Brittany Hood
Physical fitness is important along with eating healthy. Children get their fitness activity in everyday during their outdoor time. Children are running, jumping, walking the balance beam, riding a tricycle and a host of other fun activities. Physical fitness gets your blood pumping throughout your body; strengthen your body’s muscles, and pumps your heart. With physical fitness activities the key is to get your heart rate up to help burn calories. During physical fitness children are strengthening large motor skills: running, jumping, skipping, pedaling, and also small motor skills throwing, catching, hitting. According to NAEYC, children should have sixty (60) minutes of un-structured fitness activity for preschool age children.
Being active is very important in staying healthy and adults have to encourage that to children. With the rising number of children who are obese and suffering from asthma, it is difficult to get them active. I have been the physical education coordinator for the YMCA/ECDC Head Start Program for 7 years and we provide swim lessons and soccer for our children. Some of the children are over weight and others suffer from asthma. I explain to the parents that physical fitness activity is what your child needs to be healthy. Some parents are hesitant in letting their child participate but I encourage them to sign up. It can be difficult to get those children who are obese to play, but there are always games to get them motivated.
Parents are fearful of other children mistreating their child or teased by others also. Having children that refuse to participate in physical fitness activities can lead to other health concerns. Preschoolers are aware when they do not look like their classmates and notice people talking about them. This can make them sad and not want to participate in activities because of what they look like.
Because I work in this field the two activities that children of preschool age can participate in is swimming and ball toss. Although some children are fearful of water it is still activities for them to do while, they sit on the side of the pool. And swimming is a great skill to have and great exercise. Children are kicking their legs and moving their arms to move them through the water. Swim instructors create games such as retrieve the rubber toys from the middle of the pool and swim back to the side. The “learn to swim” program introduces children to swimming and working their arms and legs in the process.
The second activity I selected is ball toss this activity works on the fine motor skills. This activity allows the children to toss the ball to one another. Children learn to toss and catch with this activity. The fine motor skills become strengthen in this activity. The development of fine motor skills is important in children growth and development. Parents can do this activity with their child at home to reinforce the skills as well. This activity can turn into another activity call over and under pass. This activity child passes the ball over and under their legs from one child to another.
Working for Head Start we have had many quotes that we use pertaining to what we do in our program, but one we have now I really like it because it represent how I feel about the children I serve “We care because our children are worth it.” No matter what it takes, we care about our children and I stand by that quote. Children are looking to us for guidance and we have to give them the best. Quality fitness activities help promote healthy bodies, attitudes, lifestyle in children at a young age when we continue to stress the importance of it and how it is helpful for us. Building this mind set in children at preschool age with the help of parents, and teachers can become part of their lifestyle as they continue to grow.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Healthy Food and Nutrition
Brittany Hood
Good nutrition is important for everyone, and it is necessary when it comes to growing children. Having a nutritional diet helps a child in every aspect. Making sure children have something from all the major food groups can become difficult when you have picky eaters. Working in the education field teaching and providing good eating habits is the start of the process. Based on the course text I read “13 million children in early childhood education every day 46 percent of whom are infants and toddlers, and these children get a significant part of their weekly nutrition from the early childhood education environment” (Padget & Briley, 2005; Hayden,2002) ( Safety, Nutrition & Health in Early Education pg. 214). Knowing this it is important to teach good nutrition so children are able to take those habits home to share with their family.
More children are having health issues at young ages and at rapid rates. Children are obese, diabetic, asthmatic, and a host of other issues. Starting children down the wrong path of an unhealthy diet can affect them in the end. Eating something from each food group helps in the growth and development of children. Having strong bones help in their growth of their body and protect them in the activities that they participate in also. Children do not understand the purpose of eating healthy that’s why it is up to adults to teach that to them. Children would love to eat salty chips, sugary snacks, and sweet juices instead of the healthy items. Giving health options for children to choose from can be helpful to them. Explanations behind eating healthy can help children and adults.
I have always thought of having a nutritionist come in and speak to adults about incorporating healthy meals to children on daily basics can help any person. Most people have no idea where to start when doing this. This is a huge task to take on especially when you do not have a clue where to begin. A chef showing healthy recipes for adults to incorporate is great ways to make sure children are eating healthy. Health issues children are facing are becoming more prevalent in our communities and we are continuing the cycle of unhealthy children. Families and school systems are unable to provide quality meals for children do to financial reason and our children are suffering in the process. Constant encouragement and resources to help feel in those gaps can be helpful. Quick and inexpensive meals are one, trainings and seminars to reiterate the importance or healthy eating to adults and children are steps toward the right direction.
