Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 209 Second, staff members must select safe play yard equipment. Safer equipment eliminates many preventable accidents. Many products are available today to help children enjoy safe outdoor play. Third, staff must evaluate existing equipment for safety. Older equipment often does not meet current safety standards. This equipment often contains hazards not found on newer equipment. These hazards include head entrapments, sharp edges, hard swing seats, and all-metal slides. Staff should research laws on play yard equipment safety. They must be sure their program complies with these requirements. Next, staff can seek tips from professional organizations regarding play yard safety. These tips can offer extra protection by exceeding legal requirements. The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) estimates that 30 percent of all injuries are due to poor maintenance. As equipment ages, it is likely to need upkeep and repair. For this reason, all play yard equipment must be checked often for dangers. Many programs devise a safety checklist to guide teachers in inspecting the play yard. Teachers conduct weekly checks, fi ll out the checklist, and give it to the director. The director must then arrange for needed repairs or maintenance. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, staff are responsible for supervising children on the play yard. Even the safest equipment can cause accidents when it is not used properly. Limits must be set and enforced regarding equipment use. Children can be involved in setting these limits, if developmentally appropriate. Teachers must closely watch children using the equipment and step in when needed. Staff should praise children who are practicing safety. Transportation Motor vehicle accidents pose the greatest threats to children’s lives. Vans, buses, and other vehicles owned by the center should have safety door locks and safety restraints installed according to manufacturers’ specifi cations. • All children should be transported in an approved Child Safety Restraint System (CSRS). They must remain in the CSRS until they weigh more than 50 pounds. • Children up to age 3 should ride in a rear- facing car seat until they reach the seat’s height or weight limits. • Children age 4–7 should ride in a forward- facing car seat with a harness until they reach the seat’s height or weight limits. • Children age 8–12 who have outgrown car seats need a booster seat, lap belt, and shoulder harness. • Check with the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration website for individual state laws. Train all staff and parent volunteers on the proper use of safety seats. While riding in any center vehicles, children should be fastened in a properly adjusted seat belt or safety seat. Do not allow children to put their arms or heads out of the vehicle’s windows. When a number of children are riding in a vehicle, extra adult supervision may be required. Center vehicles should be equipped for emergency situations. A fi rst aid kit for treating minor injuries should be located in each vehicle. Moreover, a fi re extinguisher and tools for changing tires should also be present in each vehicle. Vehicle drivers should be informed how to use these items. Building Security Safety measures must be taken to control unauthorized access to the building. Some centers Figure 11.3 An impact-absorbing surface was installed under this playground equipment to prevent serious injuries related to falls.