Physical activity is very important to our early childhood education students for many reasons. Encouraging a child to become physically active, will help develop and build their gross motor skills (running, jumping, kicking, throwing, catching), small motor skills (art, sidewalk chalk, sand play, cooking), physical development, mental development (preschoolers love dramatic play), and social development (taking turns, sharing, group pretend play). Preschoolers child development; Developmental Milestones, by Vincent Iannelli, M.D> June 14, 2006 (http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/growthdevelopment/a/child_dev_5.htm?p=1)
Children, who are not physically active, run a much greater risk of becoming obese and developing type two diabetes. As most parents, caregivers and adults are aware, children who are overweight are more likely to be picked on, (ridiculed and made fun of) at school, than children who are within the normal limits, thus decreasing their self-esteem.
As adults we should encourage children to be physically fit, by teaching them new games, and introducing them to new activities. Some of the “get up and go” activities could include; Baseball (America’s Favorite Past-time!), Jump rope, and my all time favorite; Hop Scotch! A good fine motor skill is always; Sand Play. Children love playing in sand, using the shovel, taking the little cars and riding through the sand. This is definitely a hit among the “little people.”
It’s relatively simple; good health habits now (early childhood) which includes being physically fit and maintaining a healthy diet, will ensure a much healthier, and longer life as an adult, not to mention these important steps will also help the child academically now. Children who are not hungry and sick, can and will learn better than children who are sick, hungry and undernourished.
According to the CDC, “Our nation’s young people are, in large measure, inactive, unfit, and increasingly overweight. In the long run, this physical inactivity threatens to reverse the decades-long progress we have made in reducing death from cardiovascular diseases and to devastate our national health care budget. In the short run, physical inactivity has contributed to an unprecedented epidemic of childhood obesity that is currently plaguing the United States.” http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/promoting_health/
Why is Physical Fitness So Important In Young Children?
· Physical exercise keeps away obesity in children
· Builds muscular strength and mighty bones
· Helps in overall growth, development and strength
· Helps them perform better in school and studies
· Defends diseases like type 2 diabetes and controls cholesterol
(http://www.allforkidsindia.com/allforkids/Resources/Exercise.aspx)
Some Developmental Skills By Age 4 Include:
Hand-Eye Coordination
Language
Physical
Social & Emotional
Mathematical
Creative Arts
Pretend Play
Music
Thinking/Problem Solving
(http://www.nickjr.com/parenting/ages_and_stages/4/age_4_profile.jhtml)
Children develop skills in five main areas of development:
1. Cognitive Development: This is the child's ability to learn and solve problems. For example, this includes a two-month-old baby learning to explore the environment with hands or eyes or a five-year-old learning how to do simple math problems.
2. Social and Emotional Development: This is the child's ability to interact with others, including helping themselves and self-control. Examples of this type of development would include: a six-week-old baby smiling, a ten-month-old baby waving bye-bye, or a five-year-old boy knowing how to take turns in games at school.
3. Speech and Language Development: This is the child's ability to both understand and use language. For example, this includes a 12-month-old baby saying his first words, two-year-old naming parts of her body, or a five-year-old learning to say "feet" instead of "foots".
4. Fine Motor Skill Development: This is the child's ability to use small muscles, specifically their hands and fingers, to pick up small objects, hold a spoon, turn pages in a book, or use a crayon to draw.
5. Gross Motor Skill Development: This is the child's ability to use large muscles. For example, a six-month-old baby learns how to sit up with some support, a 12-month-old baby learns to pull up to a stand holding onto furniture, and a five-year-old learns to skip.
(http://www.howkidsdevelop.com/developSkills.html)
References:
http://www.nickjr.com/parenting/ages_and_stages/4/age_4_profile.jhtml
http://www.howkidsdevelop.com/developSkills.html
(http://www.allforkidsindia.com/allforkids/Resources/Exercise.aspx)
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/promoting_health/
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NUTRITION
Good nutrition is imperative to the well being and proper growth of a child. According to the food pyramid, children in the age group that we serve need; Grains (6 oz each day) Vegetables (2 ½ cups) Fruit (1 ½ cup) Milk (3 cups) children 2-8 (2 cups) and meat (5 oz each day) http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html
.
