Childcare workers, mental health professionals, and early childhood educators play an essential role in supporting the development and well-being of young children. While navigating their responsibilities, childcare workers must perform the balancing act of keeping children safe while looking after their own safety and well-being.?
How To Create a Safe Environment for Students and Young Clients
- Childproof your space. Be sure that there are no sharp edges, exposed wires, uneven floors, or fragile objects a child could reach, knock over, or break. Secure cabinets and drawers with childproof locks, cover electrical outlets, install safety gates at the top and bottom of any staircases, and use window guards. Keep choking hazards out of reach and store cleaning supplies and other potentially toxic substances in locked cabinets.
- Create a safe nap space. Infants and babies should have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet in their crib, ensuring there are no pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys that could pose suffocation risks. Avoid placing cribs near windows, blinds, or cords that could lead to entanglement. Remember to lay babies on their backs.?
- Teach toddlers and young children about road safety. Always hold a child’s hand when crossing the street on field trips or walks, and use designated crosswalks whenever possible. Teach them to look both ways before crossing and to be aware of traffic signs and signals. Set a good example by following road safety rules yourself.
- Promote fire safety. Teach your students about fire safety and practice your fire escape plan. Teach children how to identify a fire alarm and what to do in case of a fire, including crawling low under smoke, feeling doors before opening them, and knowing the emergency phone number to call.
- Be vigilant about toy safety. Regularly check your classroom’s toys for any potential safety hazards. Check all toy labels to be sure that they are age-appropriate and do not contain small parts that could be a choking hazard. Look for safety certifications on toys, such as the CE or ASTM labels, indicating compliance with safety standards. Check for any recalls on toys or equipment and promptly remove any items that may pose a risk to your child’s safety.
- Learn CPR. According to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, anyone responsible for providing childcare should be certified in pediatric First Aid and pediatric CPR every two years. A child can begin drowning when as little as half a teaspoon of water enters their lungs. Prompt, effective CPR can save a drowning child.
How To Prioritize Your Personal Safety
- Be engaged and aware. The more you listen to what children in your care are talking about, the more likely you will be able to spot a dangerous situation before it escalates. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, allowing children and colleagues to express their thoughts and concerns fully. Show empathy and respect when discussing challenging situations or sensitive topics. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for sharing information.
- Get familiar with workplace protocols and procedures for addressing safety issues. If you encounter a situation that threatens your safety, remove yourself and any other children from the situation immediately. Report any incidents or concerns to your supervisor or relevant authorities as necessary.
- Seek supervision and support. Know when it is time to lean on your colleagues and seek supervision and support when needed. Mental health practitioners can conduct regular supervision sessions with a trusted supervisor or mentor to discuss any concerns or sensitive issues. Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength and can enhance your effectiveness as a childcare worker.
Self-Care Tips for Childcare Workers
- Maintain healthy boundaries between work and your personal life.?
- Know how to identify your limits. If you are feeling exhausted or vulnerable, let a supervisor know. Asking for help is the first step in giving yourself more leeway to recover from stress.
- Find quiet areas at work to breathe and decompress. Keep snacks or coffee in the break room, and give yourself time to leave work for meals when possible so that you can make the most of your breaks.
- Engage in regular self-reflection to assess your own emotions, biases, and reactions. The more you reflect, the better you can recognize the impact of your own experiences on your interactions with children and communities.
- Make time for activities that help you relax, unwind, and reduce stress. Whether that means getting more sleep, spending time in nature, or hanging out with friends or loved ones – find what gives you energy and motivation, and give yourself permission to enjoy yourself.
On behalf of Maryvale, we wish you a safe, fun summer. Consider joining our team if you are interested in working with children as part of our Early Childhood Education program or through our mental health services. We are hiring a number of positions for teachers and teacher’s aides at both our Rosemead and Duarte Centers. Learn more about our?open positions?and get in touch to discuss how you can make a difference and cultivate a positive future for young children in our community.?
