What can I do to make sure my child is eating healthy? It is easy to make sure that your pre-schooler is eating healthy because you’re responsible for all of their meals and snacks. The difficulty begins when your child starts school, and you no longer have control over what they are eating and when. If you start teaching your child how to make healthy food choices from an early age, you are setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Keep plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand for healthy snacking, and restrict refined sugar as much as possible from day one.

How should I deal with a picky eater? Young children will frequently become picky eaters, or go through phases where they want to eat only specific types of foods. This is really nothing to be concerned about. These phases tend to come and go and unless they last for an extended period of time there is little chance of them becoming problematic. As long as your child is healthy overall and is within a normal weight and height range, your pediatrician will most likely tell you to just wait out the phase and not worry. Pay attention to what your child is eating over the course of a week or month, and you are likely to discover that she is eating a healthy diet in the long run.

Read more in my article here:http://www.childcareonly.com/parenting/getting-kids-to-eat-healthy/

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

How can I deal with a child that is shorter than other kids his age? Children all grow at different rates and there always seems to be that one child who is behind the others. If your child comes from a family of normal height, it is most likely just a matter of delayed growth so rest assured that he will catch up eventually.  If there are existing medical problems, or hormonal deficiencies, it is possible that your child will remain short.  You should talk to your pediatrician to have tests done if you have concerns about your child’s size.

What should I do to stop my child’s lying? Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong and fantasy and reality. So, why would you expect them to know the difference between the truth and a lie?  The best way to handle lying is to start at a very young age, impressing upon your child that the most important rule is that they always tell you the truth. You should explain to your child the reasons why lying is a bad behavior – and never let your child go unpunished when you catch them in a lie.  It is important to be consistent, and to let your child know that lying is NEVER acceptable. And be sure to reinforce this by setting a good example. You can’t expect your child to listen to you if you’re caught in a lie!   Read the rest of this article in the Parenting section.  --escaped_anchor:df5579507c1ae74c55f4580a407c18ba--

Popularity: 2% [--escaped_anchor:ba5d60abb19e8f02ba310db1cc839399--]

How can I talk openly with my child about death? The first thing to remember is that death is a part of life, and that everyone will experience loss and grief at some time.  Generally, children who are of school age will have an understanding that death is permanent, however pre-schoolers and younger children may not quite get that their loved one will never come back. You must always be honest and open when discussing death, and more than anything else you need to make sure that your child understands that he or she should and can talk to you or another trusted adult about their feelings at any time. 

How do I tell my child that someone has died? The most important rule of thumb is to BE HONEST. Never tell your child that their loved one is sleeping – or they will expect him or her to wake up. And, never tell your child that their loved one is “taking a trip or journey” because they will await a return.  Unless you are honest and open, there is most likely going to be a delay between your child learning about the death and the onset of the grieving process. 

What can I do to help my young child face the fear of death? It’s not uncommon for young children to be frightened by death because they do not understand the process.  When you are open and honest, it should help to alleviate some of this fear.  When explaining death, tell your child that the deceased was so old that their body stopped working, or that they were sick or injured and their body stopped working. Spare them the details, because they won’t understand and the details can be frightening to them.  Once the reality sets in, it is very likely that your child will ask you if you are going to die too.  A good way to answer is to explain that everyone will die eventually, but that most of the time people do not die until they are very old.

How am I best to handle the death of my child’s pet? Chances are that if you have had your pet for some time, your child is very attached to the animal.  Remember that just because your pet is not a person, it is still very possible for your child to have developed a strong attachment. When the pet dies, your child is just as likely to suffer from grief as they would be if a loved one had died.  Be open and honest with your child – regardless of his or her age.

 

 

Popularity: 2% [--escaped_anchor:ba5d60abb19e8f02ba310db1cc839399--]

The common cold is something that all children will experience and in spite of advancements in medicine they have not yet found a way to prevent it. However you can cut down on the number of colds your child gets by helping them to be as healthy as possible.

Statistics show that a child may catch a cold about 8 times a year and will normally last about a week.  There are approx 200 know cold viruses, but the most common one is known as the Rhinovirus.  They have not been able to come up with a vaccine for a cold due to the number of viruses that can cause it.

The cold virus is easily spread by sneezing and coughing and kids don't understand about germs and what they can try to do to avoid them.  The cold virus can also be picked up easily by touching a contaminated object and then touching their own nose or mouth. Once they've been exposed to the cold virus they will develop symptoms in 2-3 days.  There are medicines on the market that help your child feel better while they have a cold but they don't actually cure the cold.