Parents are their child’s first teacher and everything is watched. We have to model good eating habits if we want them to be healthy. We can not ask children to eat their vegetables if we are not eating them ourselves. Creating ways to cook and incorporate those needed items is the key. I have seen a cooking show that cooked vegetables inside of a brownie and the children enjoyed them. These types of ideas can help make sure your child is getting their vitamins. I found on the Fruit and Veggies: More Matters web site great recipes that parents can do at home for their child and at school also. I have found children like to help, so helping cook their meals can be a great family activity and teaching moment about eating healthy. Also include children in the decision of what they want to eat. Provide health choices and allow them to decide. I found letting children do so could alleviate battles in the kitchens. The three I choose are out of this whirled shake, symphony of fruit pizza, and easy supper. I think these are great to do with children to show them that eating healthy is not nasty or tasteless but fun and good and good for you.
Out Of This Whirled Shake
Get into a perfect orbit with this refreshing blast of fruit flavors.
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Beverages & Smoothies
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: .5
Ingredients:
½ medium bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup unsweetened frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries)
½ cup low fat (1%) milk or soft tofu
½ cup 100% orange juice
Place all ingredients in a blender container. Cover tightly. Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add ½ cup cold water and blend again. Pour into 2 glasses and serve.
Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of folate and potassium.
Credit: Recipe courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 106 Carbohydrates: 23g
Total Fat: 0.9g Cholesterol: 3mg
Saturated Fat: 0.4g Dietary Fiber: 2g
% of Calories from Fat: 7% Sodium: 30mg
Protein: 3g
Symphony of Fruit Pizza
As pretty as it is delicious!
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Desserts
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: ½
Ingredients:
1 English muffin
2 tablespoons whipped fat-free strawberry cream cheese
1/3 cup strawberries, sliced
¼ cup red grapes, quartered
¼ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
Toast the English muffin until golden brown. Spread cream cheese on toasted muffin. Arrange sliced strawberries, grapes, and orange slices on top of the cream cheese. Slice into quarters and “yummy – fruit pizza”!
Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of folate and fiber.
Credit: Recipe is courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation and Shoney's, Inc. This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 228 Carbohydrates: 46g
Total Fat: 1.3g Cholesterol: 5mg
Saturated Fat: 0g Dietary Fiber: 4g
% of Calories from Fat: 5% Sodium: 374mg
Protein: 10g
Easy Supper
This great recipe is as satisfying as it is quick to make!
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Main Dishes
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time:
Serves: 6
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: ½
Ingredients:
½ pound lean hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1 cup dry macaroni
2 ½ cups tomato juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano, crushed
1 15 ½ -oz. can beans with Mexican or “chili” seasoning
1 cup grated low-fat cheddar cheese
Brown hamburger in a large frying pan or electric skillet.
Drain off fat.
Add onion to hamburger and cook until onion is clear.
Turn heat down to simmer; add macaroni, juice, spices and beans; stir to combine.
Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. (If you uncover the pan to check and stir more than twice, add additional tomato juice).
Remove from heat; stir, sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover and let cheese melt.
Each serving provides: An excellent source Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber and a good source of folate, potassium and calcium.
Credit: Recipe used with permission of The Bean Cookbook, North Dakota WIC Program and the Northarvest Bean Growers Asssociaion, 2005. This recipe meets Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 281 Carbohydrates: 32g
Total Fat: 6.9g Cholesterol: 36mg
Saturated Fat: 3.0g Dietary Fiber: 5g
% of Calories from Fat: 23% Sodium: 582mg
Protein: 21g
Good nutrition is important for everyone, and it is necessary when it comes to growing children. Having a nutritional diet helps a child in every aspect. Making sure children have something from all the major food groups can become difficult when you have picky eaters. Working in the education field teaching and providing good eating habits is the start of the process. Based on the course text I read “13 million children in early childhood education every day 46 percent of whom are infants and toddlers, and these children get a significant part of their weekly nutrition from the early childhood education environment” (Padget & Briley, 2005; Hayden,2002) ( Safety, Nutrition & Health in Early Education pg. 214). Knowing this it is important to teach good nutrition so children are able to take those habits home to share with their family.
