POLICY: Our caregivers will take every reasonable precaution to create a safe environment and prevent injuries to the children in our care, as is the right of each child.
PURPOSE: To ensure every child's safety.
To assure parents that we are knowledgeable, caring, attentive caregivers.
To alert employees that child safety is the responsibility of all and that neglecting that responsibility may cause disciplinary action to be taken.
PROCEDURE:
- Caregivers will have their “group” of children in constant view. The caregiver will position herself with her back to the wall, fence, or corner, so that children cannot be out of visual range.
- Caregivers will concentrate attention on the children continuously while with them.
- The caregiver will avoid all distractions.
- If attention needs to be directed elsewhere for a period of time, alert another team member to watch over the group.
- Caregivers will be aware of each child's stage of development and always assure appropriate activities for that child, indoors and out.
- When a child is trying a new activity, station yourself at his/her side.
- When children are playing on a piece of equipment known to be risky, stand close by to be there with them.
- Caregivers will make a visual observation of an area for safety, before taking the children into it. (i.e., play yard, park, or another room)
- Any animals in the play space?
- Any foreign objects or body waste in the sand?
- Trees, fences, power lines and ground intact?
- Spot potential trouble areas.
- Caregivers will inspect their own rooms for safety hazards and fix them, daily.
- Does the injury log identify problem areas in the facility and yard? Have those problems been solved?
- Are staff demonstrating awareness of hazards for children?
References:
https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/child-care-safety
https://cchp.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra181/f/11_CCHA_Injury_0506.pdf