To maintain safety

                           *Please Use this only as a guide to help you with your CDA*

With many mother's opting to work outside the home children are spending more time in child care centers than home (Maratoz, 2009). This makes it a crucial need for childcare facilities to provide an enriched learning environment that allows young children experiences that will promote development. These facilities should encourage social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language skills in a safe and clean environment. To maintain a safe, healthy learning environment for children I provide proper supervision, follow safety guidelines and use proper sanitary practices in my classroom.


To maintain proper supervision of children I always stay in the my state appointed ratio or the amount of children per adult to keep children safe (Vi-Nhuan, et al., 2006; Wishard, Shivers, Howes & Ritchie, 2003). I work with children ages 16-24 months. My state ratio in Virginia is 1:5. During the day I usually have a co-teacher in my classroom. Research suggest that smaller groups benefit the children's care (Burchinal, Howes, & Kontos, 2002; Munton, Blackburn, & Barreau, 2002). I also keep head count sheet updating this sheet every 15minutes. The head count sheet provides a list of children's names and when updating you do a "name to face check" to make sure all children are accounted for. I make sure children remain within my sight and sound. I am careful not to have children in "blind spots" which could be in a corner or behind something that I cannot visually see in the classroom. When outdoors I am careful to count each child before walking outside and once outdoors count the children again to make sure everyone is accounted. I walk around the play area constantly as I interact with the children so that I know where each child is at all times.

After making sure all children are properly supervised at all times I include developmentally appropriate activities and toys for my toddlers. I follow all guidelines to inspect toys for broken or sharp pieces. I am conscious that no toys pose a choking hazard to the children in my care. All toys are kept organized as not to cause any tripping hazards in the classroom. Duplicate items are available for children. The children are provided with a large comfortable place to play and explore. Children may be provided with push/pull toys as well as fill and dump toys. All cords on toys that could cause strangulation are removed. All toys will be tested with a toilet paper roll. If the toy can fit down it, it will be kept out of reach due to becoming a choking hazard. Toys on the playground may be large push and pull toys. The playground may have a slide but be covered with mulch, or some soft material to account for falls. The playground will be thoroughly inspected for any choking or other hazards before children play.

The childcare site provided for my children will be in an area that is large and kept at a comfortable temperature. Large furniture pieces should be securely grounded. Windows that are low should be made out of safety glass for the event hey may break, also colorful items may be placed on windows to discourage toddlers from bumping into them (Martoz, 2009). Quality lighting is crucial for the class and hallways. Are quality should be considered. The use aerosols should not be used around children (Landrigan, et al., 2004; Daisey, Angell, & Apte, 2003).The National Health and Safety Performance Standard recommends 50 square feet per toddler outdoors (APHA and AAP, 2002).The facility will have at least two exits in each room and exits should be labeled. There is an evacuation plan in order, along with regularly practiced fire drills. The playground will be away from any heavy traffic areas and other items that may cause concern. Play areas should also be fenced in and have a workable lock for safety.

To keep the facility safely maintained all items such as cleaning supplies are kept away from the children. Chemicals are labeled and in proper bottles. I do a thorough check around the classroom and outside of center to inspect for any broken items, cords that are in the way, and outlets not covered. A daily form is completed to insure a walk thru of things that can be fixed immediately or soon a s a maintenance tech arrives. This could be light bulbs out, fridge temperature for infant bottles. Any items that may cause a danger will be removed. In the summer and spring months the playground is inspected for bees nest or other seasonal concerns. Daily health practices are done as well. The use of proper hand washing is encouraged for all teachers and students. Toys and surfaces are sanitized regularly. Health alerts are sent out to inform parents of any contagious illnesses they may have occurred in the classroom. I also keep a first aid kit available and keep up to date on first aid and CPR classes.

As teachers we should remain aware that we are not only here to teach children but to provide proper supervision, appropriate activities, and follow state guidelines for the children in our care. Children thrive when their surroundings are met with love nurture and care. A clean and safe environment is essential to the proper learning and development of young children.