1. Promoting Children’s Safety

2. Safety Objectives Supervise children at all times
Maintain at least the minimum adult-child ratio as required in the state
Develop safety limits (i.e. walk in doors, use blocks for building, not hitting)
Practice fire safety

3. Safety Objectives, cont’d
Develop plans for weather emergencies
Control building security and check building for safety hazards (i.e. broken windows)
Know safety procedures for accidental poisoning
Recognize signs of child abuse and report any known or suspected cases

4. Safety Objectives, cont’d
Teach children how to protect themselves from assault
Provide a safe environment
Closely observing kids and setting safety rules for them to obey helps create a safe center
Select appropriate toys and equipment

5. Selecting Toys Determine children’s needs, interests, and abilities
Developmentally appropriate toys can reduce the number of injuries
Follow guidelines for choosing educational toys . . .

6. Guidelines for Selecting Toys
Classroom toys should reflect program goals
Ex. If a program goal is to have children develop language skills, then language materials should be placed in the classroom
Stay within the center’s budget

7. Guidelines for Selecting Toys, cont’d
Consider if toys will add balance to items already available
Keep in mind the space and storage needed for items
Consider number of staff available for supervision
Think about the maintenance and durability of equipment

8. Guidelines for Selecting Toys, cont’d
Choose toys that actively involve children
Purchase the appropriate quantity
Select nonsexist and multicultural materials

9. Playground Equipment Plan the play yard with safety in mind
Select safe play yard equipment
Evaluate existing equipment, make needed upkeep and repairs