Early Childhood Health and Safety: Practical Guidelines for Teachers

1. Chapter 23Creative Health and Safety Experiences Definition of Fitness Health and Safety in the Early Years Health Practices Early Childhood Health Concerns Playground Hazards Safety Education

2. Fitness Involves decreased sedentary time Involves increased active play Two hours/day in very active play Spontaneous, outdoor play

3. Health and Safety in the Early Years Adults model good health and safety practices Actions speak louder than words Teacher provides healthy snacks Teacher provides safe environment National Safe Kids Campaign

4. Health Practices Early childhood years—important for health in later years Cleanliness habits Getting enough sleep Healthy diet Teach by informal talks and simple activities

5. Early Childhood Health Concerns Prevention of accidents and injuries Prepare and review accident prevention policies With injuries—teacher is neither doctor nor parent Teacher’s role—contact parent and comfort child Poisonous plants Fire safety

6. Safety Education Accident prevention Prepare safe environment Monitor environment consistently for safety Be prepared for potential emergencies Think ahead Prepare and keep up-to-date first aid kit

7. Playground Hazards Grass Uncovered sandboxes Flip-flops Hooded sweatshirts Attaching ropes, etc. to play structures Metal play sets “S” hooks Wood or metal swing seats