Prevention is key concerning possible safety threats/safety hazards you may encounter while a preschool child is in your care. Here are five potentially hazardous situations you might encounter and some safety rules to keep in mind.1) Rules and Supervision for Play Equipment
A child is carefree and sometimes can feel invincible during the exciting times of play. According to Cathie Robertson in Safety, nutrition and health in early education (2010), "Children's developmental behaviors such as lack of fear, curiosity, inattention, poor impulse control, and going beyond physical capabilities can easily put them at risk for injury" (p. 139). Though minor scrapes and bruises may be hard to eliminate, broken bones can be prevented by providing proper supervision during play as well as learning safety rules about play equipment. A child will likely learn safety rules regarding play equipment at school, but it is imperative as a parent to reinforce these rules in regards to rules of the house and while on other play equipment, such as those at parks. Also, keep in mind that some park equipment is meant for a wide span of children to play on and may not be age appropriate. It would be advisable to check the labeling on the apparatus that a child may be using at parks to make sure it is age-appropriate.
2) Pedestrian and Car Safety
Pedestrian safety is imperative to your child's well-being. According to Robertson (2010), "In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer and crippler of children younger than 4 years" (p. 151). A child should be properly seated and secured in a car seat in the back seat of the car for maximum safety. If walking, whether it be in the parking lot during a shopping trip or simply across the street, pedestrian safety rules should always be used. Model walking in a crosswalk and looking both ways before crossing a street while minding safety signs. Be mindful of traffic signals and signs and explain them to your child. Firm discipline about keeping away from streets and driveways will help to reinforce pedestrian safety as well as make your child more aware of the danger of cars.
3) Water Safety
Drowning is another hazard that takes many lives of children each year. Robertson (2010) explains it is important to remember that "any body of water can pose a threat, so screening the outdoor environment for hazards that may lead to the risk of drowning should be thorough" (p. 159). It is important that a child is taught water safety, especially if a pool of any kind is owned or if you live around a body of water. Swimming lessons are often offered at low rates through community parks and recreation programs. However, even while teaching water safety, it is important that a child is attentively supervised during water play. Supervision of children during water play should take place at arm's length to allow for sufficient action time should a mishap occur.
4) Choking
To avoid choking, serve foods in proper portions and model a natural pace to chew and swallow foods. Also, make a daily note to monitor the things your child is playing with. Make sure toys are age-appropriate because these toys are made bigger to prevent swallowing. Keep small toys, such as mini-legos or marbles out of reach of small children. Do not allow your child to keep change in their pockets to prevent them from putting it in their mouth.
5) Poisoning
To avoid a child from putting other harmful things in their mouths, such as poisonous materials, make sure that all chemicals are properly stored, preferably locked behind a cabinet. It is a regulation for childcare centers in California, in accordance with Title 22 Division 12, to keep all chemicals, soaps and cleaning supplies out of the same area in designated food preparation and eating areas. It would be extremely helpful to check your own state's regulations for suggestions regarding the storage of chemicals in your home or preschool center. Should a child ingest a poisonous substance, call Poison Control Center right away! It is advisable to keep the number for poison control (1-800-222-1222) in a visible place near the phone.
NOTE: These potential safety hazards I've mentioned are not meant to scare you as parents or early childhood education professionals but to inform you. If you have any questions or concerns, your child's pediatrician can often inform you of resources about safety. Also, community helpers, such as teachers, fireman and policeman welcome families of their community to visit their station, with an appointment. These community helpers are often the best resources to help reinforce these simple safety rules that will help maintain your child's health and well-being. Have a blessed day!
**References**
American Association of Poison Control Centers. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from
http://www.aapcc.org/DNN/
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.
n.d.). National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://nrckids.org/STATES/CA/california.htm
Robertson, C. (2010). Safety, Nutrition and Health in Early Education(4 ed.).Albany:
Delmar Cengage Learning.
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