Planning a Safe & Healthy Learning Environment

. [Virtual Presenter] Good afternoon everyone. Today, we will be discussing how to create a safe and healthy learning environment that is suitable for all types of learners. We will explore best practices for staff training, safety equipment, play areas, and outdoor equipment. Let's get started!.

. [Virtual Presenter] Creating a safe and healthy learning environment for our children should be a priority. Training and policies for staff, making sure the right safety equipment is accessible, and providing playgrounds and activities which are safe and stimulating are all ways to optimize the learning environment. These tips can help Providers ensure children are in the best possible care..

. [Virtual Presenter] Safety checklist is an important tool for childcare providers to identify and eliminate any potential risks. Building trust with families is also essential to demonstrate that their children will be in a secure and healthy environment. Therefore, it is necessary for providers to review the checklist regularly to make sure that all safety regulations and policies are consistently applied. Following this checklist will provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all the children under their care..

[Audio] Providing a safe and healthy learning environment necessitates that staff have the proper training and understand their responsibilities. These include being current on CPR and first aid training and prioritizing supervision of children over socializing with each other. Additionally, staff must ensure that the staff-to-child ratios are appropriate and that kids are using any toys, tools, and equipment safely. Non-food items should never be put in the mouth, and drawstrings should not be part of any clothing. Furthermore, staff should be aware of any additional training requirements that may be imposed by local regulations..

[Audio] Safety should be the primary concern for children in care. Attendance tracking software should be used to monitor the whereabouts of all the children, and all recalled products should be replaced immediately. Fire safety equipment should be on hand and tested/maintained regularly, with staff knowing how to use it and practices of evacuation plans. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must and should be tested monthly and the batteries changed every six months. All these measures should be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in care..

[Audio] Providers are not mandated to install a video or audio surveillance system, though several opt for such measures to guarantee the safety of children under their care. A camera system or audio monitoring can promote safe and secure surroundings for both children and caregivers, thus necessitating that providers evaluate their choices and consider the advantages and disadvantages beforehand..

[Audio] Providers should maintain an up to date first-aid kit when actively providing care at a child care center. The kit should include a guide to first aid and emergency care, adhesive tape, antiseptic solution or wipes, cotton balls, multi-size adhesive bandages, scissors, sterile gauze pads, thermometer, tweezers, and waterproof, disposable gloves. All supplies should be checked to ensure they have not expired..

[Audio] Childcare centers should strive to create a safer and healthier learning environment. To achieve this, first-aid kits should be regularly checked for missing items and expired medications, and should include the necessary items. Furthermore, drop-off and pick-up procedures for every child should be secure and a childcare security system should be employed to further improve safety..

[Audio] Providers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the children in their care from external risks. Anyone whose behavior or health status could put the health and safety of a child at risk should not be present when children are in the care of the provider. Consumption of alcohol or controlled substances without a prescription, smoking e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or other tobacco products, and impairment by alcohol or controlled substances must not be allowed in any of the related areas. Staff must take all necessary precautions to protect the children in their care from external threats..

[Audio] Regulations and safety measures set forth by the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Texas Private Security Board allow only those who are trained and certified to carry firearms on duty to possess them at a child-care center. Unless the child-care center is also the provider's residence, all other firearms, hunting knives, bows and arrows, and other weapons are prohibited. Should any of them be present, firearms, hunting knives, bows and arrows, and other weapons must be securely locked in cabinets at all times, with ammunition stored in another separate locked cabinet..

[Audio] When providing a learning environment for children, prioritizing safety is essential. Explosives and equipment that shoot items must be kept away from children and, if kept in the home, must be secured and inaccessible when the center is open..

[Audio] Ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for our children is paramount. All doors and staircases should be securely blocked and monitored to ensure children cannot leave or enter without proper supervision. Staff should have a clear view of the classroom without any blind spots where a child could hide. Teacher items such as personal effects, staplers, scissors, knives, and cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach from children..

[Audio] It is essential that all areas accessible to a child in a child-care center are free from potential hazards, such as electrical, air-conditioning, heating, and play materials and equipment. Safety equipment and structures should be in place to protect children from plants, bodies of water, and furniture. Furthermore, televisions must be properly anchored so that they cannot tip over. These steps can help create a safe and healthy learning environment..

[Audio] Ensuring the wellbeing and health of the students is of utmost importance, and therefore all furniture, equipment and decor must be kept clean, well-maintained and free of hazards. Peeling paint and any loose parts should be avoided, and it is critical to guarantee that all furniture and fixtures are secure and stable with no risk of collapsing or tipping. In addition, non-skid rugs help to prevent tripping while hot surfaces must be kept out of the reach of children. To help reduce the risk of electrical shock, safety caps should be used to cover electrical outlets when not in use..

[Audio] Keeping a play area clean and free from clutter is essential for keeping children safe. Ensure that toys and games remain in good condition with no choking hazards present. Utilizing an organizational system can help children to be responsible for tidying up their own space. Sanitizing toys daily will help prevent the growth of viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of illnesses. Complying with these steps will create a safe and health learning environment for children..

