 Research Findings and need for Outdoor Safety Policies for Healthy Development  Organizing for Outdoor Safety  Outdoor Environmental Hazards -  Playground Equipment Safety  Travel and Traffic Safety - flow of kids ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Developmental Level  Children with Disabilities and other Special Needs  Space  Shared Space  Time of Day  The Neighborhood  Active Outdoor Supervision ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Developmental Level - curiosity, lack of fear = organize the space by age of the child (infant, sitter, crawl, walk)  Infant & Toddlers- car seats, rolling, floor play, safe place to investigate, walking, running, risks, falls  Preschool - exercise, dramatic play, blocks, quiet area, low tables  School Age - variety of equip, options for ability levels  Children with Disabilities and Other Special Needs -  Quantity and quality of multisensory activities  Promote independence  Us e cooperative learning ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Children should be visible at all times - staff should spread out so that every child can be seen  This will avoid having a missing child  Keep staff to child ratios the same  Keep the area fenced with a child proof latch  Follow the communication plan and policy  Time children spend in nature in active play can help lessen conditions that impair brain development ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Space  Rule of thumb = clearance 9 ft. around stationary equipment and 15 ft. around equipment with moving parts such as swings Outdoor area should provide 50 sq. ft. of space for each child When equipment figured in usually = 75 sq. ft.  Shared Space  Distinctive dangers that must be managed for risk  Close inspection and constant supervision

 Poison Control - toxic plants, pesticides, poison ivy  Insects - bees, standing water, insect repellent DEET  Weather - wear shoes/socks, appropriate clothes, Shade!, sunscreen, drink water, keep infants out of direct sunlight  Water Hazards - Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death 1-14 year olds  Water tables, toilets, buckets of water, ponds, pools, lakes  Gates around pools should be at least 55 in and have a child proof lock  Active supervision is necessary with a high adult to child ratio ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Other considerations  Keep bushes trimmed  Sharp objects (nails) should be cleaned up immediately  Sand should be natural, covered, and replaced every 2 years.  Use plastic toys. Wooden toys splinter and metal toys rust  Children should keep shoes and socks on at all times. Use water shoes during water play (Sprinkler) ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Observation: Children should be carefully observed in the outdoor area What risks might you anticipate in this picture? ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Time of day What are the times in a day where children are more likely to take risk?  When they are hungry – around noon  When they are tired – late afternoon ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 S = Supervision  A - Age appropriate  F = Falls - shock absorber, mulch. cushion  E = Equipment maintenance  Low platforms Surfaces are smooth and intact  crawl areas  ramps with railings  low tables  tricycle paths  shorter slides  Gate with latch  Helmets for bikes  Low swings, infant swings, toddler swings ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 The Neighborhood ----  How might violence in a neighborhood impact child care?  Active Outdoor Supervision  Advanced planning  Constant monitoring  Secure area ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 What are some of the factors that relate to neighborhood violence? ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 What are some elements of this playground that provide for safety?  Where might there be a risk? ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Pedestrian Safety - walking procedures  Motor Vehicle Safety  The Vehicle  Safety Seats Head start requires safety restraints in their vans All children 65lbs or less need to be in a car seat Make sure the vehicle is in great working condition 85% of car seats are not installed properly! ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Travel information sheet should be filled out for every field trip or planned trip What might be wrong with this picture? ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Helmets  Riding Safety  Other Riding Conditions ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Helmets come in many sizes and should be worn ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

 Engaging Diverse Families  Helping families become safety aware Safety Awareness Week with handouts  Cultural competency- remove language barriers  Adapt outdoor environment to provide maximum safety for children with disabilities and other special needs  Activities for Family Engagement ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

For Outdoor Safety  Drills  Teachable moments  Provide play resources such as a stop sign ©2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.