More children are having health issues at young ages and at rapid rates. Children are obese, diabetic, asthmatic, and a host of other issues. Starting children down the wrong path of an unhealthy diet can affect them in the end. Eating something from each food group helps in the growth and development of children. Having strong bones help in their growth of their body and protect them in the activities that they participate in also. Children do not understand the purpose of eating healthy that’s why it is up to adults to teach that to them. Children would love to eat salty chips, sugary snacks, and sweet juices instead of the healthy items. Giving health options for children to choose from can be helpful to them. Explanations behind eating healthy can help children and adults.
I have always thought of having a nutritionist come in and speak to adults about incorporating healthy meals to children on daily basics can help any person. Most people have no idea where to start when doing this. This is a huge task to take on especially when you do not have a clue where to begin. A chef showing healthy recipes for adults to incorporate is great ways to make sure children are eating healthy. Health issues children are facing are becoming more prevalent in our communities and we are continuing the cycle of unhealthy children. Families and school systems are unable to provide quality meals for children do to financial reason and our children are suffering in the process. Constant encouragement and resources to help feel in those gaps can be helpful. Quick and inexpensive meals are one, trainings and seminars to reiterate the importance or healthy eating to adults and children are steps toward the right direction.
Parents are their child’s first teacher and everything is watched. We have to model good eating habits if we want them to be healthy. We can not ask children to eat their vegetables if we are not eating them ourselves. Creating ways to cook and incorporate those needed items is the key. I have seen a cooking show that cooked vegetables inside of a brownie and the children enjoyed them. These types of ideas can help make sure your child is getting their vitamins. I found on the Fruit and Veggies: More Matters web site great recipes that parents can do at home for their child and at school also. I have found children like to help, so helping cook their meals can be a great family activity and teaching moment about eating healthy. Also include children in the decision of what they want to eat. Provide health choices and allow them to decide. I found letting children do so could alleviate battles in the kitchens. The three I choose are out of this whirled shake, symphony of fruit pizza, and easy supper. I think these are great to do with children to show them that eating healthy is not nasty or tasteless but fun and good and good for you.
Out Of This Whirled Shake
Get into a perfect orbit with this refreshing blast of fruit flavors.
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Beverages & Smoothies
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: .5
Ingredients:
½ medium bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup unsweetened frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries)
½ cup low fat (1%) milk or soft tofu
½ cup 100% orange juice
Place all ingredients in a blender container. Cover tightly. Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add ½ cup cold water and blend again. Pour into 2 glasses and serve.
Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of folate and potassium.
Credit: Recipe courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 106 Carbohydrates: 23g
Total Fat: 0.9g Cholesterol: 3mg
Saturated Fat: 0.4g Dietary Fiber: 2g
% of Calories from Fat: 7% Sodium: 30mg
Protein: 3g
Symphony of Fruit Pizza
As pretty as it is delicious!
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Desserts
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: ½
Ingredients:
1 English muffin
2 tablespoons whipped fat-free strawberry cream cheese
1/3 cup strawberries, sliced
¼ cup red grapes, quartered
¼ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
Toast the English muffin until golden brown. Spread cream cheese on toasted muffin. Arrange sliced strawberries, grapes, and orange slices on top of the cream cheese. Slice into quarters and “yummy – fruit pizza”!
Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of folate and fiber.
Credit: Recipe is courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation and Shoney's, Inc. This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 228 Carbohydrates: 46g
Total Fat: 1.3g Cholesterol: 5mg
Saturated Fat: 0g Dietary Fiber: 4g
% of Calories from Fat: 5% Sodium: 374mg
Protein: 10g
Easy Supper
This great recipe is as satisfying as it is quick to make!
This is one of our own Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ recipes. It meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strict nutrition guidelines as a healthy recipe.
Category: Main Dishes
Think Variety; Think Color:
Preparation time:
Serves: 6
Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per Serving: ½
Ingredients:
½ pound lean hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1 cup dry macaroni
2 ½ cups tomato juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano, crushed
1 15 ½ -oz. can beans with Mexican or “chili” seasoning
1 cup grated low-fat cheddar cheese
Brown hamburger in a large frying pan or electric skillet.
Drain off fat.
Add onion to hamburger and cook until onion is clear.
Turn heat down to simmer; add macaroni, juice, spices and beans; stir to combine.
Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. (If you uncover the pan to check and stir more than twice, add additional tomato juice).
Remove from heat; stir, sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover and let cheese melt.
Each serving provides: An excellent source Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber and a good source of folate, potassium and calcium.
Credit: Recipe used with permission of The Bean Cookbook, North Dakota WIC Program and the Northarvest Bean Growers Asssociaion, 2005. This recipe meets Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories: 281 Carbohydrates: 32g
Total Fat: 6.9g Cholesterol: 36mg
Saturated Fat: 3.0g Dietary Fiber: 5g
% of Calories from Fat: 23% Sodium: 582mg
Protein: 21g
Thursday, April 15, 2010
CPR and Choking Emergencies
Brittany Hood
Week 3 Application
Working in the childcare field having the proper training can be important in an emergency. CPR and First Aid certification can save a life of a child who is in need. No one ever wants to be in a situation where they would have to use their training, but I am surer no one wants to be without it either. In situation of emergencies, time is of the essence and you have to have a plan in place to make sure the child is receiving the best quality treatment until help arrives. I have been a lifeguard for 13 years and I never want to use my skills because it can be very scary, but if I have to I will jump into action to save a life.
My first scenario will be a choking child. A childcare center just had a accident to happen about 2 week ago. A little girl choked on a rhinestone that came off her close. The children notice her first when she started coughing, and could not stop. The children then got the attention of the teachers and they notice the universal sign of choking. The little girl was holding her throat, and coughing. All the children became scared as well as the teachers did. The teacher started the hymlic maneuver on the child but nothing was coming up. Then the teacher lean the little girl over to hit her on the back to dislodge the object. Finally, after several hits on the back, the object came up, and that is when the teachers notice it was a rhinestone from her clothes.
When this incident took place, the center had not put an emergency action plan in place. This incident could have been much worse if the children did not get the attention of the teachers. With an emergency plan, this could have happen smoothly when staff has a plan to follow. CPR and First Aid training help in situations like this to save lives. Having the proper training allow staff to become familiar with the procedures and ask questions as well. Creating a emergency plan allow to know what steps to take in the event of an emergency. In this scenario, one teacher should have cleared the area and dialed EMS while the other teacher administers the hymlic maneuver until EMS arrived. The same person who called EMS should also call the parent to inform them of the incident and come to the center. With practice, staff would become familiar with the process and change anything that may not work. Creating scenarios for staff to practice and understand the procedure is important you do not want someone unsure about the plan, or how to administer first aid or CPR. Rectification is also important that all staff go through this process every 3 years. This important so they may stay abreast with their training and become aware of any updates or changes.
The second scenario takes place on the playground. As the children played on the playground, a little boy passes out on the playground. The teachers notice the little boy on the ground and run to his aid. The teacher notice that he was not breathing, and like the children, they panic. The other teachers call the EMS and call the parent to inform them of the emergency. The teacher administers CPR until EMS arrives and takes over. An action plan in place helps to alleviate confusion and chaos in the event of an emergency. When the teacher notice the child on the ground she immediately knew what to do, and that comes for the proper training and practice. Having no plan in place is dangerous because time is precious when it comes to saving a life. When time is wasted on people asking what to do rather than knowing is a matter of life or death. As stated in the above paragraph constant training should take place for potential emergencies. You can never be to prepared practice for every possible event to help prepare staff and include parents so they can learn the process as well. I found that sometimes including children could help them understand the process and learn what to do in an emergency.
Providing training for parents on CPR and first aid is important also creating an emergency plan is also important. I have come across numerous parents who do not know or have an emergency plan and cannot perform CPR or the hymlic maneuver. I explain to parents the importance of having these skills because they may have to save a life and it could be their child. No person want to be in a life or death emergency but if you are it is important to be prepared for it no matter what.
Week 3 Application
Working in the childcare field having the proper training can be important in an emergency. CPR and First Aid certification can save a life of a child who is in need. No one ever wants to be in a situation where they would have to use their training, but I am surer no one wants to be without it either. In situation of emergencies, time is of the essence and you have to have a plan in place to make sure the child is receiving the best quality treatment until help arrives. I have been a lifeguard for 13 years and I never want to use my skills because it can be very scary, but if I have to I will jump into action to save a life.