If you take the child to the doctor and get a prescription be sure to follow the recommended dosage. Decongestants can help reduce the swelling of the nose lining while antihistamines will help to dry up the runny noses and reduce the sneezing. If they are also experiencing headaches or muscle pains you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Be sure to give them lots of liquids and be sure to include some hot drinks and food as this helps to ease their sore throat, coughing and helps to clear out the mucus.  Chicken soup really does help to treat a common cold.  Other options could be to use a humidifier or put them in a steamy shower. You should keep them in bed the first couple of days of a cold to give their body time to rest and fight off the cold.

The way to help your child stay well is to feed them a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and exercise. These things will help to build up a good immune system and your child won't get sick nearly as often.
 

Popularity: 5% [?]

It's that dreaded situation - your child is a bully, or at least, you suspect that is the case.  How should you deal with the situation?  It is important to realize that nearly one in ten children are victmized by bullies and that bullying is a very serious problem that should not be taken lightly.  Start by determining how your child is bullying others.  The most common type of bullying is physical;punching, pushing, kicking, etc.  However, a child may be teasing other children, calling them names or otherwise verbally assaulting them.  Once you have determined the type of bullying, you need to make it completely clear to your child that the behavior is unacceptable.  Then, you need ot find out the reason that your child has become a bully.  Talking to your child may lead to him or her giving you an explanation, however in many cases it is a good idea to involve a professional counselor who is specially trained to work with bullying children.

What should I do when another child bullies mine?  So many parents tell their children to ignore bullies, and to look the other way rather than react.  However, it is never advisable to let bullying go, because it will never just 'go away'.  In some cases, it may not even be apparent to you that your child is being bullied because bullied children are often afraid to tell an adult what is happening.  When you suspect that bullying is an issue, talk to your child and school officials.  Getting the teachers and school administratiors involved will make them aware of the probelm and you can work together to find a solution.  Remember, vigilance and communication can go a long way towards preventing a bullying situation.

 

Popularity: 4% [?]

Check out our sister site which is completely devoted to the subject of Pregnancy.

Popularity: 4% [?]

You're starting a day care service and have everything in place, all the nuts and bolts are ordered, staff ready to go  but have you considered one of the most important aspects of your infant business - formulating your mission statement.
 
Your mission statement is unique to you, your style and beliefs.  It provides you with direction in your day to day business affairs, reminding you regularly of the goals you have set, the values important to you and the standards you expect from everyone attached to your organisation. 

Your mission statement should be printed out and posted somewhere everyone can see it.  Prominently displayed, it will be a constant reminder of the priniciples applicable to all.  It will act as a signpost for staff ensuring your purpose and goals are not forgotten.  Parents and visitors will be instantly informed of the principles and values of, and reason for, your service.

When formulating your day care mission statement, keep it simple and succinct.  This way it is easier for people to remember and understand it.  Start with the reason for your service.  Why does it exist?  What purpose will it serve?  What needs will you set yourself up to cater for?

Next identify what you will do in your service to address those needs.  Talk about the people whose needs you are addressing and how your service will be of benefit to them.  Finally, explain what values will be the bedrock of your service and what your beliefs are that will guide the service and people associated with it.

Popularity: 11% [?]

A lady recently contacted me asking for some assistance putting together a risk assessment audit for a preschool.  My thoughts immediately went to the dreaded Safety Statement which, in effect, is the same thing.  Every business should have a safety statement and, while tedious to put together, they are invaluable once done (and only need updating and tweaking thereafter). 

A safety statement is a risk assessment plus it follows through by detailing what you are going to do to minimize, nay eliminate those risks.  Let's break it down into easy, bite sized steps by taking one risk and putting it through the Safety Statement Boot Camp.

First off, you need to identify the hazard: Sand. 

Next up, what's the risk attached to sand: Injury due to slipping. 

How are you going to minimize this risk i.e. manner in which health, safety and welffare to be secured: Staff required to sweep up.

What are you going to do to ensure that it is possible for health, safety and welfare to be secured i.e. arrangements made and resourses provided for providing health, safety and welfare: Sweeping brush and dustpan provided in all rooms.

Finally, who is responsible for health and safety in your organisation: Names and job titles.

