1. School Age Summer Staff Orientation Series

2. Goal of the Series The School Age Youth Summer Program Summer Program orientation series has been designed to help you understand the basics of caring for school age youth. orientation series has been designed to help you understand the basics of caring for school age youth.

3. Understanding the series Each module consists of: Overall objective of the module Overall objective of the module Terms and definitions Terms and definitions Specific learning objectives Specific learning objectives MN Core Competencies and NAA Standards addressed MN Core Competencies and NAA Standards addressed Module training content Module training content Learning activities Learning activities Resources Resources The learning activities include:  An application activity focused on school age youth  A personal reflection activity that is not shared  A reflection activity to be done with a peer or supervisor

4. What you will need You will need the following items to complete the module: Print the PDF file that goes with this course. The link is located by the link you chose to open this module. Paper and pencil Approximately one hour of “quiet time”; some of the activities will be completed outside of this hour Access to a printer Optimistic outlook to gaining new knowledge

5. Module 4 Safety

6. Objective To examine how to supervise safe and healthy environments

7. Terms and Definitions Clumping – this is when staff gather together and discuss personal things instead of supervising the school age youth Clumping – this is when staff gather together and discuss personal things instead of supervising the school age youth Safety systems – policies and procedures have in place that detail safety practices Safety systems – policies and procedures have in place that detail safety practices Supervision - the act of overseeing or watching Supervision - the act of overseeing or watching Tracking – a system to monitor the whereabouts of the school age youth Tracking – a system to monitor the whereabouts of the school age youth Transitions - moving from one activity or area to another Transitions - moving from one activity or area to another

8. Introduction Specific Learning Objectives In this module, you will: Gain knowledge on best practices of supervising school age youth Gain knowledge on best practices of supervising school age youth Learn the basics of supervising school age youth in some common situations Learn the basics of supervising school age youth in some common situations Understand the importance of safety systems: Understand the importance of safety systems: - tracking/transitions - tracking/transitions - authorized pick-ups - authorized pick-ups - emergency situations - emergency situations - the Internet - the Internet - field trips - field trips

9. Safety Best Practices Safety is, and will always be, a top priority for school age youth programs. But programs that nurture the ‘whole school age youth’ as they develop, also understand that school age youth need a variety of experiences from which to learn. Parks and playgrounds Parks and playgrounds Swimming pools and water-parks Swimming pools and water-parks Science experiments and cooking projects Science experiments and cooking projects Field trips Field trips Supervising this variety of experiences can sometimes be very challenging.

10. Best Practices MN School Age Core Competencies Minnesota’s Core Competencies identifies the following best practices about safety. Content Area VI: Health, Safety, and Nutrition Actively supervises and interacts with school age youth to ensure safety both indoors and outdoors. Actively supervises and interacts with school age youth to ensure safety both indoors and outdoors. Maintains a safe environment, including equipment, toys, and materials, to prevent and reduce injuries. Maintains a safe environment, including equipment, toys, and materials, to prevent and reduce injuries. Teaches simple safety precautions and rules to school age youth and youth. Teaches simple safety precautions and rules to school age youth and youth. Demonstrates knowledge of procedures that are implemented when a school age youth or youth is missing. Demonstrates knowledge of procedures that are implemented when a school age youth or youth is missing. Releases school age youth only to authorized persons Releases school age youth only to authorized persons Knows how to fill out accident and illness forms. Knows how to fill out accident and illness forms. Follows safety regulations and participates in emergency and disaster drills. Follows safety regulations and participates in emergency and disaster drills.

11. Best Practices NAA Standards of Quality The NAA Standards of Quality Programs also has a category titled ‘Safety, Health, & Nutrition’ to cover safety issues. The standards include:  The safety and security of youth are protected This includes safe equipment and materials, and systems in place to keep school age youth secure during transitions and pick-up time This includes safe equipment and materials, and systems in place to keep school age youth secure during transitions and pick-up time  School age youth are carefully supervised to maintain safety Staff know where school age youth are, and what they are doing at all times. Supervision is appropriate to the age, abilities and needs of the school age youth. Staff know where school age youth are, and what they are doing at all times. Supervision is appropriate to the age, abilities and needs of the school age youth.

12. Best Practices Theory - E nvironment R elationships E periences The ERE Theory takes a close look at how you implement the program and why it is important.  Environment – the physical, social/emotional, learning, and structural climate you provide  Relationships – the interactions between you and the school age youth, you and other staff, and those the school age youth have between themselves  Experiences – the activities and opportunities you provide on a daily basis As a staff person, you will be balancing the safety of your school age youth with providing an environment, activities and opportunities that support their individual growth.

