Safety Practices and Policies

Toys and foods are a choking hazard for young children. So many children as old as six years of age still put objects into their mouths causing a potential choking hazard. “Toys such as marbles, balloons, plastic bags, and toys with long cords that can be wrapped around a child’s neck are choking hazards” (Robertson, 2007, p. 97).
Foods are another chocking hazard. “Some common foods that pose a choking threat are hot dogs, grapes, peanuts, raw vegetables, hard candy and gums and popcorn” (Robertson, 2007, p. 97).

Choking policy -“Remove all loose parts from toys. Always use a choke testing device on small toys before adding a questionable toy to the child’s environment. Check toys games, and art supplies for broken pieces and throw them away. Children must not run with anything in their mouths. Styrofoam cups should not be used, children like chew on them”(Robertson, 2007, p. 115). Foods should be cut up in bite size pieces and chewed well. Do not allow children to play while eating. Do not allow hard candy or gum to be eaten.
Teachers should use a checklist to observe and modify the children’s environment while they are in the teachers care to prevent situations. Teachers should also provide parents with newsletters with safety tips they can use at home as well. This checklist should include the area the children in at the time, the surroundings clean, dirty, equipment in proper working order.
Are environment has many toxins that can poison our children. Poisoning can occur in many ways through “ingestion, contact with substance, inhalation, animals, insects, reptile bites and injection” (Robertson, 2007, p. 108).
Poison policy-
“Always supervise children. Keep all poisons out of children’s sight and reach and in
a locked area. Safety locks should be used at all times. Keep the child’s environment
free of insects and animals. Always monitor the environment for items such as rusty
nails and needles. Have the poison control center number posted to the phone where it
is visible to all childcare workers. Avoid using art supplies that are dried out and
could be easily inhaled. Avoid using materials that contain lead that can cause poising
if in jested.” (Robertson, 2007, p. 101and 110). There are many measures that can be used to prevent poisoning by following the poison policies that have been put into place by the childcare center. “Use only non-toxic paints and glues. The risk of poisoning can be reduced by proper storage, supervision and the use of less poisonous products” (Robertson, 2007, p.110).
Drowning is a serious hazard that can occur in just a small amount of water.
Drowning policy –
“Any equipment that uses water such as toilets, sinks, tubs, buckets and pools should
be cleaned often. Never leave standing water unattended. Never leave a child
unattended while they are in a pool, bathtub or around buckets of water. Toilet lids
should be kept closed when not in use. Always monitor the bathroom setting. Keep
the lids on water tables when not in use. Pools should be fence with at least a 5 ft
tall or higher fence. Remove toys from pool areas when children are out of the pool.
All wadding pools should be drained immediately after use and properly stored.
Supervision at all times when children are in a body of water.”(Robertson, 2007, p.95, 148). Safety devices should be present around any pool. Have written permission from parents before letting children go swimming. All childcare workers should be CPR certified. Supervision for making sure safe practices are followed can promote safety and protection. Water safety awareness days can help parents keep children safe.
“Fire is the leading cause of death among children and 35% of burns happen to children”(Robertson, 2007, p.111). Fire and Burn policy-The teacher should monitor all things in the center that can be a fire and burn risk. “Smoke and fire detectors should be installed and checked regularly. Have fire drill on a regular bases. Fire extinguisher should be easily at hand. Barriers should be placed around heaters, radiators, hot pipes and grills. Never leave matches or lighters in reach of a child. All electrical outlets must have covers. All flammable liquids should be stored in safety cans and out of children’s reach. No hot drinks should be carried around children”(Robertson, 2007, p.113-114).
Families can be educated by having fire prevention week. This will allow families to hear about fire and burn safety.
Many Children have gotten hurt on the playground due to faulty equipment.
Playground Equipment Safety policy –“Must be adequate supervision at all times. Adequate fall zones must in be in place. Adequate use of swings. Age appropriate activities must be filed and implemented. All platforms must have guardrails. Broken, cracked, bent surfaces must be replaced. All loose nuts, bolts and nails should be fixed or replaced. Zones must be adequate size. Warn out parts must be replaced. All open tubes or pipes must be caped”(Robertson, 2007, p.139). Playground safety is essential in childcare centers and following safety policies will keep the children safe. Families can be educated on backyard play set safety as well as bicycle safety by news letters and modeling safety rules.

References

Robertson C, (2007). Thomson Delmar Learning, Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Education