[Audio] Creating an environment that is safe and secure when it comes to infant areas is essential. Ensure sleeping furniture is SIDS-proof by removing any pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers and blankets that could hinder an infant's breathing. Likewise, check supplies such as nappies, baby wipes and other items are sufficiently stocked. Finally, make sure to clean and sanitize all furniture after each use..

[Audio] Providers must ensure safe and appropriate play equipment is provided for their children. It should be thoroughly inspected for protruding or loose screws, sharp edges, rust, or chipping paint as these could potentially harm children. Metal equipment should be kept in a shaded area to prevent heating and burns, while elevated platforms need secure guard rails to avoid falls. In doing so, Providers can create a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for the children in their care..

[Audio] Secure the outdoor area to prevent access from outside and make sure there is no escape route for children. Ensure there is enough space to play and inspect the outdoor area regularly for objects that could harm or be misused by children. Install shock-absorbing surfaces such as sand, deep mulch or rubber mats to prevent injuries. Secure all adult-use items and chemicals. Check the yard for tripping and strangulation hazards such as branches or dangling cords..

[Audio] The correct answer is False. To guarantee the safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care, the use of alcohol or controlled substances in the child-care environment must be strictly forbidden. We must take all measures necessary to protect and nurture the children in our care..

[Audio] Correct answer is 10. It is essential to have a well-stocked first aid kit in any learning environment, containing no less than 10 essential items. These items include bandages, antiseptic, scissors and gloves, which can help to deal with minor medical emergencies and injuries. Having a full and well-stocked first aid kit is critical for any learning environment, and can help save a life in an emergency..

[Audio] A: To ensure children's safety, play equipment should be regularly checked for protruding or loose screws, sharp edges, and other dangerous hazards. Consequently, the answer to the question of whether play equipment should be kept hazard-free is correct: True..

A child may not use any type of toy or equipment that explodes or that shoots things, such as caps, BB guns, darts, or fireworks at the child-care center or on field trips ..

[Audio] Staff should always check with local regulations for any necessary training before starting a job, which is true. Moving on, let's look at the next slide discussing the harmful effects of too much sugar consumption..

[Audio] Answer: False is the answer to this. Small children may accidentally fall or slip down the stairs when going up or down them which poses a much greater risk of serious injury or even death if the staircase is unblocked. Therefore, it is imperative to block off the stairs or install a barrier to ensure a safe learning environment..

[Audio] Staff should interact with each other, not monitor the students. Monitoring students should not be the primary focus of staff in the learning environment. Contrarily, the staff should concentrate on assisting each other in establishing a secure and conducive learning environment for all..

[Audio] It is our responsibility to visit the CPSC recall list regularly to ensure that any products present in the child-care center are safe and have not been recalled due to safety hazards. If the product is an antique or collectible, or it is being retrofitted to make it safe, then it may be accepted. Otherwise, it needs to be removed and replaced with something that is safe..

[Audio] As providers, we have a major role in protecting children from potentially dangerous products. We must be aware of any recalls issued by CPSC and DFPS and promptly take the necessary products out of our center. Additionally, we need to make sure that parents understand what measures they can take to ensure their children’s safety. Our commitment to keeping children secure and healthy is essential to guaranteeing their security and well-being..

[Audio] Regarding children's products, these are items specifically designed or intended to be used by a child under 13 years of age, or used by a caregiver during the care of a child under 13 years of age. This does not include expired items or those not designed for a child, nor does it include dirty clothing..

[Audio] It is not always clear when a product can be deemed unsafe when we talk about keeping children safe. Though it is true that a children's product may be considered to be unsafe if it is sold in Walmart, if products designed for a 6-year-old child are given to a 6-year-old child, or if it has been recalled for any reason by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are additional considerations for a product to be considered unsafe. We must ensure that the products used in our learning environments are safe, taking into account more than just the criteria mentioned..

[Audio] Providers must take necessary steps to inform and protect parents and employees in order to create a safe and healthy learning environment; one of these steps is to post a notice in a prominent and publicly accessible place with information on how to access a listing of unsafe children's products through the CPSC Internet website and the DFPS Internet website. This will keep everyone updated on any potential risks that these products may pose..

[Audio] Making sure both animals and children are kept safe is essential when they are in the same space. It is important to teach children how to properly respect animals and understand how not to approach them. Taking the proper safety measures and being aware of the potential risks will ensure your children and animals have a safe learning environment..

[Audio] It is essential to prioritize safety when developing an environment for learning and play. We must be diligent in undertaking the necessary measures to protect our children from any potential harm caused by domestic and/or wild animals. Taking the time to make sure these safety precautions are taken will create an atmosphere where our children can explore and expand their knowledge..