13. Best Practices – Quality Equation Core Competencies + Standards + Theories = Quality programs for school age youth The ‘What’ The ‘Why’ The ‘How’ The supervision you provide school age youth (the ‘What’) provides a safe and enriching environment (the ‘How’) where school age youth can flourish (the ‘Why’).

14. Safety Everywhere, everyday Safety for school age youth programs means: Creating a safe environment that includes both the physical and mental well-being of all school age youth in the program. Creating a safe environment that includes both the physical and mental well-being of all school age youth in the program. Create an environment that provides a variety of learning experiences appropriate to school age youth, while teaching them safe practices. Create an environment that provides a variety of learning experiences appropriate to school age youth, while teaching them safe practices. Creating an environment where real or pretend violence is unacceptable. Creating an environment where real or pretend violence is unacceptable. Creating an environment where school age youth are taught and encouraged to use peaceful living and conflict resolution strategies. Creating an environment where school age youth are taught and encouraged to use peaceful living and conflict resolution strategies. Create an environment where school age youth take care of personal health safety such as properly washing hands. Create an environment where school age youth take care of personal health safety such as properly washing hands. Your role in providing a safe environment for school age youth is to be aware, alert and ready to take action.

15. Supervising Basics Keep in mind….. School age youth should never be left alone. Know all of the school age youth in your setting Know the count of the school age youth in your group Know where to stand in the room, can you see all of the school age youth and the entrance to the room Whenever possible, work as a team with other staff Avoid “clumping” with other staff Strategically place yourselves and have your backs to the walls so you can see the entire play area ….while being actively involved with them!

16. Safety Systems Your school age youth program has systems in place to ensure the safety of all school age youth. These systems include: Tracking – transitions between rooms and activities, arrivals and pick-up/departures Tracking – transitions between rooms and activities, arrivals and pick-up/departures Emergency weather Emergency weather Lock-down procedures Lock-down procedures Playground safety Playground safety Internet safety Internet safety Field trip safety Field trip safety A key role you play is making sure school age youth are safe while nurturing their development.

17. Safety Systems Tracking You need to be aware of your school age youth during transitions, arrivals, and pick- ups. Transitions One skill school age youth are working on is independence. This includes moving between program areas. Knowing where your school age youth are going – to the playground, bathroom or another activity room requires some sort of tracking and monitoring system. Many programs use a tracking board and walkie-talkies. One skill school age youth are working on is independence. This includes moving between program areas. Knowing where your school age youth are going – to the playground, bathroom or another activity room requires some sort of tracking and monitoring system. Many programs use a tracking board and walkie-talkies.Arrivals It is important to note when school age youth arrive at your program. Parent sign-ins and staff attendance records are important. It is important to note when school age youth arrive at your program. Parent sign-ins and staff attendance records are important.

18. Safety Systems Tracking Pick up Time Check with your supervisor so you are familiar with the policies for pick up. Usual policies include: Families list on registration the form those individuals allowed to pick up the school age youth. Families list on registration the form those individuals allowed to pick up the school age youth. Families should contact the program if their school age youth is being picked up by someone not on this form. Families should contact the program if their school age youth is being picked up by someone not on this form. Have only one designated entrance to the program. Have only one designated entrance to the program. Make sure individuals picking up program participants have a current ID. Make sure individuals picking up program participants have a current ID. Don’t be afraid to ask for ID if you don’t know the person – keeping school age youth safe is your responsibility! Don’t be afraid to ask for ID if you don’t know the person – keeping school age youth safe is your responsibility!

19. Safety Systems Emergencies – Lockdown There are some emergencies that have particular procedures to follow. Lockdowns and weather drills are important safety procedures to practice. It is essential that all school age youth programs have and practice lock down drills. Each program may implement the lockdown differently, Know your drill! Each program may implement the lockdown differently, Know your drill! How you react to the school age youth is important to the success of the procedure. How you react to the school age youth is important to the success of the procedure. Lockdowns are usually implemented because of an emergency based on violence – suspicious person, shooting, act of terrorism. Lockdowns are usually implemented because of an emergency based on violence – suspicious person, shooting, act of terrorism. This can be scary, remain calm and reassuring.

20. Safety Systems Emergencies – Weather Summer can bring some stormy weather. You may find yourself sitting with a group of scared school age youth in the ‘tornado area’. Your program should have a storm kit specially prepared for these instances. Thinks to know: Know where to go for stormy weather or tornados Know where to go for stormy weather or tornados Know where the flashlight and storm kit is for your group of school age youth Know where the flashlight and storm kit is for your group of school age youth Be prepared to ‘entertain’ them – they will probably be scared and worried about their families Be prepared to ‘entertain’ them – they will probably be scared and worried about their families Staying calm and collected during emergencies will help your school age youth stay calm.

