Lesson 2: Indoor Safety

Attention

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Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

  • Discuss the importance of indoor space safety, including furniture and toy selection
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Maine Rules for the Licensing of Child Care Facilities
  • Determine appropriate safety practices for infants, toddlers and preschool children

Teaching

Read Chpts 2&3

Familiarize yourself with the State of Maine Rules for the Licensing of Child Care Facilities
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/cclicensing.htm

Familiarize yourself with this Classroom Quality Checklist

Indoor spaces for children should be designed and maintained to prevent injuries. Children need adequate space that allows for movement, quiet/calm activity, wet and dry areas as well as napping if in a full day center. Areas should be arranged to minimize opportunities for accidents and to maximize the use of the space. For example, wet areas should have proper flooring to prevent falls and should not be near electrical hazards. Large motor activities should not be located near quiet areas where children may be playing on the floor, in order to prevent physical collisions and to encourage both movement activities and sedentary play.

All poisons need to be kept in a locked cabinet and/or out of reach of children. This includes cleaning solutions, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. Many common houseplants are poisonous if ingested as well. The poison control phone number should be next to the phone for quick access and information sheets about hazardous materials should be kept in a folder where they can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.
Toys and materials should be chosen based upon the age of the children in the center. Babies and toddlers tend to put more items in their mouths than older children. A good rule of thumb for children under the age of 3 is if it’s small enough to slide through a paper towel roll, then it’s too small to be in the classroom with unlimited child access. Preschool children can use smaller manipulatives than toddlers, but still need to be supervised.

Mobile toddlers are curious and require vigilant adult supervision. They are still learning to control their bodies and can fall easily. They have not developed an understanding of danger and often test boundaries. This age group is at the highest risk for accidents that require medical attention.

Most centers use a checklist tool to ensure they are following proper guidelines. Some create them themselves and others use published checklists, such as the ECERS: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale.

Child Care licensing requires caregivers to be First Aid and CPR trained. This is an important component to child safety. Local hospitals, YMCA’s, fitness centers and community organizations provide this training, usually for a small fee.

Assessment

Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson Quizzes will consist of material from the lesson, the discussions, and from assigned reading. Questions will be True/False, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer. Be sure to review all the Lesson and Reading material prior to starting this quiz.

Lesson 2 Discussion A

“Madelyn is a family child care provider who has generally specialized in infant care. She has decided to continue with the three infants she now cares for, as they grow older. One of them is approaching 12 months, and Madelyn feels that she must safety-proof her home to allow for the change in developmental levels of the children she is caring for. You are a friend who provides early childhood education for a multiage group of children. What advice would you give her to inspect her environment, to anticipate actions and behaviors, and to monitor and modify the environment for safety risks to toddlers?” (Text pg122)

Lesson 2 Discussion B

“Erika is a director of a community college child care center. A new center building is about to be finished, and she has been given a budget for equipping it with furniture, toys, and other items. What safety measures should she look for in furnishing the infant classroom? What toy safety features should she focus on for toys for children under age three?” (text, pg 122) This college is in Maine. What are 2 toys she should provide and which area of development do they support, as required by the Maine Rules for the Licensing of Child Care Facilities?