice for some time now. However, there has not been much education on warning from sexual abuse. Teach children to resist sexual attacks. They must say NO. Then they must tell a trusted friend or relative. Role play this process with children. Activity: discuss types of Role play you can do with children. Plan them and then act them out. What phrases would you use? Props?Special activities that require extra % attention * Diapering” eh * Playground * Special activities like walks, field trips,\Vag 2 swimming. oe ay * Sick children * Sleeping children aLegal Implications * Liability refers to the legal obligation and responsibility accepted by administrators, teachers and professionals when they agree to care for children. * Failure to carry out their responsibilities is called negligence. There are 2 types of negligence: — Failing to take precautionary measures to prevent ACCIdeENtS, such as lack of adequate supervision, or unsafe play equipment. — Making decisions or taking actions that put children at FISK such as allowing children to cross the street without an adult or allowing children to travel in unsafe vehicles.* Prevention is the best response to liability. Sometimes accidents happen despite our best efforts, or false accusations can be made. It is wise for every person to have personal liability insurance. Policies can be purchased through most private insurance companies and organizations like NAEYCrome» Safety first and then learning! !!!! <>