21. Safety Systems Playground Safety The goal for large motor activities is for school age youth to explore, develop, and improve their own strength and skills. The playground area and the large motor area (gym) typically have the most accidents in programs. Unsafe equipment and activities contribute to accidents and injuries. The playground area and the large motor area (gym) typically have the most accidents in programs. Unsafe equipment and activities contribute to accidents and injuries. Staff have the responsibility to keep the outdoor play area free of hazards and keep school age youth activities safe for all participants. Staff have the responsibility to keep the outdoor play area free of hazards and keep school age youth activities safe for all participants. Ensure that all school age youth can participate fully and safely by making the necessary adaptations for school age youth of differing abilities and special needs.

22. Safety Systems Playground Safety The National Program for Playground Safety understands the needs of school age youth to explore their surroundings. The playground plays an important role in this. Every school age youth has the right to play Every school age youth has the right to play All school age youth need to learn to play, and play to learn All school age youth need to learn to play, and play to learn School age youth are entitled to a safe, positive, nurturing, and fun experience in the play environment School age youth are entitled to a safe, positive, nurturing, and fun experience in the play environment

23. Staying S.A.F.E. on the Playground S upervision is present, but strings and ropes aren't. S upervision is present, but strings and ropes aren't. Adult presence is needed to watch for potential hazards, observe, intercede and facilitate play when necessary. Strings on clothing or ropes used for play can cause accidental strangulation if caught on equipment. Adult presence is needed to watch for potential hazards, observe, intercede and facilitate play when necessary. Strings on clothing or ropes used for play can cause accidental strangulation if caught on equipment. A ll school age youth play on Age-appropriate equipment. A ll school age youth play on Age-appropriate equipment. Ages 5 - 12, are developmentally different and need different equipment located in separate areas to keep the playground safe and fun for all. Ages 5 - 12, are developmentally different and need different equipment located in separate areas to keep the playground safe and fun for all. F alls to surface are cushioned. F alls to surface are cushioned. Nearly 70 percent of all playground injuries are related to falls Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, sand and synthetic materials such as poured-in-place, rubber mats or tiles. Playground surfaces should not be concrete, asphalt, grass, blacktop, packed dirt or rocks. Nearly 70 percent of all playground injuries are related to falls Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, sand and synthetic materials such as poured-in-place, rubber mats or tiles. Playground surfaces should not be concrete, asphalt, grass, blacktop, packed dirt or rocks. E quipment is safe. E quipment is safe. Check to make sure the equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed, bolts are not protruding, there are no exposed footings, etc. Check to make sure the equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed, bolts are not protruding, there are no exposed footings, etc.

24. Safety Systems Internet Rules for School Age Youth Internet safety has become an important issue for school age youth of today. Lots of great ideas and information can be found on the internet. Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your school age youth. Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your school age youth. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic babysitters. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic babysitters. For a set of guidelines visit: http://safekids.com/kids- rules-for-online-safety/ For a set of guidelines visit: http://safekids.com/kids- rules-for-online-safety/http://safekids.com/kids- rules-for-online-safety/http://safekids.com/kids- rules-for-online-safety/

25. Safety Systems Internet Rules for School Age Youth Special considerations for the Internet: Never give out identifying information (home address, school name, or telephone number) in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards Never give out identifying information (home address, school name, or telephone number) in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards Know the services the school age youth use. Know the services the school age youth use. Never allow school age youth to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user. Never allow school age youth to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user. Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of school age youth pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited school age youth by calling 1-800-843-5678 or visiting the CyberTipLine online. Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of school age youth pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited school age youth by calling 1-800-843-5678 or visiting the CyberTipLine online.CyberTipLine Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that’s “too good to be true” probably is. Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that’s “too good to be true” probably is. Remember – be alert, aware, and ready to act!

26. Safety Systems Field Trips Your program supervisor will set up your field trips. They should call ahead, visit the park or facility, or have printed material available for your information. They should also schedule so that you have appropriate and safe adult to school age youth ratios. You may be expected to assist with the following: Carry a first aid kit, health consent forms and emergency information for each school age youth with you. Carry a first aid kit, health consent forms and emergency information for each school age youth with you. Also include "as needed" medications for school age youth with special health needs and directions for its use for that school age youth. Also include "as needed" medications for school age youth with special health needs and directions for its use for that school age youth. Keep food/lunches cold. Keep food/lunches cold. Make arrangements for hand-washing if running water is not available. Make arrangements for hand-washing if running water is not available. Plan for frequent rest and water breaks between activities. Plan for frequent rest and water breaks between activities.

27. Safety Systems Field Trips Teach school age youth the steps to take if they get separated from the group: 1.Remain in the area where they last saw the group or go to the "lost school age youth" area. 2.If possible, ask for help in an open visible place from someone in charge (ticket taker, clerk, etc,). 3.NEVER leave the area with an unidentified person. 4.Reassure the kids that if they do become separated from the group, you will be looking for them. Count the group out loud so the school age youth know you will know if someone is missing.