[Audio] Having the proper documentation and information is essential to ensure the safety of all in the learning environment. Vaccination records and statements of health must be kept up to date and readily available should they be needed. Taking a proactive approach to health and safety regulations can avoid any potential issues and provide protection for everyone..

[Audio] Ensure that children have animal interactions that are safe and healthy by taking necessary safety measures to prevent potential risks and issues. Such measures should ensure the animals do not create unsafe or unsanitary conditions and that children do not handle any animal that shows signs of illness. Caregivers and children should practice good hygiene and hand washing after handling or coming in to contact with an animal and items used by the animal. With these safety measures in place, Providers can provide a safe and healthy environment for animal interactions by children..

[Audio] Providers must take extra precautions to ensure that children remain safe and healthy when they're at child-care centers, even when it comes to exotic animals. Knowing this, it is crucial to keep exotic animals away from children and to be mindful of the potential risks that they may pose. In conclusion, the answer is true..

[Audio] Providers must keep documentation of animal vaccinations on file for their childcare centers, as mandated by Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826. Not adhering to this requirement may lead to fines or other legal consequences. Thus, it is essential to guarantee both the children and animals are kept safe by having current vaccination documentation available..

What steps must providers take to have animals at a child-care center and/or on field trips?.

[Audio] Conducting and keeping up to date sanitation inspections is essential for a safe and healthy learning environment. The inspections must be conducted by a local sanitation official and documentation of any other officials visiting the center should be obtained and kept to provide access upon request..

[Audio] Ensuring proper sanitation documentation is essential for child-care facilities to adhere to regulations and standards. A copy of the most recent sanitation report, letter, or checklist should be kept, containing the inspector's name and phone number, as well as any corrections, restrictions, or conditions specified by the local sanitation official..

[Audio] Cleanliness and safety are paramount for a healthy learning environment at a child care center. This includes regularly washing all linens and sanitizing sleeping equipment and potty chairs, disposing of all garbage and hazardous materials in accordance with local and state regulations, and safely using and storing any cleaning supplies and toxic materials. Following these steps will guarantee that the child care center remains a safe and healthy place for children to learn..

[Audio] Using a dishwasher or washing machine to clean and disinfect items in your child-care center will kill germs. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the items are being cleaned and disinfected safely and thoroughly..

[Audio] P C C P A is committed to providing a safe and hygienic learning environment for all children. To that end, it is important for both children and employees to regularly wash their hands. For children, this includes handwashing before and after mealtimes, water play, and other activities that may have exposed them to potentially hazardous substances. Employees must also take extra precautions, like diapering and handling animals, and removing gloves. Through this unified effort, P C C P A is confident that we can maintain a safe and healthy environment for our children..

[Audio] Proper hand-washing is essential for preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the safety and health of the learning environment. Children 18 months of age and older, and all employees at the child-care center must use soap and running water when washing their hands. Hot water is not a requirement for hand-washing, however, if hot water is accessible to the children, a thermostat must be used to keep the water at a temperature of no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit..

[Audio] Adhering to the correct protocol regarding hand sanitizers is important to ensure the safety and health of your students and staff. When using hand sanitizers, only use them on children over 24 months of age and never use the sanitizer when hands are visibly greasy or have chemicals on them. Follow the instructions on the label for the appropriate amount and how long the hand sanitizer needs to remain on the hands to be effective. Adult supervision is also crucial when using hand sanitizer and keep it out of reach when not in use..

[Audio] It is essential to safeguard the health and wellbeing of an infant by washing their hands correctly. To do so, use an individual cloth or disposable towel with soap. Then, rinse with clear water and dry using a cloth or disposable towel. For older infants, soap and running water should be employed for a thorough washing. Following correct procedures is paramount to maintaining the safety and health of infants..

[Audio] Universal precautions for cleaning up any bodily fluids that contain blood should be implemented to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. These include wearing disposable gloves, sealing and disposing of all gloves contaminated with blood, disposing of all gloves after use, and washing hands afterwards. These steps help to prevent the spread of infection and ensure the safety and health of all in the learning environment..

[Audio] To properly ensure children's safety, providers must employ certified licensed pest control operators and strictly adhere to instructions and label directions of any pesticide products used. This will help guarantee that the environment lacks any hazardous chemicals, thus creating a safe and healthy learning atmosphere..

[Audio] Maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment may require the use of a private water supply, which must be kept in a safe and sanitary condition and comply with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations. Alternatively, a septic system can be used for sewage disposal if it meets the TCEQ standards and any routine inspections required by law..

[Audio] Correct answer is a local sanitation official. Paramount in any childcare facility is sanitation to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for children. It is essential to ensure regular inspections to guarantee ongoing safety..

[Audio] Exterminating a Childcare facility should not be done using a licensed exterminator or by a certified noncommercial applicator as per Texas Department of Agriculture. It is not permitted to exterminate the facility when no other person is within and children should not be present when pesticide residue is present as it may be hazardous to them. Thank you for your attention..