To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
Functional Area #1 - Safe: In order to provide a safe environment and teach children safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries I do the following:
• I always do my classroom counts every 30 minutes, or more often when necessary, to make sure that my head count matches the actual number of children in my classroom.
• Our centers are set up to reduce open floor space and the opportunity to run freely indoors
• I check all toys and equipment for broken or missing parts often to ensure they remain safe for use and play.
• I ensure that all chemicals and cleaning supplies are put away out of the reach of children or stored in locked cabinets to prevent injury or poisoning.
• I keep my emergency routes posted and easily visible and my emergency contacts are always with me in a binder and easily accessible.
• I am trained in emergency evacuation procedures and plans to remove all children from the classroom and/or building in the event of a tornado or fire
• I am certified in First Aid, CPR, and Pediatric First Aid which makes me knowledgeable of caring for accidents or injuries. Functional Area #2 - Healthy: In order to provide an environment that promotes health and prevents illness, and teaches children about good nutrition and practices that promote Wellness, I do the following:
• Cleaning and sanitizing classroom items, including future & toys, a task done multiple times a day. I sanitize all toys immediately after being put into a child’s mouth, to prevent the spread of germs.
• I wash my hands & wear gloves before & after handling food, helping with toileting, cleaning noses to prevent germs from being spread.
• I follow the center’s policies for sick children to prevent other illnesses in the classroom.
• We also serve Healthy Balanced meals breakfast, lunch & snack.
Functional Area #3 – Learning Environment: In