Safety and Health

Accreditation StandardsSafety and Health 1Safety StandardsSupervisionEmergency PreparationInjury Prevention Precautions for Babies and ToddlersHome SafetyOutdoor Safety

2SupervisionChildren age 2 and under are in the providers site at all times.

When children age 3 or older are not in sight, she listens carefully to assure all is well.

Children age 5 and under are not left inside or outside by themselves.

3When children are sleepingThe provider can hear them.The provider visually checks on sleeping babies every 15 minutes.

4SupervisionMandatory:The provider supervises children carefully when swimming, playing with water, woodworking, cooking and on field trips.

5SupervisionMandatory:Children are not allowed to leave the program with anyone other than their parents, or individuals given written or verbal permission from the childs parents. This include non-custodial parents. 6SupervisionChildren are not left in confining apparatuses such as play pens, swings, jumpers or other restraints for more than 20 minutes at a time.

They are not left in these restraints for more than half of the time in care.

7Field Trip The provider has a comprehensive plan which addresses all safety issues and assures that children do not become separated from the group.

What is your plan? Discuss what you do to meet this standard.

8Outings List Provider Brings:

First aid kitEmergency telephone numbersEmergency treatment permission formsCell phoneNote pad and penDiapers and wipes

9Outings ListChildren Bring:

Providers name and telephone number and their own name, where it is not visible, in case they do become lost.

10TransportationProvider has necessary materials and information to make transportation in a vehicle as safe as possible.Provider has approved car seats and/or seat restraints, installed correctly to match the age and size of the child using them. Children are never left alone in a vechicle. 11Emergency PreparationThe provider is currently trained and certified in first aid and CPR practices.

The provider keeps a well stocked first aid kit ready and available at all times. Emergency phone numbers are posted by the phone.

12Emergency PreparationThe provider is able to use the English proficient enough to relay emergency information to a first responder and to interrupt directions for emergency care, both written and verbal. 13Fire PreventionBoth standards are mandatory:

Children do not have access to matches or lighters.

Flammable materials are stored away from child care areas.

14Injury PreventionMandatory:Equipment and materials are safe and in good repair.

Fireplaces, woodstove and space heaters are screened and inaccessible to children, or not used when children are present.15Injury PreventionPoisonous items are locked and out of reach.

Guns and ammunition are stored separately, in a locked inaccessible location.

Guns are kept unloaded, with firing pins removed. 16Special Precautions for babies and toddlersMandatory:Children are never left alone on a changing table.

Provider keeps one hand on the child at all times, while child is on the table. 17Diapering Procedure18Nap TimeCribs conform to safety standards.Babies sleep on their backs on firm bedding. Children have own bedding stored away from others.Mats or cots are place at least 3 feet from another.

19HealthNo one smokes or drinks alcohol when children are present.The provider is in good health and sees a physician regularly.

If a child has a special need, the provider understands the condition and follows all treatments prescribed.

20HealthThe provider teaches the children about personal heath and safety, including the dangers of picking plants without permission.

21Nutrition and Food PreparationMeals follow the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines and are nutritious and sufficient in quantity.

Food is prepared, stored and served using proper food handling recommendations. 22Meals and SnacksChildren always sit down to eat.Meals are served in a relaxed manner, every 3 hours. Water is always accessible to children.Food is not used as a reward or punishment.Infants are feed when hungry and are held during feedings. 23Minimizing DiseaseThe provider has an illness policy shared with parents outlining when children are excluded from care. Children immunization are up to date for their age.The provider follows universal health precautions.

24Minimizing Disease The providers and children's hands are washed with soap and running water and dried with paper towels throughout the day.

25Ethics and Legality Professional ActivitiesAssistants and SubstitutesBusiness and Professional Practices26EthicsProviders attention is focused on the children.

Provider is intentional and reflective in her work.

The provider maintains confidentiality.

27Professional ActivitiesContinuing education.

Keep up to date on current topics.

Involved in professional groups.

28Stress and BurnoutStress is an individual reaction to internal and external stimuli.

It is how we react to events that happen in your life.29Holmes-Rahe Life Stress InventoryDo the stress inventory

How stressed are you?

30Scoring scaleLess than 150 = 30% chance of developing a stress related illness.

150-299 = 50% chance of illness.

Over 300= 80% chance of illness.31Family child care stressesWhat are some of the stresses family child care educators experience in their work?

Make a list with a partner and report back. 32Stress in Family Child CareIsolationLow pay and unreliable incomeLong hoursWear and tear on your homeUnrealistic expectationsToo many hats to wearLack of recognition and respect

33Stress ReductionHow do you reduce stress?

34IdeasMake a list of things you love about your job, refer back to it often.

35IdeasFocus on the children, take time to enjoy them.

36IdeasMake a list of other jobs you could be doing, and what it would entail to do something else.Rejoice in the fact you are your own boss!

37IdeasSay NO more often.

38IdeasLaugh

39Sharing childrearing issues with parentsHow do you share information with your parents?

Think of a time when you needed to present an issue about a child to his/her parents. How did you approach them?

Were you able to offer other resources?

Share your story with a neighbor. 40PortfoliosThe provider keeps notes about the childrens interest, accomplishments, concerns and some of the things they say and do. These records are used for program planning and parent conversations. 41