CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Monitoring to ensure a safe and healthy environment involves attention to both classroom, and outdoor space.

CLASSROOM

· Are all Performance Standards requirements met? (See
No. 1304.2-3.)

· Are licensing requirements met?

· Are the toys and materials used in the classroom:
· in good repair with no sharp edges, points, or splintering wood,
· stored separately from the teacher's materials,
· stored out of the way so that children do not fall on them,
· age appropriate for the children who will use them (e.g., small parts are not safe for children under three; many toys are labeled according to age),
· devoid of any plastic wrappings,
· stored separately according to appropriate age levels (e.g., toys safe only for older children are kept away from those used by the younger children),and
· made with paints and glues that are nontoxic.

Although the staff has the major responsibility for ensuring safety, children can also be taught basic toy safety rules as part of the ongoing Head Start curriculum. Sample rules the staff might establish include the following.3

· Show the teacher any broken toys.

· Play with toys—don't throw them.

· Walk in the classroom. Running is an outside activity.

· Keep toys and other objects out,of your mouth.

· Put toys away; don't leave them scattered around—someone might trip.

PLAYGROUND

The key to playground safety is staff supervision. All teaching staff, parents, and volunteers need to be trained to supervise children outdoors.
Children should be taught basic playground safety rules, such as these.4

· Older children should not swing on swings designed for younger children.

· Wait until the swing stops moving before getting off.

· Walk around a moving swing.

· Play away from a moving see-saw.

· Wait until the seesaw stops before getting off.

Staff should be sure that:

· All outdoor equipment is in working order.

· Equipment is free of sharp edges, splintering wood, or missing parts.

· -They stand near the swings and other playground equipment facing the children at all times.

· A safe area around swings is marked with chalk or tape.

· All swing sets, see-saws, slides, and climbing apparatus are properly installed, anchored, and maintained.

· All play areas are over grass, soft ground, or wood chips.

· The outdoor play area is free of trash, glass, and garbage.

· The outdoor play area is fenced or contained in a way that prevents children from leaving the area unnoticed but allows for an emergency vehicle to get in, if necessary.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTERING

· Work with the Director and other component coordinators in developing policies and procedures so that everyone is using the same forms for similar purposes.

· Develop forms for record keeping and institute procedures and guidelines for using them.

· Involve others in the tracking and review process.

· Compile a book of all forms used by the program and the procedures for using them. Be sure it is updated periodically and available to all staff.

· Be sure all education staff understands the policies and procedures that guide the program.

· Think through what policies and procedures are needed to guide the Education Component. Check this list against what exists and discuss any remaining needs with the Director.

RESOURCES

A Guide for Providing Social Services in Head Start. Washington: GPO (DHHS Publication No. (DHDS) 84-31188), 1980.' To obtain copies, contact the regional office.

This guide describes the functions of the Social Services Component in Head Start, the staffs roles and responsibilities, and the social service process. Elements of the social services program are also summarized.

Wilson, Gar B. Humaniacs Limited System for Record Keeping. Humanics Limited, P.O. Box 7447, Atlanta, GA 30309. 1981.

This package presents and explains a record-keeping system, offers guidelines for assessing and planning, and provides sample forms that can be used to maintain comprehensive records.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a good source of pamphlets on ensuring a safe environment. Booklets and pamphlets address safe materials and equipment. Write to: The Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207