Now, all you need to do is go through your business and identify all potential hazards and put them through boot camp!  Here's a sample that may help you out:

 

 SAFETY STATEMENT

1                  HAZARD

A                 SAND

B                 WATER

C                 TOYS LEFT ON FLOOR

D                 FIRE

E                 CHILDREN ACCESSING KITCHEN EN ROUTE TO PLAYGROUND

F                  ELECTRICITY

G                 HOT WATER TAPS

H                 HOT RADIATORS

I                  HOT LIQUID AROUND CHILDREN

J                  CIGARETTES

K                 FAULTY EQUIPMENT

L                 LIFTING AND SWINGING OF CHILDREN FOR FUN

M                CHILDREN STANDING ON CHANGING MAT

N                 SITTING ON WINDOW LEDGES

O                 INADEQUATE CLASSROOM SUPERVISION

P                  PLASTIC BAGS

Q                 KNIVES IN DRAWER

R                 LACK OF ACCIDENT/INJURY/EMERGENCY SITUATION PROCEDURE

S                  CROSS CONTAMINATION

T                 INCORRECT LIFTING AND HANDLING

U                 BROKEN GLASS

V                 SHARP OBJECTS

W                CHILDREN HIT BY DOOR OPENING INTO ROOM

X                 DOORS OR PLAYGROUND GATE NOT CLOSED

Y                 STRANGERS ALLOWED ACCESS TO CHILDREN

Z                 PLAYAREA

AA              BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

AB              FLIP FLOPS

AC              LIFTING CHILDREN WHILST PREGNANT

2                  RISK

A                 INJURY DUE TO SLIPPING

B                 INJURY DUE TO SLIPPING

C                 INJURY DUE TO TRIPPING

D                 BURNING AND SMOKE INHALATION

E                 CHILDREN CAN ENTER HAZARDOUS AREA OF KITCHEN

F                  ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE RISK

G                 BURNING

H                 BURNING

I                  CUTS, BANGS, GENERAL INJURY

J                  BURNING

K                 CUTS, BANGS, GENERAL INJURY

L                 INJURY

M                FALL OFF

N                 FALLING THROUGH GLASS OR OFF ONTO FLOOR

O                 INJURY TO CHILDREN

P                  DANGER OF SUFFOCATION

Q                 CUTS

R                 SITUATION COULD BE MORE SERIOUS IF NEGLECTED

S                  FOOD POISONING

T                 BACK INJURY          

U                 CUTS

V                 CUTS AND STABBINGS

W                INJURY TO CHILD

X                 CHILD GETS OUT

Y                 CHILD ABDUCTION

Z                 ACCIDENTS AND SUNBURN

AA              INJURY TO OTHER CHILDREN, POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE

AB              TRIPPING

AC              INJURY TO MOTHER AND/OR BABY

3                  MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE TO BE SECURED

A                 STAFF REQUIRED TO SWEEP UP

B                 STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP AND PLACE WARNING SIGN ‘WET FLOOR’

C                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PICK UP

D                 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE BLANKETS AVAILABLE AND CHECKED REGULARLY

E                 BARRIER TO PREVENT ACCESS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO KEEP BARRIER CLOSED

F                  STAFF REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE ALL SOCKETS HAVE SAFETY COVERS.  EQUIPMENT CHECKED REGULARLY

G                 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED TAPS AND CHECKED WEEKLY ON CHECK LIST

H                 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED RADIATORS

I                  NO TEA/COFFEE PREPARED OR CONSUMED AROUND CHILDREN

J                  NO SMOKING ON PREMISES

K                 ALL EQUIPMENT CHECKED REGULARLY

L                 NO LIFTING AND SWINGING.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SAME

M                STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO STAND CHILDREN ON THE CHANGING MAT

N                 STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO SIT ON WINDOW LEDGES AND TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM DOING SAME

O                 STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS HAVE EYES ON CLASSROOM AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE COVER BEFORE LEAVING ROOM

P                  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LEAVE PLASTIC BAGS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN

Q                 NO SHARP KNIVES TO BE PLACED IN DRAWER.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SAME

R                 PROCEDURES IN PLACE FOR ACCIDENT/INJURY/EMERGENCY SITUATION.  STAFF INFORMED OF SAME

S                  DESIGNATED STAFF MEMBERS RESPONSIBLE FOR COOKING AND TRAINED IN BASICS OF HEALTH AND HYGIENE

T                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN CORRECT LIFTING AND WHEN TO AVOID UNNECCESSARY LIFTING