My first scenario will be a choking child. A childcare center just had a accident to happen about 2 week ago. A little girl choked on a rhinestone that came off her close. The children notice her first when she started coughing, and could not stop. The children then got the attention of the teachers and they notice the universal sign of choking. The little girl was holding her throat, and coughing. All the children became scared as well as the teachers did. The teacher started the hymlic maneuver on the child but nothing was coming up. Then the teacher lean the little girl over to hit her on the back to dislodge the object. Finally, after several hits on the back, the object came up, and that is when the teachers notice it was a rhinestone from her clothes.
When this incident took place, the center had not put an emergency action plan in place. This incident could have been much worse if the children did not get the attention of the teachers. With an emergency plan, this could have happen smoothly when staff has a plan to follow. CPR and First Aid training help in situations like this to save lives. Having the proper training allow staff to become familiar with the procedures and ask questions as well. Creating a emergency plan allow to know what steps to take in the event of an emergency. In this scenario, one teacher should have cleared the area and dialed EMS while the other teacher administers the hymlic maneuver until EMS arrived. The same person who called EMS should also call the parent to inform them of the incident and come to the center. With practice, staff would become familiar with the process and change anything that may not work. Creating scenarios for staff to practice and understand the procedure is important you do not want someone unsure about the plan, or how to administer first aid or CPR. Rectification is also important that all staff go through this process every 3 years. This important so they may stay abreast with their training and become aware of any updates or changes.
The second scenario takes place on the playground. As the children played on the playground, a little boy passes out on the playground. The teachers notice the little boy on the ground and run to his aid. The teacher notice that he was not breathing, and like the children, they panic. The other teachers call the EMS and call the parent to inform them of the emergency. The teacher administers CPR until EMS arrives and takes over. An action plan in place helps to alleviate confusion and chaos in the event of an emergency. When the teacher notice the child on the ground she immediately knew what to do, and that comes for the proper training and practice. Having no plan in place is dangerous because time is precious when it comes to saving a life. When time is wasted on people asking what to do rather than knowing is a matter of life or death. As stated in the above paragraph constant training should take place for potential emergencies. You can never be to prepared practice for every possible event to help prepare staff and include parents so they can learn the process as well. I found that sometimes including children could help them understand the process and learn what to do in an emergency.
Providing training for parents on CPR and first aid is important also creating an emergency plan is also important. I have come across numerous parents who do not know or have an emergency plan and cannot perform CPR or the hymlic maneuver. I explain to parents the importance of having these skills because they may have to save a life and it could be their child. No person want to be in a life or death emergency but if you are it is important to be prepared for it no matter what.
Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters
Brittany Hood
Working with children and families it is important to prepare them for any disaster that may happen In the childcare profession having a plan in place in the event of a disaster can help save lives, and prevent injuries. I never knew how serious having a plan was until I started working for Head Start. Having steps to follow makes it very easy to handle during an emergency. Living in Georgia I rarely saw major disasters like other states have. However, in the past years we have experienced a tornado and floods that many Georgians were not prepared for. I think after that event we started to take disaster plans seriously. The two disasters that I will describe hypothetical scenarios are severe storm and fire. This week reading, broaden my understanding to how to prepare and what to do in the event of an emergency. I know when an emergency happen is important to remain calm and that can be difficult to do, and that is why you must have a plan to avoid those issues.
Although the center that I work for never experienced this type of disaster this is a scenario I will describe. During this particular day, the news has stated that a severe storm will move toward Atlanta with possible thunder, lighting, and flooding. As the day progress, the storm started earlier, than predicted and water start to pool in some areas. The storm caused the power to go out at the center and the phones as well. Children started to worry and as well, some parents. The lighting also struck some power lines and trees around the center. Having a plan in place for an event like this can help. Disaster plans help cut down on confusion and injuries among children and staff. With storms, it is important to watch the news to and the area around the center to keep up with the weather. Being prepared helps the staff to focus on the children and steps to the plan also. Not creating a plan for the program leaves you prone to accidents and the lack of safety of the children, which is the main priority. First, I would create a committee with other staff members and parents to help create the plan. Also, have someone from Red Cross to come and talk to the staff on how to create a disaster plan. Create a list of needed items for this particular disaster. Designate a place for the children to go during this storm for safety reasons. Also, create an emergency bus schedule for children who ride the bus.
