Model health, safety, and sanitation habits.

Modeling may include

• identifying regulations pertaining to health, safety, and sanitation
• identifying universal precautions for infection control (e.g., bloodborne pathogens)
• creating lesson plans to educate children about health and safety
• coaching children in health, safety, and sanitation procedures.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What are some strategies to teach children health, safety, and sanitation habits?
• How can children be taught healthy eating habits?
• What are some strategies for encouraging children to exercise?

Communication

• Why should the child care professional always document accidents or injuries?
• What is the professional's responsibility if health, safety, or sanitation is not being practiced in a child’s home?

Leadership

• What is OSHA? How does it apply to early childhood professionals?
• What emergency training is needed by staff members?

Management

• Why are regular health inspections important?
• What circumstances require staff to implement emergency procedures?
• What ongoing training do the director and staff need to facilitate safety and sanitation?
• Whose responsibility is it to provide training to all staff members?