Security and Safety at Daycares and

Pre-schools Dec 2015

Hana Joujou

Education and development are

important, but we know that nothing matters more than the safety,

security and health of the child.

We care for the child like his parents

First Aid

Healthcare• First aid training for emergency situations • Sanitation and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for children• Although scraped knees are a part of growing up.

Transportation services

Transportation

• Specially designed buses with seats belts• Drivers undergo testing and have to be trained

on CPR.

• An assistant has to supervise the children during the trips , help during the delivery and reception operation ,receiving the parents call .

• A GPS could be fixed in the bus to be able to track him on the phone application .

Playgrounds

Playground’s security zones

• A good-quality playground equipment has to be safe, sturdy and tested monthly by technicians to ensure it is secure and in good working order.

• Safe fall zones with soft landing areas if the child takes a tumble.

• All outside play areas are wrapped and limited in secure fencing.

• Educators are always on duty , giving the children the freedom to move within the measures of safety.

Wellness

Physical and Mental

Wellness• A daily assessment of the child’s

health by talking with parents and monitoring for symptoms during the course of his day. The operation has to be increased during flu season.

• Parents are immediately notified, when their child does not feel well to prevent illness from spreading.

• Early detection • Healthy inclusion

Sanitation

Sanitation • Daily cleaning with safe, non-toxic

products.• Cleaning supplies are locked safely out of

reach of children.• A Regular cleaning toys operation is done,

in addition to area’s sanitation to prevent the spread of germs.

• Children are encouraged to wash their hands throughout the day by singing songs and teaching lessons about health and hygiene.

• Diapering is conducted in a special clean area .

Medication

Medication • The administration has to

maintain strict policies for medication to ensure the children’s protection.

• Any medication, prescription or over the counter, given to a child required a note , to ensure child’s safety.

Monitoring Security

Security• Only authorized staff and families

may enter the daycare.• Safe, secure perimeters ensure that

children can enjoy outdoor play safely.

• Safety gates, window guards ,electrical outlets.

• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

• Radiators and heaters are covered to prevent your child from touching something hot.

Qualified Staff

Qualifications • Friendly caregivers who are trained

in child development, early-childhood education or a related field.

• Ensure trustworthy staff and passionate teachers to provide the best care and education for the child.

• Staff and teachers must be trained in first aid and CPR.

• Trained to kid proofing policy , protecting the child from abuse and violence .

First Aid sessions for nursery’s staff

Emergencies • A serious training for earthquakes, fires and lockdown situations, have to be conducted ..• Emergency evacuation plan has to be hung on each exit .• Regular tests and trainings.

Meal time

Feeding • All perishable food has to be

refrigerated.• The menu has to be planned

by a registered dietitian so children eat nutritious food.

• Breastfeeding ‘s policies has to be implemented .

Authorization • Only pre-approved people with photo identification may pick-up your child , and following a posted list .

Doors security • Handprint or number code entry systems

for staff.• Monitoring systems at some locations• Classroom observation windows at some

locations• Staff uniforms and name badges• Visitor/Solicitor/Tour Policy• Secure entry and exit for facility and

outdoor play areas• 24-hour monitored fire systems• Health Service Plan in place

Evacuation Plan • As a part of a monthly fire drill, staff

have to identify at least two ways out of each room and practice evacuation through alternate exits.

• Smoke alarms are tested to make sure that they are in working order, and check fire extinguishers expiry dates .

• Training staff on how to use any fire extinguishers.

• Special ones for offices , computers …

Communication with parents

• Develop a “Phone Tree” calling system among parents to be used in emergencies.

• This allows center staff to make only one or two phone calls to alert all parents of an emergency. This system can be used for events , holidays and celebrations.

Parents/Relatives /Administration

Partnership• Parents and other relatives are obviously

as concerned as administration for the safety of their children.

• They are partners in providing a secure environment at the daycare. Parents want to know that their children are safe at all times. They also want their children to learn and have fun in the child care setting. Many parents might be familiar with some of the recommendations and can help to implement them.

• Parents groups may help a lot .

Ratio • Child-to-staff ratio of 3:1 in a

center caring for infants, 4:1 for 2-year-olds, and 7:1 for 3-year-olds.

• Children should be supervised at all times.

• Dedicated, friendly caregivers who are trained in child development, early-childhood education, or a related field

Checklists • Application form • Pick up authorization • Illness report • Milestones checklist• Emergency report • Medical report • Trip authorization • Visitor’s sheet• Attendance sheet

Reminders • Center that's licensed and regularly inspected for

health and cleanliness• Written policy on caring for ill children• Limited or no TV viewing• Safe sleep and play environments• Clean toys in good condition with no sharp edges• Diapering area separate from children's play areas• Perishable food refrigerated• Cleaning supplies and other toxic materials in locked

cabinet• Easily accessible first-aid kit and posted emergency

numbers• Electrical outlets covered with protective caps

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