Module 6 Health and Safety

Child Development

ObjectiveThe student can differentiate between compliance and non-compliance of health and safety regulations.

Discussion Questions in your groups

1. Why do we need to have health policies in early learning programs?

2.What are examples of safety issues in an early learning center?

Required of all Licensed Programs

● Written in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

● Shared with all new staff during orientation.

● Posted for staff and families to review.● Reviewed, signed and dated by a

physician, physician’s assistant or registered nurse when you change your policies and procedures or type of care provided.

Do You Know what these are and how to do them?

● Provide general cleaning of areas● Clean and sanitize equipment● Prevent, manage and report communicable

diseases● Handle minor injuries such as scrapes● Provide first aid● Screen children daily for illnesses● Notify parents that children have been exposed

to infectious diseases and parasites● Handle minor illnesses, such as the influenza

(the flu)

Contd.● Handle major injuries and medical emergencies● Manage medication● Assist with hand washing, diapering and tolieting● handle food● Provide nutritious meals and snacks● Respond during any disasters● Care for children with special needs● Care for infants● Place infants on their backs● Decide when children are too ill, how to call for pick-up

and how to care for child until family arrives

Objective-The student can summarize their role as a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect.

Discussion Questions in groups

1. What is the definition of “maltreatment?”2. How can you become familiar with the

symptoms of child abuse, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse, and physical or emotional neglect?

3. What do you need to do to follow state laws and community procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect?

Mandated Reporters of Abuse Are:

Caregivers, teachers and others professionals in positions that have close and frequent contact with children.

The law says:When any licensed or certified child care provider or their employee has reasonable cause to believe that a child… has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040

What does this mean for you?If you have reason to suspect that a child is suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you must immediately report the circumstances.This report must be made to Child Protective Service’s central intake.

If you suspect immediate harm-

You must also make a report to local law enforcement.If the suspect involves you or your staff, you must inform your licensor.

Objective-The student will identify a healthy physical environment for children including health, safety, and sanitation practices.

Discussion Qs for group1.What are some of the safety standards

required by licensing regulations? Give examples of how they impact children’s safety.

2.What safety procedures would you highlight if you were talking to a parent about the safety features at the child care center?

Washington State Law- WACS

Licensed programs must meet safety standards on the following:● Exits, Stairs, and Decks● Shelving and portable furniture● Radon, chemicals, lead and arsenic

exposure● Electrical outlets● Shielded light bulbs● Glass doors and windows

contd.● Locks● Working telephone● Screens and windows● Safe water and water play● Fences and playground surfaces● Ventilation and temperatures● Animals, fish or pets

You must also make available● Additional disposable gloves● A blood spill kit when cleaning up

blood or other bodily fluids● Cold packs, ice cubes, or frozen

sponges to reduce swelling and ease discomfort

● Hand wipes● Bottled water