As stated previously, adults MUST help children develop healthy eating habits because it is so vital to their development. One way that we as adults and caregivers can do this is to practice healthy eating in front of the child. Instead of grabbing sugary snacks to munch on, make an effort to grab that yogurt instead. And when we grab the yogurt, do so and make mention out loud why we are not grabbing the alternate choice. Tell the child we are choosing this snack over the other because it will help our bones become stronger, it will increase our vision and make our skin softer. Fun games are great ways to teach children about proper nutrition.
APPLE COOKIES
1/2 cup margarine1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon cloves1 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon nutmeg2 cups enriched flour1 teaspoon soda1 cup chopped and pared apples1/4 cup apple juice or milk1 egg1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
Combine margarine, sugars, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Sift flour with soda.
Add 1/2 of flour mixture to margarine mixture and blend.
Stir in apples, raisins, apple juice or milk, and egg.
Add the remaining flour; mix.
Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 11 to 14 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet while hot.
Optional: Spread with a thin glaze of powdered sugar and vanilla. Although this may not be a good alternative for a healthy nutritional snack, it does make for a nice (optional) treat!Yield: 30 servingsServing size: 1 cookieSnack Suggestion: One apple cookie and 1/2 cup of chocolate milk
BAHAMA BAGELS
1/3 cup low fat cream cheese1 tablespoon chopped walnuts1 tablespoon crushed pineapple2 bagels, sliced in halfMix cream cheese, pineapple, and nuts in small bowl. Spread on each half of the bagels. Serve
MELTED CHEESE CHEWS
For the beginning cook, these can be a successful learning experience. Everybody raves because they taste so good. You'll need:Whole-wheat bread (for variety, use taco shells or pita pockets) Cheddar cheese, preferably low fat, gratedCorn oil margarineToast the bread on one side, either under the broiler or in a toaster oven: Spread margarine on the untoasted side, and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese. Cut the bread into strips or triangles, toast until cheese is melted, and enjoy. Or try spreading peanut butter on bread or pita pockets cut in wedges. Pop into a microwave for a really quick treat.
These recipes were taken from the website: http://www.nncc.org/Nutrition/recipe.kid.html
It may sound a bit redundant but we must make nutrition as fun as possible for children. We are competing with so many colorful junk food items these days we must be properly equipped to fight the battle before us. The only way to do this is to make it both fun and enjoyable for the student.
.
As stated previously, adults MUST help children develop healthy eating habits because it is so vital to their development. One way that we as adults and caregivers can do this is to practice healthy eating in front of the child. Instead of grabbing sugary snacks to munch on, make an effort to grab that yogurt instead. And when we grab the yogurt, do so and make mention out loud why we are not grabbing the alternate choice. Tell the child we are choosing this snack over the other because it will help our bones become stronger, it will increase our vision and make our skin softer. Fun games are great ways to teach children about proper nutrition.
APPLE COOKIES
1/2 cup margarine1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon cloves1 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon nutmeg2 cups enriched flour1 teaspoon soda1 cup chopped and pared apples1/4 cup apple juice or milk1 egg1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
Combine margarine, sugars, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Sift flour with soda.
Add 1/2 of flour mixture to margarine mixture and blend.
Stir in apples, raisins, apple juice or milk, and egg.
Add the remaining flour; mix.
Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 11 to 14 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet while hot.
Optional: Spread with a thin glaze of powdered sugar and vanilla. Although this may not be a good alternative for a healthy nutritional snack, it does make for a nice (optional) treat!Yield: 30 servingsServing size: 1 cookieSnack Suggestion: One apple cookie and 1/2 cup of chocolate milk
BAHAMA BAGELS
1/3 cup low fat cream cheese1 tablespoon chopped walnuts1 tablespoon crushed pineapple2 bagels, sliced in halfMix cream cheese, pineapple, and nuts in small bowl. Spread on each half of the bagels. Serve
MELTED CHEESE CHEWS
For the beginning cook, these can be a successful learning experience. Everybody raves because they taste so good. You'll need:Whole-wheat bread (for variety, use taco shells or pita pockets) Cheddar cheese, preferably low fat, gratedCorn oil margarineToast the bread on one side, either under the broiler or in a toaster oven: Spread margarine on the untoasted side, and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese. Cut the bread into strips or triangles, toast until cheese is melted, and enjoy. Or try spreading peanut butter on bread or pita pockets cut in wedges. Pop into a microwave for a really quick treat.
These recipes were taken from the website: http://www.nncc.org/Nutrition/recipe.kid.html
It may sound a bit redundant but we must make nutrition as fun as possible for children. We are competing with so many colorful junk food items these days we must be properly equipped to fight the battle before us. The only way to do this is to make it both fun and enjoyable for the student.