28. Safety Systems Field Trips Special things to make note of: If your trip required individual name tags, use first names only. If your trip required individual name tags, use first names only. Make sure you know the school age youth for whom you are responsible. Make sure you know the school age youth for whom you are responsible. Know your ‘body count’ and count it frequently. Know your ‘body count’ and count it frequently. Establish a buddy system among the school age youth. Establish a buddy system among the school age youth. School age youth with special needs may need to have a staff assigned to them. School age youth with special needs may need to have a staff assigned to them. When you arrive at your destination, point out key landmarks and identify the ‘lost’ area. When you arrive at your destination, point out key landmarks and identify the ‘lost’ area. Field trips are a great learning experience for all. Knowing the ‘system’ ensures a great time for everyone – including you!

29. Be Your Best Summer is a great time to get to know your school age youth! It is a time of exploration and learning! Make sure your summer is safe and spectacular!! Make sure your summer is safe and spectacular!!

30. Key Points Keeping school age youth safe is everybody’s responsibility. In this module you learned about: Best practices for supervising school age youth Best practices for supervising school age youth Safety systems that programs have in place to keep school age youth safe Safety systems that programs have in place to keep school age youth safe General tips for supervising in a variety of situations General tips for supervising in a variety of situations The importance of knowing where safety equipment is in your program The importance of knowing where safety equipment is in your program

31. Activity School Age Youth Focus Read the article on playground safety. With a school age youth, or group of school age youth, brainstorm ways that you can stay safe with the program participants in your care. Put these practices to daily use. LINK LINK

32. Activity Personal Reflection “Room Awareness” is very important when supervising school age youth in your program. Carefully look at the arrangement in your setting and answer the questions below. Imagine you are the only staff person for ten program participants. Where is the best place for you to stand to supervise the school age youth in your program during free time indoors? Now imagine there are two adults caring for twenty school age youth on the playground. Where is the best place for both of you to stand to create effective ‘team’ supervision of the school age youth during free play time?

33. Activity Reflection with a Peer or Supervisor Assignment 1 Does Your playground make the grade? With a peer or youth walk through your playground using the checklist below. How does your playground rate? Make 3 written recommendations to improve your playground. http://www.uni.edu/playground/research/re port_card_form.pdf http://www.uni.edu/playground/research/re port_card_form.pdf http://www.uni.edu/playground/research/re port_card_form.pdf

34. Activity Reflection with a Peer or Supervisor Assignment 2 Print the worksheet “Safety Scavenger Hunt” once you have completed this give it to your supervisor LINK Print the worksheet “Safety Scavenger Hunt” once you have completed this give it to your supervisor LINK Discuss what you found out. Discuss what you found out. Review the resources in the following slides. Review the resources in the following slides.

35. Resources Minnesota School Age Core Competencies  These were developed by the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) and the Minnesota School Age Care Alliance (MnSACA).  They define what practitioners need to know and be able to do to provide quality education and care.  They are designed to serve as a guide for improving your work with children and families.  They are worded so that they can be measured or demonstrated. The core competencies are available at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. They can also be downloaded at the MnSACA website. www.mnsaca.org www.mnsaca.org www.mnsaca.org

36. Resources National AfterSchool Association  NAA is the leading national professional association for the afterschool field. With over 9,000 members and 36 state affiliate organizations.  NAA represents the voice of the afterschool field in the areas of professional development, program quality, public policy and current issues affecting children and youth in their out of school time.  NAA is the accrediting body for the NAA accreditation process. They publish the resource book The NAA Standards for Quality School-Age Care. Web address: www.naaweb.org www.naaweb.org

37. Resources http://safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ http://safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ http://safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ http://www.redcross.org/ http://www.redcross.org/ http://www.redcross.org/ http://www.kidshealth.org/index.html http://www.kidshealth.org/index.html http://www.kidshealth.org/index.html http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/safekids/ http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/safekids/ http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/safekids/ For Kids: http://www.safe-a- rooni.org/Trailblazing/OL/ For Kids: http://www.safe-a- rooni.org/Trailblazing/OL/http://www.safe-a- rooni.org/Trailblazing/OL/http://www.safe-a- rooni.org/Trailblazing/OL/ http://www.mnsafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm? FS=97&CID=1 http://www.mnsafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm? FS=97&CID=1 http://www.mnsafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm? FS=97&CID=1 http://www.mnsafetycouncil.org/facts/factsheet.cfm? FS=97&CID=1 http://www.uni.edu/playground/ http://www.uni.edu/playground/ http://www.uni.edu/playground/

38. Congratulations You have successfully completed Module 4