Children are the greatest assets we have, and those of us who have them entrusted to our care have one of the most important jobs in the world.
For those of us who are working in daycare programs, this responsibility is even greater, given we’re entrusted with children that aren’t our own.
For those who want to take up this call, finding new ways to maximize safety in your daycare program is essential.
Childproof everything
Children are the world’s greatest explorers. And — unfortunately — this can get them into dangerous predicaments. While we can do our best to keep an eye on them, it’s difficult to keep track of what every child is doing all the time, especially when you’re watching numerous children at once.
This is when childproofing becomes an essential way to maximize safety in a daycare center. A few key childproofing tips to keep in mind include:
Keep heavy furniture or electronics anchored to the floor or wall
Use cordless window treatments
Avoid keeping climbable furniture by windows
Put covers on all electrical outlets
Use gel bumpers on furniture corners
Don’t buy small toys that may become a choking hazard for younger children
Also, keep an eye on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall page. Toys and furniture that you thought were safe may find their way onto the list.
Emphasize cleanliness
Illness is one of parents’ greatest concerns right now. Even when we do our best to encourage parents to keep sick children at home, little ones still manage to find germs in their surroundings.
That’s why it’s essential we encourage kids to wash their hands and sanitize surfaces daily.
However, you will want to be cautious about using harsh chemicals to clean surfaces. These can aggravate symptoms for children with chemical sensitivities.
Using all-natural cleaners is a safer alternative and will make your daycare eco-friendlier as an added bonus.
Be aware of allergies
Being aware of allergies is especially important for daycare kids. At this age, many kids aren’t always aware of what is happening with their bodies, so it’s up to you to help them avoid triggers and navigate attacks. Here are a few ways to keep kids with allergies safe in your daycare:
Discuss allergies with parents when they sign up
Prepare and store kids with allergies’ snacks in a separate location if possible
Train all staff on how to respond in the event of an allergic reaction
Monitor children during snack time to avoid kids sharing food
Document any and all allergic reactions
Be aware that at this age, some kids may have allergies without the parents being aware, such as an allergy to bee stings. Be sure to have an emergency plan in place for if this event occurs, and contact the parents immediately.