In addition, I would assess the building inside and out for any possible risk. I would check if something falls on the building, where would be a safe place for the staff and children to be until help arrives. Make sure the emergency lighting in the building is working properly. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and current parent contact information on all children. I would also have a phone tree for parents by classrooms. First aid kits are necessary for any disaster. Once all of this is done write the information down, post them in classrooms, and give them to parents as well. Giving a copy to the parents help them to know what to do in the event a severe storms comes. Red Cross can also come and talk to parents about the importance of a disaster plan and how they can practice and say abreast on what to do.
Planning can help alleviate chaos and injuries when it is something for someone to refer to. This also helps parents to understand what part they play in plan and how to remain calm. Proper planning can show parents how to do the same in their homes to keep their families safe.
Fire is a horrible event to take place. I have notice on the news that apartment building are catching on fire do to leaving something on the stove, space heaters etc. My center is located across from a trucking company and woods. If a truck hits a power line and it lands on the building causing a fire we would have to evacuate the building to a safe distanced location. On a monthly basis the children conduct fire drills so they will know what to do in the event of a fire.
Select staff members to help create a plan along with parents for the center to have in place if this happens. Have the fire department come and talk to staff, parents, and children about fires and how to respond. Safety is the key when children are involved if you do not have a plan children a staff can get hurt. In the scenario, a truck hits the power line causing it to hit the building and start a fire. You to get a safe distance away because the building is on fire and you can get burned or it can spread. The plan will include first aid kits, parent phone tree, phone call to the fire department and the script on what information to give to the operator. Fire plan is the most important plan to have in the center because a fire can happen at anytime. With a plan in place and you should want things to run smoothly despite the disaster.
Constant practice with the children helps things as well as conversations and visits from the fire department also. Parents can create a fire plan for their homes, and practice as well. Because we have a large center, making sure there are multiple ways for classrooms to exit the building without injury is also important. Keeping parents in the know helps them to be calm and how to respond when and if the disaster happens.
This week help me to understand on how to prepare a disaster plan with my family. I want my 2-year-old son to understand what to do and what to say if anything happens at home or anywhere else. All children should have constant practice on how to respond to disasters and to warn others if they notice one as well.
Working with children and families it is important to prepare them for any disaster that may happen In the childcare profession having a plan in place in the event of a disaster can help save lives, and prevent injuries. I never knew how serious having a plan was until I started working for Head Start. Having steps to follow makes it very easy to handle during an emergency. Living in Georgia I rarely saw major disasters like other states have. However, in the past years we have experienced a tornado and floods that many Georgians were not prepared for. I think after that event we started to take disaster plans seriously. The two disasters that I will describe hypothetical scenarios are severe storm and fire. This week reading, broaden my understanding to how to prepare and what to do in the event of an emergency. I know when an emergency happen is important to remain calm and that can be difficult to do, and that is why you must have a plan to avoid those issues.
Although the center that I work for never experienced this type of disaster this is a scenario I will describe. During this particular day, the news has stated that a severe storm will move toward Atlanta with possible thunder, lighting, and flooding. As the day progress, the storm started earlier, than predicted and water start to pool in some areas. The storm caused the power to go out at the center and the phones as well. Children started to worry and as well, some parents. The lighting also struck some power lines and trees around the center. Having a plan in place for an event like this can help. Disaster plans help cut down on confusion and injuries among children and staff. With storms, it is important to watch the news to and the area around the center to keep up with the weather. Being prepared helps the staff to focus on the children and steps to the plan also. Not creating a plan for the program leaves you prone to accidents and the lack of safety of the children, which is the main priority. First, I would create a committee with other staff members and parents to help create the plan. Also, have someone from Red Cross to come and talk to the staff on how to create a disaster plan. Create a list of needed items for this particular disaster. Designate a place for the children to go during this storm for safety reasons. Also, create an emergency bus schedule for children who ride the bus.
In addition, I would assess the building inside and out for any possible risk. I would check if something falls on the building, where would be a safe place for the staff and children to be until help arrives. Make sure the emergency lighting in the building is working properly. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and current parent contact information on all children. I would also have a phone tree for parents by classrooms. First aid kits are necessary for any disaster. Once all of this is done write the information down, post them in classrooms, and give them to parents as well. Giving a copy to the parents help them to know what to do in the event a severe storms comes. Red Cross can also come and talk to parents about the importance of a disaster plan and how they can practice and say abreast on what to do.
