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Chapter One: Setting Up and Managing a Safe Environment. Safety Policies. Caregivers are responsible for the safest possible environment Designing a safety policy What needs to be done? Understand what safety hazards may be present in any child-care environment
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Safety Policies Caregivers are responsible for the safest possible environment Designing a safety policy What needs to be done? Understand what safety hazards may be present in any child-care environment Know hazards addressed by local licensing/fire boards Be aware of safety hazards in the specific care environment Know and address developmental abilities
What needs to be done? What process will be followed? Who is responsible for making sure process is followed? Are there any time parameters or limitations?
Three components of a clearly written safety policy Process/Action Includes guidelines Responsible caregiver
Child Care Safety Policies Should Cover Creating safe environments Injury Prevention Management = forestalling or anticipating injury risk Developing a safety plan Methods and practices for caregivers
Creating Safe Environments A caregiver should Know applicable safety practices for child care Screen environment for hazards and remove Use safety devices, where applicable Monitor for environmental hazards
Know developmental levels of children Promote safety through action, word, and deed Role model safety practices to children and parents Be aware of conditions that contribute to injury Closely observe children, especially during at-risk conditions
Type of Environment Child Care Centers Child care centers governed by licensing Child care centers that are multi-use facilities Child care centers that are not subject to rules and regulations Family Child Care Homes In-Home Child Care
The Age of Children in Care Infants Cephlocaudal and Proximodistal Development Gross and Fine Motor Skills Toddlers Preschoolers School Age Multi-Age Groups
The Community Surrounding Child Care Liabilities Safety hazards, conditions, and behaviors The Child’s Family Environment Safe At-Risk
What type of injury occurred? How did the injury happen? Why did the injury occur? Where did the injury occur? When did the injury happen? ABCs of Childhood Injuries
Injury Prevention Management Injury Triad Accessory How? Child at risk for injury Condition When/Where? Behavior Why?
Physical and environmental hazards Lack of safety devices Accessory
By Child Developmental level Emotions Stress Imitation Behavior
By Adult Inattention Lack of knowledge Lack of communication Lack of safety precautions Emotions Stress
Where Place Indoors/Outdoors When Time of day Tired, hungry, in a hurry Conditions
Anticipation Room by room and outdoor inspection for safety From developmental level of children in care Accessories, behaviors, and conditions Constructing a Safety Plan for Child Care
Modifications Removal of hazards and use of safety devices Modify behavior using feedback, positive reinforcement, diversion, role playing through practice drills
Monitoring Ongoing process Formalized Use checklists Study injury reports Observation is foremost activity in monitoring
Implications for Caregivers Role Modeling Safe practices Education Caregivers Children Parents
Observation Accessories Behaviors Conditions Supervision
Reality Check: Child Custody and the Impact on a Child Care Center Children may come to care with unresolved custody issues Defining type of custody (see page 42)
Custody orders give clear guidelines to caregiver as to who is allowed to pick up child Authorization by custodial parent for noncustodial parent to pick up child is possible with a signed document, not a phone call No authorization, noncustodial parent is not allowed to pick up child
Child care center or caregiver should not act as a mediator in cases where custody is not formal A legal document should be provided by parent(s) Policy for this issue should be developed and followed
Safe staff to child ratio Child care training Pay attention Avoid conflict Reality Check:Child Care Safety Checklist for Parents
Understand and avoid risks to health, safety, and nutrition Use developmental appropriate practice Facility licensed or registered, if required Open door policy for parents