U                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN CORRECT METHOD OF DEALING WITH BROKEN GLASS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAR UP BREAKAGES IMMEDIATELY AND REMOVE CHIDREN FROM ROOM

V                 STAFF INSTRUCTED NEVER TO LEAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN REACH OF CHIDREN

W                STAFF INSTRUCTED TO BE AWARE WHEN ENTERING A ROOM THAT CHILDREN MAY BE BEHIND DOOR AND INSTRUCTED TO LOOK THROUGH GLASS PANELS PROVIDED FIRST

X                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS CLOSE DOORS SECURELY BEHIND THEM AND ENSURE FRONT DOOR AND PLAYAREA GATES ARE LOCKED

Y                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ENQUIRE AS TO IDENTITY OF CALLER AND NEVER TO LEAVE CALLER UNATTENDED.  DESIGNATED PERSONS ONLY MAY COLLECT CHILDREN

Z                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION IN PLAYAREA AND TO REPORT ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS.  MANAGEMENT TO PERFORM REGULAR CHECKS ON PLAYARE FACILITES

AA              STAFF INSTRUCTED TO NOTE ABOVE AND FOLLOW PROCEDURE

AB              NO FLIP FLOPS ONLY SECURELY FASTENED SANDALS

AC              PREGNANT WOMEN MAY NOT WORK IN BABY ROOM, MAY NOT LIFT CHILDREN AND MAY NOT CHANGE NAPPIES IF IT INVOLVES BENDING

4                  ARRANGEMENTS MADE AND RESOURCES PROVIDED FOR PROVIDING HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

 

NOTE: APPLICABLE TO ALL BELOW IS THE FACT THAT THE SAFETY STATEMENT AND THE STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION INFORMS STAFF OF ALL HAZARDS AND ACTIONS NECESSARY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

A                 SWEEPING BRUSH AND DUSTPAN PROVIDED IN EACH ROOM

B                 MOPS AND CLOTHS PROVIDED IN EACH ROOM PLUS WARNING SIGN ‘WET FLOOR’

C                 STAFF REQUIRED TO MONITOR AMOUNT AND TYPE OF TOYS.  MUST BE APPROPRIATE TO CHILD AGE GROUP

D                 REGULAR FIRE DRILLS PRACTISED.  FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IN PLACE.  FIRE EXITS CLEARLY SIGNED.  DEMONSTRATIONS IN USE OF FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED.  FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM PRESENTED TO NEW STAFF DURING INDUCTION.

E                 BARRIER ERECTED TO PREVENT CHILDREN ENTERING KITCHEN.  ADEQUATE SUPERVISION PROVIDED WHEN CHILDREN GO THROUGH WALKWAY

F                  NO OVERLOADING SOCKETS.  USE SUITABLE FUSES.  FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND DEFECTS IN SYSTEM ISOLATED AND REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.  ELECTRICIAN ON CALL.  STAFF INFORMED OF HIS NUMBER.  STAFF MUST REPORT DANGERS AND DEFECTS.  MANAGEMENT REGULARLY CHECKS ALL ITEMS ON CHECKLIST

G                 TAPS CHECKED REGULARLY TO ENSURE THEY ARE OPERATING EFFECTIVELY.  CHECKED ON CHECKLIST

H                 RADIATORS CHECKED REGULARLY.  THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED CHECKED ON CHECKLIST

I                  NO STAFF BEVERAGES IN CRECHE AREA.  FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES I.E. STAFF ROOM FOR CONSUMING SAME.  STAFF REQUIRED TO MAKE AND CONSUME BEVERAGES IN STAFF AREA ONLY

J                  NO SMOKING ON PREMISES.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SMOKING ON PREMISES

K                 MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST AVAILABLE IN EACH ROOM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CHECK EQUIPMENT AND REPORT AND ISOLATE/REMOVE ANY DEFECTIVE ITEMS

L                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  NO SWINGING OF CHILDREN REGULATION IN PLACE.  REGULAR MONITORING BY MANAGEMENT

M                MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  REGULAR MONITORING OF NAPPY CHANGE AREA BY MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO STAND CHILDREN ON MAT

N                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO SIT ON WINDOWS AND NOT TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO DO SO.  REGULATION IN PLACE

O                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF TRAINED TO ALWAYS KEEP EYES ON CHILDREN.  STAFF NEVER TO LEAVE ROOM WITHOUT INFORMING ANOTHER MEMBER OF STAFF AND ENSURING ADEQUATE COVERAGE EXISTS IN ROOM.  FLOATER AVAILABLE.  STAFF NEVER TO LEAVE A ROOM UNSUPERVISED.  MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE STAFFING NUMBERS AT ALL TIMES

