Partnering with Parents to Keep Children Safe

How are you today? I am happy you are here📋😊

I was at a restaurant recently, dining outside by the water when I noticed a child bouncing around between tables. Eventually, she weaved her way toward the gate that led to a path along the water. She leaned against the gate, looked up at her parents' table, and pushed the gate open…

As I jumped up out of my chair and her dad ran over, my initial thought was, why wasn't there a safety lock on the gate?

⁉️Did you know that November is…

As Early Childhood Leaders, this month is a great opportunity to help bring awareness of safety through the child’s eyes to parents, as well as review how to assess potential dangers within the classroom with your teachers.

How to incorporate safety awareness within your early childhood program:

1. During staff meetings focuse on safety. Consider having teachers participate in a safety scavenger hunt as an engaging activity. 

2. Establish a safety coordinator position to provide an opportunity for an employee’s growth while still allowing them to teach in the classroom. 

3. Incorporate safety training during the onboarding process. This is an excellent time to review safety expectations regarding licensing, and to sign up for CPR and First Aid certifications. 

4. Use an opening safety walkthrough checklist. After a long day, it's easy to rush out of the classroom, but this checklist can help ensure that nothing is overlooked. 

5. Invite visitors to discuss safety topics. This is a great way to integrate safety knowledge into your curriculum. 

There are several ways to engage parents in child safety awareness. Two methods I use are: inviting speakers to join family events, and providing a safety checklist handout that they receive upon enrollment in our program.

Consider community helpers like police, fire, and EMS, swimming intrustors or lifeguards, crossing guards, or a wild life officer.

Some topics to consider for your safety awareness and prevention initiatives for parents:

• Indoor Safety

  • Medications and Cleaning Supplies: store all medications and cleaning products in locked cabinets to prevent accidental ingestion.

  • Cooking Hazards: Always turn pot handles inward on the stove to avoid accidental spills. Consider using stove guards to prevent young children from reaching the burners.

  • Cords and outlets: Unpluged when not in use, keep out of childrens view if possible, and check for frayed or broken prongs. It not using the child safe outlets, make sure outlet covers are in use.

• Outdoor Safety

  • Safe Crossing Practices: Educate children on how to navigate parking lots and streets safely. Teach them to look both ways before crossing and to be aware of their surroundings for any moving vehicles.

  • Gate Security: Install child safety locks or latches on gates leading to yards or driveways to prevent children from wandering into the street or unsafe areas.

  • Vehicle Safety: Ensure all children are using appropriate car seats or booster seats based on their age, weight, and height. Reinforce the importance of wearing seat belts at all times and looking for oncoming traffic before exiting a vehicle.

Children naturally explore their environment and seek new experiences. While curiosity is a vital component of their learning, young children do not recognize the potential safety risks. Together, we can create a protective environment that nurtures and shields them from harm while also allowing children to explore.

Till next time,

Jen Sprafka📋🖍️

P.S.  Here is a Safety Hunt to complete with your employees, long-term and new!