Creating High Quality Environments Chapter 7 Creating High Quality Environments ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

What Determines Program Quality? Researchers have identified three factors that are associated with quality programs: Small group size Low teacher/child ratios Teacher preparation and qualifications ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Locating High-Quality Programs Resource and referral agencies (R&Rs) are located throughout the country to assist families in locating early childhood programs. Families must determine which program best meets their needs. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Program Accreditation Several professional organizations recognize exceptional programs Each organization has established its own standards and review criteria. Participation is usually voluntary and requires a combination of self-study and program review. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Licensing…… There are no uniform national standards. Each state establishes and enforces its own regulations. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? What is the objective of state licensing? Some programs are exempt from state licensing requirements. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Licensing (continued) Areas that are commonly examined as part of the licensing process include Teacher qualifications Staffing ratios Group size Curriculum plans Emergency services (plans, policies, protection) ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Learn More about the Licensing Regulations in Your State Click on the link below: National Resource Center for Health & Safety in Child Care & Early Education http://nrckids.org/STATES/states.htm ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Indoor Safety Teachers have an ethical and professional obligation to safeguard children’s safety and well-being Young children are especially vulnerable to hazards in their environment Young children have limited ability to recognize unsafe conditions ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Indoor Safety (continued) When creating safe indoor environments, special attention should be given to: Building location and adequate space Room arrangement Building security (Table 7-2) Fire safety and evacuation plans (Table 7-3) Bathroom facilities and sanitation Lighting, ventilation and air quality (Table 7-5) ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Outdoor Safety When outdoor environments are carefully planned and supervised they provide all children with unique learning opportunities. Safe outdoor play areas reduce the risk of unintentional injury and liability issues. They are also less stressful for teachers to monitor. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Outdoor Safety (continued) Planning safe outdoor environments requires that special attention be given to: Providing adequate space to accommodate children’s active play Designing play areas so they are easy to supervise ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Outdoor Safety (continued) Selecting play equipment that is developmentally appropriate, safely constructed, properly installed and accessible to all children (Tables 7-7 and 7-9) Eliminating poisonous plants and vegetation Maintaining play equipment and surface materials in safe condition Supervising children’s play at all times ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Transportation When programs transport children: Children’s safety must always be a major concern. Programs should be aware of insurance and liability issues. Vehicles should be equipped with proper safety seats, seat restraints and fire extinguisher. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Transportation Facts Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death for children under 14 years in the U.S. (National Center for Health Statistics, 2008). In 2008, 1347 children under 14 years of age died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes; 168,000 were injured. That’s an average of 4 deaths and 529 injuries each day (NHTSA 2008). ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Transportation Facts Child safety seats and lap/shoulder seat belts reduced the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years (NHTSA 2008). ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Transportation (continued) The use of privately-owned vehicles should be discouraged to limit a program’s liability. If they are used: Drivers should possess the appropriate license and be insured. Vehicles should be inspected for safety. Travel plans should be developed, reviewed, left with the director, and followed precisely. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.