Health And Safety General Policies
OUTDOOR WALKS
Any outdoor play must be done within the gated area at the Schoolhouse.
ANIMALS
No animals allowed on school grounds or in classrooms.
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING
Due to the liability, we cannot transport anyone.
CHILD PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE
Every family has given a Photo/Video Release to the school, allowing their child to be photographed and/or videotaped during school or school activities. You should not take any videos, but you may take photographs to use in your emails, art projects and portfolios. No pictures should be ever posted on your social media accounts.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits And Have A Plan For Food Allergies
A huge part of creating a healthy classroom environment is providing students with proper nutrition. According to the US Department of Agriculture, childcare providers can help children establish lifelong healthy eating habits by creating a friendly eating environment.
For instance, its essential to always have healthy snacks on hand while limiting things like potato chips and other processed treats. Similarly, provide frequent access to water instead of soda and sweetened beverages. Incorporate healthy food choices and exercise in your daily lessons.
Its also critical to keep track of each students food allergies and medical conditions, and have an allergy plan in place to ensure both that they are snacking on safe foods and other childrens food does not come in contact with theirs. All teachers and staff who handle food should be well-trained on cross-contamination and the signs and symptoms of food allergic reactions. A written and agreed upon safety and treatment plan is a must for children with food allergies.
Child Safety Preventing Poisoning
Young children tend to put every object they find into their mouths. In Victoria, at least two children a day are treated in hospital due to poisoning. Children under five years of age are most at risk, especially those between one and three years. Household products and medicines are the most common cause of poisoning in children. The most serious poisonings usually involve medicines. Safety suggestions to prevent poisoning in children include:
If you think you or someone in your care may have been poisoned, given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine, or been bitten or stung by a bee, wasp, spider, jellyfish or other poisonous creature, try to stay calm. Immediately call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre for advice on . Have the child with you, as well as the container for the substance you think they have been poisoned with. If they were bitten or stung by a creature, try to capture it in a jar for identification .
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Choking And Harm Caused By Swallowing Objects
Child safety to prevent swallowing and choking on objects includes:
- Be aware of foods that children can choke on, such as lollies, apple, meat and nuts.
- Do not give your child objects smaller than a 20 cent coin children under three years can choke on things of this size.
- Be mindful of other household items which can pose a choking hazard including pen tops, hair ties, batteries and coins.
- Encourage children to sit calmly and not eat their meal too quickly.
- Check toys regularly for any small parts that can become a choking hazard.
Tips For Keeping Children Safe: A Developmental Guide
Preschoolers move and play with ease. Climbing, running, and jumping are still favorite activities, and they are becoming much better at them. Many children also begin to pedal tricycles, play sports, and attempt more difficult climbing equipment. Their stronger motor skills give them the confidence to constantly try new things. During these years, preschoolers challenge themselves and develop a better understanding of the consequences of their actions. This trial-and-error approach complements the structure and rules teachers and families provide.
Preschoolers’ growing cognitive and language abilities help them identify and avoid risks. Some children are able to talk about the challenges they would like to take with teachers and family members, while others are more likely to act impulsively. Many children this age are able to discuss safety rules for their classrooms, homes, or communities. They may ask why something happens or why a certain rule exists. When preschoolers question the rules, teachers can help them understand the possible consequences of not following the rules. Through these conversations, preschoolers learn to identify guidelines that will help them make safe choices.
Preschoolers are active learners. Teachers who talk with children about rules and routines help them to make safe choices.
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Insist Public Health Officials Suspend Mrna Vaccines Until States Complete Safety Analyses
ACT NOW: Email Your State Officials
Childrens Health Defense is calling on all medical freedom advocates to join in the campaign to demand all states analyze and release to the public their COVID-19 vaccine data using Floridas model of a self-controlled case series a technique developed to evaluate vaccine safety. Every state must determine if cardiac-related events and other signals are identified and follow the science to protect their citizens.
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo recently announced new guidancerecommending against mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for males ages 18-39 due to an 84% increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death within 28 days following mRNA vaccination.
The recommendation comes after the Florida Department of Health completed an analysis using state data that concluded the risk of vaccination outweighs the benefit for males in that age cohort.
It is evident that we have a problem with cardiac complications that can arise after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges increased cases of myocarditis and pericarditis post-COVID-19 mRNA vaccination among adolescents and young adults.
The following published research makes similarly disturbing conclusions with increased risks of cardiac-related events associated with these vaccines:
Safety Tip No : Provide Age
What to do:Provide age-appropriate, washable child-sized cots or mats for naptime.
Why it works:Cots or mats are close to or on the ground to prevent falls. Cots and bedding need to be washable to maintain a healthy sleep environment. Refer to Caring for Our Children from the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education Standard 5.4.5.1: Sleeping Equipment and Supplies for more details.