We have just transitioned from one center to another, and we noticed that Little Boy Blue is in the reading area unconscious. It is evident that he needs CPR immediately. I ask a teacher (by name) to call 911, I ask another teacher to phone the child’s parent, and then I check the airway for blockage (A), then I start the first part of the rescue breathing (B), afterwards, I am checking the circulation (C) which is feeling for a pulse. If it is necessary that I continue, I will until the medial responders arrive.
If the child is choking, we will take the necessary steps to help expel whatever it is that’s causing the choking. Instructions taken from:
(http://www.ehow.com/how_15398_heimlich-maneuver-child.html)
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
· Telephones
Step1
Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911.
Step2
Squat behind your child as she stands in front of you.
Step3
Place one hand on top of the pelvis line, in the middle of the abdomen. Put your other hand on top of the first. Pull upward, forcefully, toward the child's nose, in a series of five quick thrusts. If that doesn't work:
Step4
Place the child face down across your lap. Put one fist below the point where the ribs meet the breastbone.
Step5
Give a solid whack to the back, between the lower shoulder blades, with your other hand.
Step6
If the child begins to lose consciousness, lower her slowly to the floor. Be sure an emergency squad has been called.
Step7
Straddle your child's thighs or sit at her side. Sit at her feet if she is very young.
Step8
Put the heel of one hand at the belly button and thrust upward toward the nose five times. These motions are called abdominal thrusts.
Step9
Open the child's mouth and look inside to see if you have dislodged the foreign body. If you see a foreign body, sweep it out with a hooked finger. Tilt your child's head to the side, in case of vomiting.
Step10
Attempt to open the airway by tilting her head and lifting her chin. Look and listen for signs of breathing.
Step11
Give your child a breath by pinching her nose with your fingers and putting your lips over her mouth to form a tight seal. Exhale forcefully into her mouth. Watch to see if her chest rises with your breath. If not, your child's airway is still blocked.
Step12
Continue with abdominal thrusts.
It is imperative that measures are put in place PRIOR to needing them, this way everyone knows what is expected of them in a particular situation. Of course no one knows what they will actually do, (heaven forbid) if a serious situation arises, but drills and precautionary measures must be put in place so everyone will have a general idea of what to do. Each staff member should be required to complete the Basic First Aid and CPR classes that are given at the Red Cross, or from some other licensed participant. Reading a book, does not prepare you for the actual scene. At our center, each staff is required to have these items. When my son was nine (9), I allowed him to accompany his dad for the trainings.
Each year the children have a lesson on how to dial 911, and when to dial 911. Parents are given all types of literature on preventive measures. However, unfortunately, the majority of them don’t even skim through the first page. First aid training is another biggie that parents and caregivers must be knowledgeable of. We try to educate everyone, because no one can pick when or who will be involved in a crisis.
Parents should (however, most of them don’t), have a First Aid kit at home or even in the car. I was at Wal-Mart a few years ago, and noticed in the aisle by the checkout counter, there was a personal first aid kit; I (thinking it was cute) grabbed one, paid for it and stuck it in my car. Well, if nothing else came in handy, the band aids sure did, primarily because I have boys. Needless to say, we should all have first aid kits throughout our homes and in our vehicles, and the best thing about it is that they are very inexpensive. Planning is so very important. Also, one of the most important details in getting help to someone is to delegate “individually” and by that I mean to specifically ask a person by name to contact 911 or the parent. If you just scream out; “dial 911 or someone dial 911,” chances are 911 will not be called, because each person is thinking the other person is going to call.
However, if you specifically ask someone by name, then that person is aware that he/she has that duty. Getting the emergency responders to the scene as quick as possible can make all the difference in the world
If the child is choking, we will take the necessary steps to help expel whatever it is that’s causing the choking. Instructions taken from:
(http://www.ehow.com/how_15398_heimlich-maneuver-child.html)
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
· Telephones
Step1
Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911.
Step2
Squat behind your child as she stands in front of you.
Step3
Place one hand on top of the pelvis line, in the middle of the abdomen. Put your other hand on top of the first. Pull upward, forcefully, toward the child's nose, in a series of five quick thrusts. If that doesn't work:
Step4
Place the child face down across your lap. Put one fist below the point where the ribs meet the breastbone.
