Safety policies should be planned in case of injuries, to protect children, and to promote safe practices in early childhood education indoor environment (Robertson, 2010).There are many causes of injuries in daycares. Some of the most common are falls, choking, burns, drowning, and poisoning. Since children spend most of their time indoors while at daycare, there should be a screening that includes environmental hazards such as secondhand smoke, lead, asbestos, chemicals, and anything else that might be a risk in their environment (Robertson, 2010).
One thing you can do to keep a child from falling is to put toddler gates on stairways and lock all doors to cellar, attic, and porches. It would also help to keep all sharp edged furniture from areas where they play the most. Have handrails available on the stairs and show the children how to use them properly while going up or down the stairs ( Robertson, 2010).
Since toddlers are the developmental group with the most potential unsafe practice use, they are always on the go and trying new things. They are curious about their surroundings and they are at risk of getting hurt at all times. They always stick things in their mouths. To prevent a child from choking some safety measures to follow are to always check the floors and any other reachable area for small objects such as pins, coins, and buttons. You should always watch what you feed a child and make sure that they can swallow what you give them. Foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, hard candy, and popcorn can be given to older children but keep them away from children under one ( Robertson, 2010).
Since toddlers are curious, they like to learn so they like to watch adults with cleaning and cooking. To prevent a child from burning themselves we need to keep all pot handles to the back of stove while cooking. Keep electric cords out of reach and use shock stops to cover used and unused outlets. Teach the children what the meaning of hot is and the different types of hot ( Robertson, 2010).
Drowning can be prevented by supervising a child while they are near water at all times. To prevent children from getting poisoned just keep all the cleaning supplies, makeup, and medicines put up high, preferably in locked cabinets. Just in case, keep the poison control number next to the phone so that you can always call in an emergency. It is also a must to get the children tested for lead poisoning during their checkups at the doctor Robertson, 2010).
Parents and teachers should always stay in touch about the progress of the child. Parents should also work with the teachers at keeping the children safe. If the parents will use these safety procedures at home as well, the children will have the same safe environment at home as well. Cooperation and communication between the adults is what will keep the children safe. As long as they work together the children will learn and grow.
Reference
Robertson, C. (2010). Safety, nutrition, and health in early education (4th ed.). Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
A lot of what you mentioned in your post is common sense, but things that people don't always think of when around children. Childproofing a home or childcare center can take time because you need to think of all the things a toddler or preschooler might get into. And then, too, they usually find something you overlooked or never thought about. We can never keep them totally injury free, but we can do our best to ensure the environment they are in has their best interests in mind and is as free of obstacles and danger as possible.
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