Safety Practice and Policies

Preschool children have mastered most of their gross and fine motor skills. Preschoolers have curious minds and like to explore and test their limits. The five potentially hazardous situations and or safety threats for preschoolers are as follows: art supplies, playground equipment, classroom cleaning supplies, tools and equipment, and indoor play tools and equipment.

Art supplies can present some potential hazards. The hazards can be from inhaling lead from the paint. Using non-toxic art supplies can help reduce the hazard. Teachers should avoid using paints that contain lead or using tempera paints. Using paints that are liquid or water based that are non-toxic is acceptable. Teachers should inform parents of the hazards of using paint products that contain lead and inform parents to use only paints that are clearly labeled, “non-toxic.”

Playground equipment is another hazard because children are naturally curious. They will climb and test their limits. When children are playing on the playground by having adequate supervision can help reduce the risk for injury. Play equipment should be enclosed by a four foot high fence and the sand box should be covered by some type of umbrella. Around the play equipment there should be some sort of cushion covering the ground like recycled rubber, or mulch. Children should have the playground rules explained to them, i.e. no pushing, going down the slide feet first, not standing behind a swing when a child is swinging.

Classroom cleaning supplies should always be placed out of the reach of children. Classroom cleaning supplies should only be used by adults. When purchasing classroom cleaning supplies it is best to purchase products that are labeled as non-toxic, natural, citrus based or biodegradable. Cleaning supplies should be used when the children are not present or have gone home for the day. Teachers and parents should talk to the children about the dangers of these supplies and that children should never use them.

Tools and equipment are potentially dangerous if a child gets a hold of them and uses them improperly. It is important to keep only child proof scissors, play tools and other tools and equipment. All tools and equipment should be out of a child’s reach and put away.

Using indoor safety can be beneficial to teachers as well as parents. Teachers need to make sure the indoor space has adequate floor space. Indoor space should be well supervised as well as allowing children to engage in climbing, jumping, and swinging to develop their strength and a sense of competency. There should be enough space to allow children to safely engage in these activities. Teachers should be able to see and hear all children at all times within the classroom.

Parents need to be sure that their home is safe for children, by installing safety locks on all cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, be sure to have covers on all electric outlets, keeping all tools and equipment out of the reach of children. Making sure outdoor equipment is safe for children by securing the play equipment from tipping over, make sure that all gates have safety locks to prevent children from wandering off.