Step5
Give a solid whack to the back, between the lower shoulder blades, with your other hand.
Step6
If the child begins to lose consciousness, lower her slowly to the floor. Be sure an emergency squad has been called.
Step7
Straddle your child's thighs or sit at her side. Sit at her feet if she is very young.
Step8
Put the heel of one hand at the belly button and thrust upward toward the nose five times. These motions are called abdominal thrusts.
Step9
Open the child's mouth and look inside to see if you have dislodged the foreign body. If you see a foreign body, sweep it out with a hooked finger. Tilt your child's head to the side, in case of vomiting.
Step10
Attempt to open the airway by tilting her head and lifting her chin. Look and listen for signs of breathing.
Step11
Give your child a breath by pinching her nose with your fingers and putting your lips over her mouth to form a tight seal. Exhale forcefully into her mouth. Watch to see if her chest rises with your breath. If not, your child's airway is still blocked.
Step12
Continue with abdominal thrusts.
It is imperative that measures are put in place PRIOR to needing them, this way everyone knows what is expected of them in a particular situation. Of course no one knows what they will actually do, (heaven forbid) if a serious situation arises, but drills and precautionary measures must be put in place so everyone will have a general idea of what to do. Each staff member should be required to complete the Basic First Aid and CPR classes that are given at the Red Cross, or from some other licensed participant. Reading a book, does not prepare you for the actual scene. At our center, each staff is required to have these items. When my son was nine (9), I allowed him to accompany his dad for the trainings.
Each year the children have a lesson on how to dial 911, and when to dial 911. Parents are given all types of literature on preventive measures. However, unfortunately, the majority of them don’t even skim through the first page. First aid training is another biggie that parents and caregivers must be knowledgeable of. We try to educate everyone, because no one can pick when or who will be involved in a crisis.
Parents should (however, most of them don’t), have a First Aid kit at home or even in the car. I was at Wal-Mart a few years ago, and noticed in the aisle by the checkout counter, there was a personal first aid kit; I (thinking it was cute) grabbed one, paid for it and stuck it in my car. Well, if nothing else came in handy, the band aids sure did, primarily because I have boys. Needless to say, we should all have first aid kits throughout our homes and in our vehicles, and the best thing about it is that they are very inexpensive. Planning is so very important. Also, one of the most important details in getting help to someone is to delegate “individually” and by that I mean to specifically ask a person by name to contact 911 or the parent. If you just scream out; “dial 911 or someone dial 911,” chances are 911 will not be called, because each person is thinking the other person is going to call.
However, if you specifically ask someone by name, then that person is aware that he/she has that duty. Getting the emergency responders to the scene as quick as possible can make all the difference in the world
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The American Red Cross Emergency Planning Guide stated that most of the content was merely common sense approaches. I could not agree more. If a hurricane is coming, or a warning is announced, “common sense” would tell you not to go out. At our center we watch the news, listen to the weather report, and sometimes even contact the local weather anchor for further guidance. During the last tropical storm/ hurricane (I believe it was August of 2008), we decided to close the center for the entire day. The meteorologist stated the rain should arrive around 3 or 4 “tomorrow” afternoon, but we felt it was best to not open at all. Our main reasons were the safety of the children (parents would still try to get their children to school) and safety for the staff (how would we make it home in the middle of a storm?) especially being that this is a very rural area (plenty of clay dirt roads). The parents were “livid!” They could not understand why the center had to close down for the entire day because the weatherman said it wasn’t going to rain until sometime that next afternoon. Well, fast forward, the rain actually began around 2:00 o’clock in the morning, and flooded pretty much all the roads! So dealing with tropical storms, and hurricanes, I agree with the book, “use common sense.”
School Shooting....
We are a small center, and I’m sure (and prayerful) that this will never happen at our center. However, we did have a situation where a convict had escaped from the local prison. How we happened to find out about it was when a parent of an elementary school aged child called us to ask had we heard about the search. I immediately became enraged because not the Sheriff’s office or the local Police had the common courtesy to contact us of what was going on. I took the liberty of contacting both departments to find what their reasoning was for not notifying us. Not surprisingly they had no excuse or reason to offer. I informed them of how close we were to the prison and how if anyone should’ve been notified we should’ve been one of the first. Sometimes, centers and childcare homes, are the last (if ever) to be notified.