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First Aid Kit Supplies
The Director will replenish the First Aid Kits yearly as needed. If items need to be replenished before then, please tell Director. Ice packs are located in freezer. Your First Aid Kit contains:
- Band-Aids of multiple sizes
- Pair disposable latex gloves
- First Aid Fast booklet
- Hand cleansing wipes
- 1-gallon size plastic bags
Fun Safety And Health Activities For Kids In Preschool
When it comes to teaching kids about health and safety, it may be hard to keep their attention especially your youngest students. Thankfully teaching these life skills doesnt have to be boring with these fun activities for preschoolers!
LifeCubby is the only childcare management software created by a center owner. Many of our team members know first-hand how to keep kids attention and make any learning experience a blast.
Heres how you can make the not-so-exciting topics of health and safety subjects your kids will love and learn lots from with these eight fun activities for preschoolers.
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The Importance Of Health And Safety In Early Childhood
- in Posted inManagement Tips
Health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood education are of utmost importance when it comes to operating a high-quality childcare center. While health and safety might seem like basic elements of a good childcare facility, these factors can often be overlooked or neglected. Whether you are a parent searching for the right childcare center for your child or a daycare operator, health and safety should be one of your top priorities.
Safety Tip No : Instruct Preschoolers In The Safe Use Of Outdoor Materials And Equipment
What to do:Teach preschoolers how to use balls, sand tables, and other outdoor equipment. Encourage them to request help if they want assistance when using a climbing structure. Teach preschoolers to use helmets and safety gear when riding tricycles, bicycles, scooters, big wheels, and other riding toys. Refer to the CFOC Appendices for information on fitting helmets properly. Remember, helmets for riding toys should not be worn on playground equipment.
Why it works:Preschoolers use a variety of equipment and materials for outdoor play. Their increasing mastery of their body allows them to use riding toys with ease. Wearing helmets, pads, and other equipment will help to keep them safe from falls, bumps, and bruises. It also provides early modeling to encourage children to wear safety gear to protect them from injury when they are old enough to join a sports team. It’s important to remember, however, that wearing a bicycle helmet when playing on playground equipment poses a strangulation hazard.
By offering clear rules and active supervision, caregivers make it possible for preschoolers to engage safely in a range of activities. Learning safety rules will help them as they play in other outdoor spaces at home and in the community, as well.
Safety Tip No. 2: Teach pedestrian safety techniques
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Health And Safety Getting It Right In Early Years Settings
Melanie Pilcher, policy and standards manager at the Early Years Alliance, outlines the importance of maintaining a comprehensive health and safety policy
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, with the opportunity to develop in an environment both safe and secure.
Parents who use early years services should be able to do so with the utmost confidence that their children will be getting the best possible experiences and are protected from harm at all times.
The Early Years Foundation Stage s safeguarding and welfare requirements is the framework that provides this assurance.
The general legal requirements, including those concerning health and safety, are supported by more detailed specific legal requirements.
Both the general and specific legal requirements have the force of regulations and must be complied with by all early years providers.
The EYFS welfare requirements also contain statutory guidance that all providers must have regard to, as it underpins the general and specific requirements.
As providers, we have a corporate responsibility and duty of care towards those who work in and receive a service from our settings.
Individual employees and service users also have responsibility for ensuring their own health and safety as well as that of others.
A comprehensive set of policies and procedures written to meet the EYFS welfare requirements is the key means through which this is achieved.
The EYFS requires that:
Microwave Safety And Children
Microwaving causes uneven heating within fluids and the temperature continues to rise for a short time after food is removed from the microwave. This makes it easy to misjudge the temperature of food or drink. Safety suggestions include:
- Make sure the microwave is out of reach of children.
- Take care when heating liquids in a microwave. If no alternative is available, heat the bottle standing up without a cap for around 30 seconds . Replace the cap and teat, shake gently and allow the bottle to stand for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Test the temperature before offering a bottle to your baby. Remember, if the liquid feels very warm to you, it is too hot for your baby to drink.
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But They Still Cannot:
- understand or recognize a new or unknown risk.
- always remember rules when excited, or in a situation that requires them to process many pieces of information, or caught up in active play.
- judge the distance or speed of objects. These skills develop later.
- always control themselves when they hear no or is asked to slow down.
- always make the connection between action and result.
Safety Tip No : Store And Lock Poisonous Products
What to do:Place cleaning products and medications in locked cabinets out of preschoolers’ reach. Store staff coats, purses, and bags in closets or outside the classroom.
Why it works:Preschoolers continue to explore their environment by testing out the unknown. Preschoolers who find a bottle of chemicals might try to use it or may spill it onto their skin. They may try to open a medication bottle and take the medication. These actions could burn or poison the child. Storing all poisons in a locked area and keeping personal belongings out of reach protect children from injury. Furthermore, talking to preschoolers about why unsafe materials need to be kept out of reach and locked away will help them learn why certain products are unsafe.