P                  MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED NEVER TO LEAVE PLASTIC BAGS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN.  STAFF MUST ALWAYS PICK UP PLASTIC BAGS AND STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM CHILDREN

Q                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED TO PLACE SHARP KNIVES IN KNIFE BLOCK PROVIDED AND NOT IN DRAWER

R                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PRACTICE EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURES.  FIRST AIDER ALWAYS ON PREMISES.  STAFF TRAINING IN FIRST AID.  ALL STAFF WILL COMPLETE INCIDENT BOOK ENTRY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO INFORM MANAGEMENT OF INCIDENT.  MANAGEMENT WILL ESTABLISH THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT.  MANAGEMENT WILL CALL 999 IF APPROPRIATE AND WILL GET ALL NECESSARY ASSISTANCE.  STAFF WILL KNOW LOCATION OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS

S                  DESIGNATED STAFF MEMBERS FOR COOKING MEALS AND FOOD PREPARATION.  THEY WILL BE TRAINED IN BASIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE.  STAFF REQUIRED TO WASH HANDS AFTER TOILETING AND BEFORE PREPARING FOOD AND AFTER HANDLING RAW MEAT.  SIGNS, SINKS AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS AND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED.  SEPARATE CHOPPING BOARDS PROVIDED FOR RAW MEAT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO USE THEM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO HAVE RAW MEAT ALWAYS STORED AT BOTTOM OF FRIDGE.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAN AND STERILISE ALL WORK SURFACES AFTER FOOD PREPATATION.  ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAYS PROVIDED.  DISHWASHER PROVIDED.

T                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN PRINCIPLES OF SAFE LIFTING DURING INDUCTION.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY SAME.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LIFT EXCESSIVE LOADS THAT WILL CAUSE INJURY BUT TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LIFT LARGER TODDLERS ONTO NAPPY CHANGE BUT TO PLACE NAPPY CHANGE MAT ON THE FLOOR INSTEAD AND CHANGE THE CHILD THERE

U                 STAFF INSTRUCTED ON CORRECT METHOD OF CLEANING UP BROKEN GLASS I.E. NEVER TO HANDLE BROKEN GLASS, TO SWEEP GLASS WITH DUSTPAN AND BRUSH (PROVIDED), TO WRAP GLASS IN NEWSPAPER TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO KEEP CHILDREN CLEAR OF BROKEN GLASS AND CLEAR UP IMMEDIATELY. REMOVE CHILDREN FROM THE ROOM.

V                 STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER LEAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN REACH OF CHILDREN.  SUITABLE STORAGE AREAS I.E. SHELVES AND CUPBOARDS OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH PROVIDED FOR SUCH ITEMS

W                STAFF REQUIRED TO EXERCIZE CAUTION ENTERING A ROOM.  GLASS PANELS INSTALLED IN DOORS FOR VISUAL ACCESS TO ROOM

X                 STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS CLOSE DOORS SECURELY BEHIND THEM WHEN ENTERING AND LEAVING A ROOM PLUS PLAY AREA GET.  HIGH HANDLES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ON MOST DOORS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ENSURE FRONT DOOR IS ALWAYS LOCKED – INTERCOME SYSTEM INSTALLED FOR THIS PURPOSE AND SECURITY.   SIGNS ON PLAYAREA GATES WARNING STAFF AND PARENTS TO CLOSE GATES AT ALL TIMES

Y                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS ASK FOR ID OF CALLER BEFORE ALLOWING THEM ONTO PREMISES OR MANAGEMENT MEETS THEM ON DOORSTEP.  MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE CALLED FOR.  STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER LEAVE CALLER UNATTENDED IN BUILDING.  ONLY DESIGNATED PERSONS MAY COLLECT CHILDREN.  THESE PERSONS ARE NAMED ON REGISTRATION FORM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE DESIGNATED PERSONS.  IF IN DOUBT, STAFF REQUIRED TO ASK FOR ID AND/OR INFORM MANAGEMENT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER RELEASE A CHILD IF ANY DOUBT EXISTS

