To establish and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment
Functional Area #1: Safety
One of my goals in the functional are of safety to is to provide a safe environment in order to prevent and reduce the injuries of the children in my care. This is an important goal for the age group in my care because they are still learning the consequences of hazardous choices and are not necessarily knowledgeable of the dangers in their environment. Every day I am responsible for looking over the room and everything that is in it in order to make sure that they are safe for the children to use, including the playground materials outside. I use safety rules and reminders consistently throughout the day to help the children …show more content…
This is an important goal for the age group in my care because not only does it set the foundation for lifelong healthy habits but it helps keep the other children, their families, and the staff from getting sick. I start by first helping them to understand the different aspects of good health and nutrition. I regularly remind the children to wash their hands before and after specific instances, such as before eating, after blowing their nose or using the bathroom, and explain why it is important and then make sure to model this personally. Another way I help prevent the spread of illness is by washing and sanitizing toys, dramatic play clothing, and cots on a regular basis. I assist with daily health checks to look for any signs of abuse or various cold symptoms in order to take any needed steps of action. I also routinely incorporate music and read related topical stories to reinforce their understanding of healthy choices and good nutrition. The child care setting where I work uses CACFP guidelines that promote nutrition through the mass use of fresh fruits and vegetables and I always encourage the children to try foods they don’t perceive they’ll