Identify safety hazards and ways to protect children from them.

Identification should include

• sight and sound supervision
• injury prevention procedures
• laws and regulations governing possible safety hazards associated with a physical facility (e.g., safety plans, blood-borne pathogen regulations, prevention procedures for spreading infectious diseases, Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] requirements, classroom and playground safety, safety checkpoints)
• the responsibilities of early childhood education professionals to ensure the safety and security of children.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What standards, laws, and regulations affect the early learning environment?
• What should be done to establish and maintain a safe and secure learning environment?

Communication

• How can the standards for a safe and secure learning environment be communicated to families and children?
• What procedures are in place for notifying families of emergencies?

Leadership

• What leadership skills could be used in an emergency?

Management

• What should be done to develop an emergency response system?
• What procedures can be established for handling emergencies?
• How can early childhood professionals be proactive in assessing risk potential?