Safety in Early Childhood Environments
Toddlers are at risk for many kinds of hazardous accidents. They probably are the developmental group with the most potential for unsafe practices. Toddlers require careful constant monitoring and potential hazards should be constantly anticipated. They like to explore places that may not be in view. My five potentially hazardous situations and safety threats common to toddler are as following:
1. Drowning is one of most common accidents of childhood by falling in a swimming pool. Some parents place their children in a swimming program. “Just because your child has had swimming lesson doesn’t meant he or she can save himself. These swimming classes are designed to get kids comfortable with water. Your child still needs to be supervised around water.
Parents often assume they’ll hear their child splash or cry if she or he falls in the water but drowning is usually quick and silent. “Once a child’s head goes underwater it only takes a few minutes for the heart to stop and brain damage to occur. Here are ways to prevent a child from drowning:
• Don keep your toddler or preschooler within aim’s reach whenever he or she in or near water.
• Don’t get distracted when your child in or near a pool or has access to any water.
• Do equip your pool with four-sided fencing at least four feet high, a rigid cover, and entrapment drain covers. Empty kiddies’ pool and remove ladders to above ground ponds after using.
• Don’t leave pool toys in the water or near the pool area.
• Do learn CPR and keep a cell phone handy in case of emergency.
• Don’t rely on arm floats or air-filled tubes to keep your child safe. Have your child wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Life preserver if she or he is on a boat or near water.
2. Fire and Burn are the third leading cause of deaths among American children. Children are very susceptible to fires and burns because they are curious and do not recognize dangers. Children playing with matches and lighters are the number one cause of fire related deaths among children and Burns to children can occur in numerous ways. For example; dry heat from fires a wet heat from stream, electricity, chemical, and hot objects. Some deaths and injuries from burn are linked to unsafe environments and products, especially home.
The law requires the installation of smoke alarms, the regulation of temperature of hot water and enforcement of standards for cigarette lighters prevent burns. The provision of first aid and high-quality care ensures the best possible physical outcomes.
Strategies for fire and burn prevention at school. The teacher must be aware of everything in the early childhood environment that can prevent hazards and fire and burn risks. Children should be taught to avoid matches and lighters by the teacher, and kids should be taught the same thing at home by parents. These items should be kept out of sight and not used unless necessary. Children should also have regular practice drills for fire evacuation. Safety devices such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms should be present and in working condition.
3. Motor Vehicle Safety – Each child should be in an appropriate safety seat, seat belt that corresponds to the child’s weight and age. This feature should be approved in accordance with federal safety seat standards and used in compliance with the manufacturer’s directions. The increased use of child-restraint devices, such as seat belts, is primarily responsible for the prevention of automobile fatalities among young children under the age of 5.
• Children car seat always needs to be kept in backseat.
• Keep child away from street and driveways by using supervision, fences and firm discipline
• Teach pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
• Seat belts must be provided for all children who are too old for safety seats.
4. Playground Equipments need to be check for safety before children plays on them. Safety is essential in the early childhood education environment. Risk is posted if the equipment has not met national safety standards. Climbing equipment, swings, and slides should be properly placed to prevent accidents. These should be shock –absorbing material beneath this equipment. Riding toys should be sturdy and not tip over easily. Proper supervision of children in outdoor play areas is the most effective ingredient in playground safety. All equipment should be regularly inspected to keep the playground safe.
5. Poison Control in the outdoor environment is essential. Toxic plants are the most common hazard for poison in the outdoors. Other poison hazards should be placed up high in a locked cabinet.
