Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 206 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. “Please give me that broken toy,” teacher Lucinda Goldstein said to the child. She immediately saw the danger of the unsafe toy. At the same time, the center director was checking the art supplies. In the kitchen, the cook was fi lling out the monthly safety and sanitation checklist. All these staff members were showing their concern for the children’s safety by checking the safety of their surroundings. Dangers can be found everywhere in a child care center (Figure 11.1). Electrical outlets, cleaning supplies, plants, woodworking tools, outdoor climbing equipment, and cooking tools can all cause injuries. Staff members must closely watch for and remove these dangers. Failure to do so may result in accidents. Most accidents can be avoided. Accidents are more likely to occur when the children’s routine is disrupted. Accidents also occur more frequently when staff are absent, busy, or tired. Children can also be put in danger through abuse. Teachers must be aware of the signs of physical and emotional abuse. By law, teachers must report known or suspected child abuse. As an early childhood teacher, you will need to be alert to any dangers that threaten the safety of your children. In addition, your program must have safety limits and procedures. The staff must also be aware of their legal responsibilities for protecting the children in their care. Because safety standards vary from state to state, consult your licensing standards. Safety Objectives The staff is responsible for providing a safe environment for children. The following are basic objectives toward this goal: • Supervise the children at all times. • Maintain at least the minimum adult-child ratio as required in your state. • Develop safety limits. • Provide a safe environment. • Practice fi re safety. • Protect children from extreme temperatures and the sun. • Develop plans for weather emergencies. • 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. He or she must be prepared to spot potential dangers. 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, hit, kick, or shove. All these actions can endanger others as well as themselves. Young children may not recognize behaviors or actions that can cause injuries. Figure 11.1 Young children can get into dangerous situations in seconds. Supervision is necessary at all times.