It is a Florida state requirement that the center door remain unlocked during operating hours. However, since our center has more than one door, we have decided to lock the “main” door which leads to the street, and keep the door in the kitchen unlocked. This way, if anyone ever tries to burst in, at least the children are not readily exposed. If someone were to bust into the center, all of us are disbursed throughout the center and equipped with telephones, so someone would immediately contact the local authorities.
In today’s time, everyone needs to always be aware. I am not originally from Florida, I was born and raised in New York, and the nonchalant attitude the southerners possess is beyond me. I am critical of everyone. I look at everyone with the crooked eye. The people here are so trusting, it’s unhealthy. They still leave their doors unlocked. What’s up with that???? For your safety and the safety of everyone around you, especially the children in your care, you must be alert, and prepared. How do you prepare? Being alert is the number one way to be alert. Be aware of what’s happening around you. Know what is predicted and when (related to the weather). Knowledge is power in more ways than one.
After that particular storm, that was very devastating here, we actually had a meeting with the parents, to explain that our number one concern was the safety of THEIR children, and we would expect for them to be onboard and in agreement when planning for these types of situations. For goodness sakes, this is Florida, so it’s not like a hurricane is out of the ordinary. We sent papers home with the children to help the parents better prepare for the next hurricane. Stock up on can foods and water. Don’t wait until you hear of a hurricane or tropical storm coming before you go out and buy these supplies. Each time you go to the grocery store, pick up a can or two and one gallon of water, store it in the closet along with a pack of candles and matches. Candles without matches are pretty useless. Planning is so important. During Fire Prevention Week, the local fire department comes by the center, and brings the truck (as I’m sure they do everywhere), and the children learn the basics about fire safety, which of course they take home and share with their parents. Aside from our first aid kit, the Director and Lead Teacher each have a folder with the names and emergency contact information of each child at the center. So, in the event it’s ever needed, all we have to do is grab one folder and it’s complete with everything pertaining to that child. I watch the news and weather a lot. I do not believe in taking chances with my life or the life of those entrusted to me, therefore, if I felt it were necessary to close the center for the day of the predicted storm, then we would do that. Safety is number one.
School Shooting....
We are a small center, and I’m sure (and prayerful) that this will never happen at our center. However, we did have a situation where a convict had escaped from the local prison. How we happened to find out about it was when a parent of an elementary school aged child called us to ask had we heard about the search. I immediately became enraged because not the Sheriff’s office or the local Police had the common courtesy to contact us of what was going on. I took the liberty of contacting both departments to find what their reasoning was for not notifying us. Not surprisingly they had no excuse or reason to offer. I informed them of how close we were to the prison and how if anyone should’ve been notified we should’ve been one of the first. Sometimes, centers and childcare homes, are the last (if ever) to be notified.
It is a Florida state requirement that the center door remain unlocked during operating hours. However, since our center has more than one door, we have decided to lock the “main” door which leads to the street, and keep the door in the kitchen unlocked. This way, if anyone ever tries to burst in, at least the children are not readily exposed. If someone were to bust into the center, all of us are disbursed throughout the center and equipped with telephones, so someone would immediately contact the local authorities.
In today’s time, everyone needs to always be aware. I am not originally from Florida, I was born and raised in New York, and the nonchalant attitude the southerners possess is beyond me. I am critical of everyone. I look at everyone with the crooked eye. The people here are so trusting, it’s unhealthy. They still leave their doors unlocked. What’s up with that???? For your safety and the safety of everyone around you, especially the children in your care, you must be alert, and prepared. How do you prepare? Being alert is the number one way to be alert. Be aware of what’s happening around you. Know what is predicted and when (related to the weather). Knowledge is power in more ways than one.
After that particular storm, that was very devastating here, we actually had a meeting with the parents, to explain that our number one concern was the safety of THEIR children, and we would expect for them to be onboard and in agreement when planning for these types of situations. For goodness sakes, this is Florida, so it’s not like a hurricane is out of the ordinary. We sent papers home with the children to help the parents better prepare for the next hurricane. Stock up on can foods and water. Don’t wait until you hear of a hurricane or tropical storm coming before you go out and buy these supplies. Each time you go to the grocery store, pick up a can or two and one gallon of water, store it in the closet along with a pack of candles and matches. Candles without matches are pretty useless. Planning is so important. During Fire Prevention Week, the local fire department comes by the center, and brings the truck (as I’m sure they do everywhere), and the children learn the basics about fire safety, which of course they take home and share with their parents. Aside from our first aid kit, the Director and Lead Teacher each have a folder with the names and emergency contact information of each child at the center. So, in the event it’s ever needed, all we have to do is grab one folder and it’s complete with everything pertaining to that child. I watch the news and weather a lot. I do not believe in taking chances with my life or the life of those entrusted to me, therefore, if I felt it were necessary to close the center for the day of the predicted storm, then we would do that. Safety is number one.