Z                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION IN PLAYGROUND AT ALL TIMES, TO LIMIT RUNNING DOWN THE HILL, WHEELED TOYS ALLOWED ONLY ON CEMENT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT.  MANAGEMENT REQUIRED TO DO REGULAR CHECKS WITH CHECK LIST ON PLAY AREA NOTICING ANY SHARP PROTRUSIONS ON FENCE OR SHARP STICKS FROM TREE OR ANIMAL FFAECES.  ENTIRE PLAYAREA COMPLETELY ENCLOSED, FENCED IN AND GATED FOR SAFETY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO APPLY SUNSCREEN AND HATS TO ALL CHILDREN BEFORE GOING OUT IN HOT SUN

AA              STAFF REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY ODD BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS AND/OR MARKINGS ON CHILD’S BODY TO MANAGEMENT.  MANAGEMENT TO THEN INVESTIGATE FULLY FOLLOSING HAVING HAD THE CHILD MONITORED AND DOCUMENTED CLOSELY.  DISCUSSION OF IMMEDIATE CONCERNS WITH PARENTS WILL FOLLOW.  SHOULD THERE BE ANY SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE MANAGEMENT WILL CONTACT THE SWAHB.  ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE DOCUMENTED.  FOR FULL DETAILS SEE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

AB              MEMO SENT OUT TO STAFF STATING THAT THEY ARE NOT TO WEAR FLIP FLOPS

AC              STAFF WILL WORK IN AREAS WHERE THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LIFT CHILDREN

5                  NAMES AND JOB TITLES OF PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE ORGANISATION:

NAME:     

JOB TITLE:                 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MATTERS:

         1                  MEMOS

2                  STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION

3                  SAFETY STATEMENT

4                  MEETINGS

5                  TRAINING

6                  REGULAR MONITORING ON JOB

7                  CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

8                  DETAILS OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES ON SAFETY AND HEALTH:

 

1                  MEMOS

2                  STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION

3                  SAFETY STATEMENT

4                  MEETINGS

5                  TRAINING

6                  HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE LEGISLATION AND PUBLICATIONS

7                  CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 9% [?]

Every day care operator is familiar with the dreaded words 'I've had an accident' or 'I didn't make it to the toilet'.  Toileting accidents are part and parcel of the preschool experience as valiant little ones embark on the whole potty training procedure and seasoned toileters lapse.

These leakages occur for a variety of reasons including untrained bladders/bowels not sending the message to the brain fast enough, kids being just too busy playing and learning to want to go to the pesky bathroom and simply because a child is having a bad day (happens to us all).  Either way, we day care owners must be on hand to clean up both child and bathroom, comfort with encouraging words and get smiles back on faces as confidence rebuilding occurs. 

So, what simple steps can we take to minimize toileting accidents and ease the clean up process.  Key here is to be up to speed on each child's level of development, aware of their routines and prepared to offer frequent reminders to go to the potty.  Even if they child doesn't actually 'go' you are getting them into the habit of regular toilet visits.  And every attempt should be gently congratulated.  Be aware of the 'busy bees' who are so excited about their activities in the class room that they hold it, and hold it until…………

Have a toileting emergency pack to hand near each potty area including disposable shoe covers, gloves, sanitizer, cloths and large absorbent tissues …for a quick clean up.  Have plastic bags in this pack for the soiled clothing and have easy access to the child's spare clothes bag (a toilet training child should have at least 3 sets of clothes). Don't forget to sanitize the bottom of little shoes that may have walked in the offending substances!!

All the above can help to ease everyone through these little dramas.  Now, have a pottytastic day!!

Popularity: 7% [?]

I know this is a bit late for Easter (sorry Mary) but I was recently struck by how a simple Easter type activity could be tweaked and used at any time for hours of fun.  Take the trusty Easter egg hunt, replace the eggs with some other craft activity e.g. have the kids make various insects like ladybugs etc during arts and crafts.  Et voila, you have the treasure for the Insect Treasure hunt.  Naturally, the theme could be anything you wish, the options are endless.

Create a treasure map (a la Dora and Diego) for the kids to use on their hunt.  Incorporate various learning activiities into your cartography attempts and have the kids look for various flora and fauna, other animals and anything that increases their awareness of their surroundings.  Kids love this adventurer/explorer, map following style foray and will be engrossed, enthused, excited and learning.

And when all the outdoor fun is over ye olde treasure map can be colored in (yeah, make sure you do it in black and white to start with).  Crafts, creativity, reasoning skills, exercise, fresh air, team work, learning and art (to name but a few) - now that sounds like a fun day at day care to me.

Popularity: 6% [?]