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Practice The Stop Drop And Roll Technique
Crucial for fire safety, the stop, drop, and roll can make all the differenceand be a really fun game for your high-energy preschooler. Once they have the hang of it, turn it into a spontaneous game you play at odd times, like while watching TV or getting ready for school. When your child remembers the routine at the drop of a hat, theyre more likely to use it if they ever need it.
Minor Injuries: Administer Treatment Notify Parents At Pickup
Nose Bleeds
- DO: Lean child forward, pinch bridge of nose with clean dressing, press harder til bleeding stops
- EMERGENCY: Call 911 if bleeding doesnt stop after 15 minutes
Minor Cuts/Scrapes
- DO: Wash with soap and water, dry, apply Band-Aid
Bites
- DO: Wash with soap and water ice if bruising or swelling
- PARENTS: If broke skin, tell them to take child to Dr to see if child needs tetanus shot
Eye Injury
- DO: Flush small objects out with water
- EMERGENCY: Call 911 if object punctures eye
Minor Fall/Bruise/Sprain
- SYMPTOMS: Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching of skin, raised red rash
- DO: Watch if reaction worsens
Bee Sting/Insect Bites
- DO: Wash with soap & water ice area watch child for signs of allergic reaction
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How Do You Teach Preschoolers About Safety
Safety activity ideas fit naturally into the course of a day, as adults play, work, travel, cook and explore with kids.
Look for opportunities to remind children and explain to them how to stay safe. Model wise safety practices at all times.
Teaching preschoolers about safety can be accomplished through fun and non-scary methods that inspire confidence and not fear.
Here are some ideas for safety activities for 3 to 6-year-olds that will help them understand the concept.
Emergency Injuries: Call 911 Administer Treatment Notify Parents When Child Is Getting Proper Care Via Phone Call Notify Director Fill Out Incident Report
Severe Allergic Reaction
- SYMPTOMS: Trouble breathing, swelling of tongue/face, fainting
- DO: Check childs med. form, get epi pen, take off safety cap, press hard into side of thigh, hold 5 seconds. Dispose of epi pen safely and have child rub puncture site. Call 911.
Poisonous Insect Bite
- Uncontrolled discharge from the nose
- Infected skin patches
- Cries inconsolably or is unable to participate in class activities
- Hand Foot Mouth Disease
- Fever of 100F or greater
- Strep throat or illnesses requiring antibiotics
- Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
- Lice or nits in the hair
- Skin rash accompanied by behavior change or previous fever
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Safe Food Preparation And Precautions
You can prevent most cases of foodborne illness by being careful when you prepare and store food. Wash your hands and working surfaces while preparing food, cook foods to safe temperatures, and refrigerate foods promptly. Be especially careful when you cook or heat perishable foods, such as eggs, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, milk, and milk products.
To help prevent foodborne illness:
For more information, see the topic Foodborne Illness and Safe Food Handling.
Overall Health Of Preschoolers
First, as a preschool teacher, you know that childhood obesity is on the rise. Can we do anything about that in the classroom?
Actually, we can. There are very specific things you can do as a preschool teacher to help this issue.
and learn about the 3 things YOU can do!
Unless you have a degree in nutrition, it is not easy to know how much is enough food.
It’s not easy to know how much of each food group a preschool needs.
The USDA has an awesome program to help figure this out by age and activity level!
Finding snacks that are healthy can be tricky!
What can you offer as alternative healthy snacks in your classroom?
So, what if they don’t WANT to eat–those picky eaters! But are they “picky”?
They could be tired, not feeling well or, simply, just not hungry!
You and I pretty much eat when we are hungry but expect our children to eat on demand!
And, yes, there are children who seem to be picky eaters-they just will NOT try a new food!
Learn about the 5 Rs of Picky Eaters here.
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Team Up With Parents And Families
Creating healthy and safe preschool classrooms also requires parental participation. Thats why its important to always keep communication lines open, so youre on the same page with your students parents and families.
Parent communication is key, and its important to enforce school sick policies so parents keep sick students home. Teachers can communicate with parents and keep them in the loop on what the class is working on so parents may also provide at-home learning experiences. This is a great way for children not to get left out of the learning process. While you may struggle to communicate with some families, its important to put forth your best effort and do everything you can to support their childs health.
Child Safety Preventing Falls
Falling is the most common cause of injury for children of all ages. The seriousness of an injury depends on the height the child falls from, the surface the child falls onto and what the child may hit as they fall. A standing and toddling baby has frequent minor falls. To minimise fall injuries, look at the environment from your childs level.Safety suggestions include:
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