Planning can help alleviate chaos and injuries when it is something for someone to refer to. This also helps parents to understand what part they play in plan and how to remain calm. Proper planning can show parents how to do the same in their homes to keep their families safe.
Fire is a horrible event to take place. I have notice on the news that apartment building are catching on fire do to leaving something on the stove, space heaters etc. My center is located across from a trucking company and woods. If a truck hits a power line and it lands on the building causing a fire we would have to evacuate the building to a safe distanced location. On a monthly basis the children conduct fire drills so they will know what to do in the event of a fire.
Select staff members to help create a plan along with parents for the center to have in place if this happens. Have the fire department come and talk to staff, parents, and children about fires and how to respond. Safety is the key when children are involved if you do not have a plan children a staff can get hurt. In the scenario, a truck hits the power line causing it to hit the building and start a fire. You to get a safe distance away because the building is on fire and you can get burned or it can spread. The plan will include first aid kits, parent phone tree, phone call to the fire department and the script on what information to give to the operator. Fire plan is the most important plan to have in the center because a fire can happen at anytime. With a plan in place and you should want things to run smoothly despite the disaster.
Constant practice with the children helps things as well as conversations and visits from the fire department also. Parents can create a fire plan for their homes, and practice as well. Because we have a large center, making sure there are multiple ways for classrooms to exit the building without injury is also important. Keeping parents in the know helps them to be calm and how to respond when and if the disaster happens.
This week help me to understand on how to prepare a disaster plan with my family. I want my 2-year-old son to understand what to do and what to say if anything happens at home or anywhere else. All children should have constant practice on how to respond to disasters and to warn others if they notice one as well.
Safety Practices and Policies
Brittany Hood
Week 1 Application
For preschoolers everything is an adventure and sometimes they are not sure that they are putting themselves in danger. That is when educators and parents come in to help direct them. I have identified five potential threats/situations. They are Toy safety, poison control, hand washing, electrical sockets, and falls. I feel that the list is endless when it comes to the safety of children, but I believe the five I listed are the start of a long list.
Toy safety- Ensure that all toys are age appropriate for the children in the classroom. Also, replace any toys that are broken and unfit for children to play with. With the program that I work for the Education Specialist along with myself, and the center managers order age appropriate toys for their classrooms. We make sure that the items have large enough pieces to prevent choking hazards. The center mangers also inspect the classrooms to remove any toys that are not age appropriate for the classroom. Parents take orientation before school start to talk about age appropriate toys along with other items. Giving tips to parents on what to look for and to stay away from certain toys with small and many pieces to prevent choking in their homes as well.
Poison Control- Teachers are required to lock up their purse and chemical out of reach of children. Teachers have to lock up anything that can pose a potential danger to children. Teachers also should clearly label all chemical bottles used in the classroom. Place the bottles, purse and other items on the highest shelf in the locked closet. Also, post in all classrooms the number to poison control if an incident arises. Poisoning can happened with any household, medication, and even some non-household items. Families can put all their chemical items in high cabinets, but if they do not have that, they can lock their low-level cabinets to keep their children safe from poison items.
Hand washing- Keeping clean hands will help cut down on the transmission of germs and diseases. Base on the Head Start Performance Standards Child Health & Safety 1304.22 states that hand washing should take place after toilet use, before food preparation, whenever hands are contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, and before and after treating a wound. Teachers and children should wash their hands using liquid soap, rub their hands for 10 seconds rinse, and turn water off using a paper towel. Also, post hand-washing poster in all classrooms by the sink for children and teachers to see. When this healthy habit forms at the school children inform their parents of washing their hands. Sharing this information and the pros for good hand washing habits and how it cut down on germ passing will help parents enforce it at home.
Electrical Socket Covers- To prevent children from placing objects in the electrical sockets and getting shocked. In all classroom electrical sockets covered when not in use. Teachers should inspect their classroom to make sure there sockets have the proper covers. If sockets are uncovered, the center manager provides covers for those who need them. This is important for parents to know and have in their homes. Children are very curious from toddler stage to preschool about the world around them. Having socket covers to prevent this type of accident is important. Have fire department come in and explain the seriousness to parents and children about the dangers and preventive approaches that parents can use.
