Title: Identify safety hazards and ways to protect children from them.
Course: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-18) > Section: Analyzing Healthy and Safe Environments for Children

Identification should include the laws and regulations governing possible safety hazards associated with a physical facility (e.g., safety plans, blood-borne pathogen regulations, prevention procedures for spreading infectious diseases, OSHA requirements, classroom and playground safety, safety checkpoints).

Identification should also include the responsibilities of early childhood education professionals to ensure the safety and security of children.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What standards, laws, and regulations affect the early learning environment?
- What are the consequences of providing or failing to provide a safe and secure learning environment?
- What should be done to establish and maintain a safe and secure learning environment?

Communication

- What criteria should be used to decide how to provide a safe and secure learning environment?
- How can the standards for a safe and secure learning environment be communicated to parents and children?
- What procedures are in place for notifying parents of emergencies?

Leadership

- What is the outcome of maintaining or failing to maintain a safe and secure environment?
- What leadership skills could be used in an emergency?

Management

- What should be done to develop an emergency response system?
- What are some practices to ensure the safety and security of children and staff?
- What procedures can be established for handling emergencies?
- How can early childhood professionals be proactive in assessing risk potential?