SAFETY
Five Potentially hazardous situations/safety threats common to the preschool age child:
· Sockets
· Cleaning agents/Common Hazardous Substances found in the home
· Stairs
· Traffic
· Proper Hand washing
SOCKETS:Uncovered sockets can and are very dangerous. Whenever, I think about a socket and a child, my mind always goes back to the movie; “The Women of Brewster Place.” There was a scene in that movie where the mother took her eyes off her daughter for just a few moments and that’s when the little girl grabbed the scissors, and the camera focused on the uncovered electrical socket, and you just knew what was going to happen. I was screaming (as if to warn her), then you saw the sparks and heard the sizzle sound and it was all over. You could actually feel the pain of her mother, as she held the limp body of her daughter and cried her eyes out. Although I was young, I remembered thinking; if only she had protectors on the sockets her daughter would be alive
First, all electrical outlets should be properly covered with outlet protectors. Next, an adult should explain or at least attempt to explain the hazardous of playing/touching the electrical outlets with the preschooler.
As most of us are aware in the childcare industry, these are not a suggestion, they are a requirement.
Both your local childcare licensing agency and the local fire department requires that all outlets are properly covered. However, you might be surprised how in more homes than you can image, safety protectors are not being used. Some parents will even go as far as to say; “if I tell him not to touch it, that’s what I mean.” And sure, this was how our parents raised us, but when you know better, you are supposed to do better.
These protective covers are very inexpensive and families of all economic categories can afford to equip their homes with them.
CLEANING AGENTS/COMMON HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE HOME:
Again, this is another extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Children are curious by nature, and we as adults have a charge to keep them safe and free from harm to the best of our abilities. For instance, when we wash dishes, the children see the bubbles and (of course) all children love bubbles. Well, if not put away, or safely locked up, a child can consume these same playful bubbles, but with not so playful results.
It’s not just isolated to chemicals. There are other types of common hazardous substances found in the home. Our book lists some as; prescription and over the counter medications, baking oils and sprays, alcoholic beverages, hair products, etc.
It is a state requirement that in centers and childcare homes, ALL chemicals and toxic agents are to be locked away and put out of children’s reach. If they are in cabinets, the cabinets must have either locks or latches on them. All parents can take these same common sense approaches in the home as well.
STAIRS:
Stairs (for any age) especially children, can be hazardous. Children like to run and play on stairs, and unfortunately, they get this idea from us. How many times have we been in a hurry and ran up the stairs? Or, how often have we come flying down the stairs, bypassing the banister and sometimes even jumping over the bottom stair? “Little eyes are watching!” Sometimes, we set horrible examples for our children, unintentionally.
Although our state does not require a railing, it is “highly” suggested that one be installed. Our local fire Marshall, strongly suggested it so that when the children go up and down, they have something to help them balance with.
Again, common sense approaches. Take the time to properly teach your child how to walk up and down on the stairs.
TRAFFIC:
This is a no brainer. We don’t or shouldn’t need any rules put in place to tell us that children shouldn’t play in traffic. However, being raised in the city, this is something that we learned just as smoothly as speaking. I have noticed since moving to the south, that children here do not know how to cross the street. I have assumed the reason is because most of these children live in rural areas and have no need to know how to cross the street because they are driven wherever they need to go. But it makes sense to teach your child “all” the basic fundamentals even if you don’t foresee them being used very much.
PROPER HAND WASHING:
This has become an enormous problem, not just among the age that I have selected, but people of all ages. There was a recent report that stated people should not consume lemons from restaurants because the lemons contained more bacteria and germs than toilets. That is disgusting.
With the age that I have chosen, we teach our children how to cut the water on, how much soap to dispense, and how long to rub their hands together. There is really no point in cutting the water on, and dispensing the soap, if you are not going to rub long enough to get the soap off. So, for our little ones, it’s helpful if they have something to “do” while washing their hands. Singing a song, or counting is usually helpful, since at this age, children have no sense of time. One minute, two or three minutes means absolutely nothing to them. But if you have them sing a particular song, or count to a certain number, then you will know the job is being done correctly.As for parents, if they work with us, in teaching the children proper hand washing, you would be amazed at how many illnesses we could avoid. And if the parents help, with this lesson, they too will properly wash their hands, and what a wonderful world this would be!