Falls- To prevent falls in the classroom setup is important along with proper furniture to prevent these incidents. In a classroom, the setup is very important. When the room is, setup correctly it cuts down on children running, possibly falling, and hurting themselves. Teachers can create rules to ensure the safety of the children. Also, make sure that the furniture is appropriate to the age group, and make sure carpets are secure to floor cut on tripping. Supervising is necessary for teachers to do to keep potential incidents from happening. Explaining to parents how important is to supervise your children at all time. Also, remove items that can be a potential hazard for children to fall.
In this field, being prepared is always the key when working with children. Our job is to provide the best quality and safe environment for them. Although we do not have eyes in the back of our heads, it is important to eliminate all possible threats in a childcare center. Informing parents is also important about threats in their homes. Give tips on how to childproof their homes, numbers to call incase of an emergency, and other tips. Providing this those types of trainings, and reading material can help eliminate threats in the homes as well. The items I listed are just the tip of the iceberg but they are the most important to me when it comes to child safety and well-being.
Week 1 Application
For preschoolers everything is an adventure and sometimes they are not sure that they are putting themselves in danger. That is when educators and parents come in to help direct them. I have identified five potential threats/situations. They are Toy safety, poison control, hand washing, electrical sockets, and falls. I feel that the list is endless when it comes to the safety of children, but I believe the five I listed are the start of a long list.
Toy safety- Ensure that all toys are age appropriate for the children in the classroom. Also, replace any toys that are broken and unfit for children to play with. With the program that I work for the Education Specialist along with myself, and the center managers order age appropriate toys for their classrooms. We make sure that the items have large enough pieces to prevent choking hazards. The center mangers also inspect the classrooms to remove any toys that are not age appropriate for the classroom. Parents take orientation before school start to talk about age appropriate toys along with other items. Giving tips to parents on what to look for and to stay away from certain toys with small and many pieces to prevent choking in their homes as well.
Poison Control- Teachers are required to lock up their purse and chemical out of reach of children. Teachers have to lock up anything that can pose a potential danger to children. Teachers also should clearly label all chemical bottles used in the classroom. Place the bottles, purse and other items on the highest shelf in the locked closet. Also, post in all classrooms the number to poison control if an incident arises. Poisoning can happened with any household, medication, and even some non-household items. Families can put all their chemical items in high cabinets, but if they do not have that, they can lock their low-level cabinets to keep their children safe from poison items.
Hand washing- Keeping clean hands will help cut down on the transmission of germs and diseases. Base on the Head Start Performance Standards Child Health & Safety 1304.22 states that hand washing should take place after toilet use, before food preparation, whenever hands are contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, and before and after treating a wound. Teachers and children should wash their hands using liquid soap, rub their hands for 10 seconds rinse, and turn water off using a paper towel. Also, post hand-washing poster in all classrooms by the sink for children and teachers to see. When this healthy habit forms at the school children inform their parents of washing their hands. Sharing this information and the pros for good hand washing habits and how it cut down on germ passing will help parents enforce it at home.
Electrical Socket Covers- To prevent children from placing objects in the electrical sockets and getting shocked. In all classroom electrical sockets covered when not in use. Teachers should inspect their classroom to make sure there sockets have the proper covers. If sockets are uncovered, the center manager provides covers for those who need them. This is important for parents to know and have in their homes. Children are very curious from toddler stage to preschool about the world around them. Having socket covers to prevent this type of accident is important. Have fire department come in and explain the seriousness to parents and children about the dangers and preventive approaches that parents can use.
Falls- To prevent falls in the classroom setup is important along with proper furniture to prevent these incidents. In a classroom, the setup is very important. When the room is, setup correctly it cuts down on children running, possibly falling, and hurting themselves. Teachers can create rules to ensure the safety of the children. Also, make sure that the furniture is appropriate to the age group, and make sure carpets are secure to floor cut on tripping. Supervising is necessary for teachers to do to keep potential incidents from happening. Explaining to parents how important is to supervise your children at all time. Also, remove items that can be a potential hazard for children to fall.
In this field, being prepared is always the key when working with children. Our job is to provide the best quality and safe environment for them. Although we do not have eyes in the back of our heads, it is important to eliminate all possible threats in a childcare center. Informing parents is also important about threats in their homes. Give tips on how to childproof their homes, numbers to call incase of an emergency, and other tips. Providing this those types of trainings, and reading material can help eliminate threats in the homes as well. The items I listed are just the tip of the iceberg but they are the most important to me when it comes to child safety and well-being.
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