Child Care Health and Safety Basics: A Guide for Every Provider - post

Working in child care is one of the most important jobs in the world. Parents leave their children with you, trusting that you will keep them #safe and #happy. It is a big responsibility! Whether you are a new #teacher or have been working for years, knowing the basics of #health-and- #safety is the number one rule.

This guide will explain the most important steps to keep children safe in simple, easy-to-understand #language. By following these rules, you can create a place where children can #learn and grow without getting hurt or sick. 

1. Stopping Germs: The Power of Handwashing

The easiest way to stop children (and #teachers) from getting sick is to wash hands. Germs are tiny bugs that we cannot see, but they can make us sick with colds, the #flu, or stomach bugs.

In a child care center, there are many times when you must wash your hands. It is not just a suggestion; it is a rule.

When to Wash Hands:

• Upon Arrival: As soon as you walk into the room.
• Before Eating: Before you eat your lunch or feed a baby.
• After Diapering: Every single time you change a diaper.
• After Bathroom Use: After you use the toilet or help a child use the toilet.
• After Outside Play: When coming in from the #playground.
• After Wiping Noses: If you help a child with a tissue.

Using soap and warm water is the best way. You should scrub for at least 20 seconds. A fun way to teach children this is to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice while washing. 

2. Safe Sleep for Babies

Babies need extra protection because they cannot move or speak for themselves yet. One of the scariest things for #parents and providers is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). This is when a baby passes away in their #sleep with no warning.

However, there are rules you can follow to keep babies safe while they #nap. The most important rule is "Back to Sleep."

Safe Sleep Rules:

• Always on the Back: Always place a baby on their back to sleep, never on their stomach or side.
• Empty Crib: The crib should have a firm mattress and a tight sheet. There should be no pillows, no blankets, no stuffed animals, and no bumper pads. These things can cover a baby's face and stop them from breathing.
• Keep it Cool: Do not let the baby get too hot. If the room is comfortable for you, it is comfortable for the baby. #cozy

Every provider who works with infants (babies) must take training on this topic. It saves lives.

Recommended Training: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

3. Medication Safety: Handling Medicine Correctly

Sometimes, children need to take medicine while they are at child care. This might be for an ear infection, or maybe for an allergy. Giving medicine is a very serious task. If you give the wrong medicine or the wrong amount, a child could get very hurt.

The 5 Rights of Medication:

1. Right Child: Make sure you have the correct child.
2. Right Medicine: Check the label on the bottle.
3. Right Dose: Check #how-much the doctor said to give.
4. Right Time: Check when the child is supposed to take it.
5. Right Route: Check how to give it (like by mouth or on the skin).

You must also keep all medicine locked up. It should be in a cabinet or box that children cannot reach or open. Never leave medicine in your purse or on a counter. You also need permission from the parents in writing before giving any medicine. 

Recommended Training: Medication Administration in Child Care

4. Preventing Accidents: Childproofing the Room

Children are curious. They like to touch, climb, and taste everything. It is your job to make sure the room is safe for them to explore. This is called "childproofing."

Look around your #classroom from the level of a child. Get down on your knees and look!

Safety Checklist:

• Cover Outlets: Electrical outlets should have covers so children cannot put fingers in them.
• Lock Cabinets: Cabinets with cleaning sprays or chemicals must be locked tight.
• Check Toys: Look for broken toys. If a toy has a sharp edge or a small loose part, throw it away or fix it. Small parts can cause choking.
• Anchor Furniture: Bookshelves and heavy furniture should be attached to the wall so they do not tip over if a child climbs on them.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even if we are very careful, accidents or emergencies can happen. A "Medical Emergency" is when someone is hurt badly or is very sick. You might also have emergencies like a fire or bad #weather.

Every child care center has an Emergency Plan. You should know this plan by heart.

• First Aid Kit: Know where the First Aid kit is. It should have bandages, gloves, and cold packs.
• Food Allergies: Know which children have allergies. Some children cannot eat peanuts, milk, or eggs. If they eat these, their throat can close up. You must know who these children are and keep their food separate.
• Fire Drills: Practice fire drills with the children so they know what to do and do not get scared.

6. Daily Health Checks

A great way to keep everyone safe is to do a "Daily Health Check." This is a quick look at the child when they arrive in the morning.

Look at the child as they walk in.

• Do they have a rash?
• Are their eyes pink or goopy?
• Do they feel hot (fever)?
• Are they acting grumpy or tired?

If a child is sick, they should stay #home. This protects the other children and the teachers from catching the illness. ChildCareEd has #free resources to help you remember what to look for!

Useful Resource: You can download a Daily Health Check form to use in your classroom. This helps you write down what you see.

Conclusion

Keeping children #healthy and safe is a big job, but it is the most important part of being a child care provider. When you wash your hands, lock up medicines, and put babies to sleep #safely, you are a hero! You are making sure that the children have a safe place to play and learn.

Remember, you never stop learning. Taking classes and reading about safety helps you do your job better.

Read More: For more tips on keeping a clean and healthy environment, check out this article on our website. 

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