· Sockets
· Cleaning agents/Common Hazardous Substances found in the home
· Stairs
· Traffic
· Proper Hand washing
SOCKETS:Uncovered sockets can and are very dangerous. Whenever, I think about a socket and a child, my mind always goes back to the movie; “The Women of Brewster Place.” There was a scene in that movie where the mother took her eyes off her daughter for just a few moments and that’s when the little girl grabbed the scissors, and the camera focused on the uncovered electrical socket, and you just knew what was going to happen. I was screaming (as if to warn her), then you saw the sparks and heard the sizzle sound and it was all over. You could actually feel the pain of her mother, as she held the limp body of her daughter and cried her eyes out. Although I was young, I remembered thinking; if only she had protectors on the sockets her daughter would be alive
First, all electrical outlets should be properly covered with outlet protectors. Next, an adult should explain or at least attempt to explain the hazardous of playing/touching the electrical outlets with the preschooler.
As most of us are aware in the childcare industry, these are not a suggestion, they are a requirement.
Both your local childcare licensing agency and the local fire department requires that all outlets are properly covered. However, you might be surprised how in more homes than you can image, safety protectors are not being used. Some parents will even go as far as to say; “if I tell him not to touch it, that’s what I mean.” And sure, this was how our parents raised us, but when you know better, you are supposed to do better.
These protective covers are very inexpensive and families of all economic categories can afford to equip their homes with them.
CLEANING AGENTS/COMMON HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE HOME:
Again, this is another extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Children are curious by nature, and we as adults have a charge to keep them safe and free from harm to the best of our abilities. For instance, when we wash dishes, the children see the bubbles and (of course) all children love bubbles. Well, if not put away, or safely locked up, a child can consume these same playful bubbles, but with not so playful results.
It’s not just isolated to chemicals. There are other types of common hazardous substances found in the home. Our book lists some as; prescription and over the counter medications, baking oils and sprays, alcoholic beverages, hair products, etc.
It is a state requirement that in centers and childcare homes, ALL chemicals and toxic agents are to be locked away and put out of children’s reach. If they are in cabinets, the cabinets must have either locks or latches on them. All parents can take these same common sense approaches in the home as well.
STAIRS:
Stairs (for any age) especially children, can be hazardous. Children like to run and play on stairs, and unfortunately, they get this idea from us. How many times have we been in a hurry and ran up the stairs? Or, how often have we come flying down the stairs, bypassing the banister and sometimes even jumping over the bottom stair? “Little eyes are watching!” Sometimes, we set horrible examples for our children, unintentionally.
Although our state does not require a railing, it is “highly” suggested that one be installed. Our local fire Marshall, strongly suggested it so that when the children go up and down, they have something to help them balance with.
Again, common sense approaches. Take the time to properly teach your child how to walk up and down on the stairs.
TRAFFIC:
This is a no brainer. We don’t or shouldn’t need any rules put in place to tell us that children shouldn’t play in traffic. However, being raised in the city, this is something that we learned just as smoothly as speaking. I have noticed since moving to the south, that children here do not know how to cross the street. I have assumed the reason is because most of these children live in rural areas and have no need to know how to cross the street because they are driven wherever they need to go. But it makes sense to teach your child “all” the basic fundamentals even if you don’t foresee them being used very much.
PROPER HAND WASHING:
This has become an enormous problem, not just among the age that I have selected, but people of all ages. There was a recent report that stated people should not consume lemons from restaurants because the lemons contained more bacteria and germs than toilets. That is disgusting.
With the age that I have chosen, we teach our children how to cut the water on, how much soap to dispense, and how long to rub their hands together. There is really no point in cutting the water on, and dispensing the soap, if you are not going to rub long enough to get the soap off. So, for our little ones, it’s helpful if they have something to “do” while washing their hands. Singing a song, or counting is usually helpful, since at this age, children have no sense of time. One minute, two or three minutes means absolutely nothing to them. But if you have them sing a particular song, or count to a certain number, then you will know the job is being done correctly.As for parents, if they work with us, in teaching the children proper hand washing, you would be amazed at how many illnesses we could avoid. And if the parents help, with this lesson, they too will properly wash their hands, and what a wonderful world this would be!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)