267 2 7 Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety
★ Know emergency procedures
for accidental poisoning.
★ Recognize signs of child abuse
and report any known or
suspected cases.
★ Teach children how to protect
themselves from sexual assault.
The following sections will
summarize procedures for meeting
each of these objectives.
Supervise the Children
at All Times
“It happened so fast—I just
left them for a moment or two,”
said the child care teacher. This
teacher did not understand that
children cannot be left alone for
even a moment. A teacher who is
responsible for a group of children
should supervise constantly.
Young children do not always
understand the concept of danger.
As a result, child care teachers
must protect the children until
they can protect themselves.
Young children are fearless,
unpredictable, and quick. They lack
sound judgment because they lack
experience and cannot see from
another’s viewpoint. They may bite,
throw, push, or shove. All these
actions can endanger others as well
as themselves. Young children may
not recognize behaviors or actions
that can cause injuries.
To properly supervise a group
of children, keep your back to
the classroom wall. Focus on the
interior of the classroom. The
entire room should be visible.
Move closer to an area if you
observe children who need
assistance or redirection. Likewise,
constantly observe children who
are not involved in an activity. Be
especially protective of younger
children. Usually, younger children
require more staff supervision than
older children.
Bumps and bruises can occur in
overcrowded classrooms. Make sure
there is enough space for furniture
and equipment. Observe children
as they play. Can they move from
area to area without bumping
into furniture or other children?
If suffi space does not exist, ficient
remove some furniture or rearrange
the classroom.
a preschool director to speak Invite
the class concerning the use of to
cleaners e and other chemicals in c
the preschool o classroom. Find out what th e pr es
type of cleaners e are recommended and
are safe to use s in environments used by
young childre en . Find out if your school
is restricted to o using certain cleaners.
What procedures are used to disinfect the
surfaces used d by children and students
at your schoo ol ? Does the staff have
information o on fi le for use in the event of
accidental po oi soning or ingestion?
Workplace Connections Workplace Connections
Reducing the Risk of
Abuse—Facility Layout
In order to protect children from abuse,
early childhood facilities should be arranged
so all areas of the center are visible by at
least one other adult in addition to the care
provider. An arrangement that provides
high visibility eliminates isolation of children
and the child care staff. To enhance
visibility and safety, child care facilities may
also use video surveillance equipment or
other such devices.
R d i th Ri
Safety First Safety First