© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Chapter 4: Outdoor Safety

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Safety Policies for the Outdoor Early Childhood Education Environment More than half of injuries in child care centers are outdoors (falls) Child care in certain neighborhoods may be at risk for safety Childhood injuries from motor vehicles and bicycles may be prevented with use of proper safety equipment (restraints and helmets)

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Safety Policies for the Outdoor Early Childhood Education Environment (continued) Outdoor child care environment Playground equipment safety Travel and traffic safety Water safety

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Examining Early Childhood Education Environments for Outdoor Hazards Falls Motor vehicle and other transportation accidents Poisons Equipment

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Outdoor Environmental Hazards Barriers Poison control –including toxic plants –pesticides, BBQ Insects –Sensitivity or allergic reaction –Rid environment of ant hills, hives, and nests –Use Deet, wear light-colored clothing Temperature –Stay inside from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Other considerations –trees –BBQ –stay away from power lines, ditches, and the like –barefoot only if safe Outdoor Environmental Hazards (continued)

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning  Reality Check—Sun Safety Skin cancer begins from sun exposure in childhood Protecting children from hazards of sun on hot, sunny days important Use climate prediction center for UV forecast Follow suggestions for keeping children sun safe

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Developmental Level Infants and toddlers Preschool children School age

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning 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.

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Shared Space Daily inspection Extra caution in public multiuse facilities

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Time of Day Certain times of day may be more vulnerable to accidents –when children are tired or hungry –midmorning and midafternoon

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning The Neighborhood No traffic, noise pollution, little risk for safety = better neighborhood Traffic, noise, risk for safety = at-risk neighborhood

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning  Reality Check—Neighborhood Violence The continuum of violence in children’s lives (see Figure 4.1) Exposure can put safety at risk Neighborhood violence permeating society Witnessing violence can have traumatic effect on young children

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Playground Equipment Safety Major source of childhood accidents SAFE playgrounds –S = Supervision –A = Appropriate developmental design –F = Falls (account for 70% of accidents) –E = Equipment Some pressure-treated woods (before 2003) contain arsenic, so it should be immediately disposed of

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Playground Equipment Safety (continued) Play equipment that is properly designed, well maintained, and correctly placed can help minimize risk and provide greater protection from serious injury The list in Table 4-3 is suggested as a tool for regular inspection.

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Playground Equipment Safety (continued) Climbing equipment, slides, and swings Riding toys Sandboxes Other hazards –seesaws, trampolines, homemade equipment (wooden, etc.) Become familiar with potentially harmful areas (Figure 4-2)

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Traffic and Transportation Safety As pedestrians, in cars, on bikes, and crashing Pedestrian safety –at child care –drop-off and pickup plan

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Traffic and Transportation Safety (continued) Motor Vehicle Safety –the vehicle –safety seats Head Start requires safety restraints in their vans –pretravel guidelines –travel guidelines –travel conditions –travel information sheet

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Traffic and Transportation Safety (continued) Bicycle safety –helmets –riding safety –other riding conditions

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Water Safety Water hazards Children’s behavior around water Water safety guidelines (Table 4-7) Water safety behaviors (Table 4-8)

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Implications for Teachers Observation –Apply ABCs to outdoor environment Supervision –Provide for checks and balances –Good communication throughout child care

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Implications for Teachers (continued) Education –teachers –children For Families

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Implications for Teachers (continued) Children’s ability to cope –age –developmental level –availability of resources for help –ability of children to access resources

© 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Implications for Teachers (continued) Teachers can offer safe haven –Monitor for safety –Access resources –Encourage prosocial, gentle behavior –Be a person a child can trust and relate to well