3 Important Elements of Healthy Habits

“Uses correct hand washing procedures before and after serving food, diapering/toileting and whenever needed” (Washington 2017)

Before meals we line up outside the bathroom in small groups and have a teacher observing children as they properly wash their hands with soap and warm water. We encourage songs to lengthen scrubbing for the directed amount of time before rinsing the soap. Throughout the day we will instruct handwashing needs for less obvious reasonings like washing hands after we change their diaper even if they did not touch anything, washing hands when we wipe their noses or if they do it themselves and when a child is putting hands in their mouth.

“Relevant health information from families of children are maintained and posted” (Washington 2017)

Each child that has a parent request will be on paper, posted and visible to staff members and parents. Teachers are to be respectful and mindful of any allergies and requests by parents. Anytime a request arises; an accommodation is made to resemble the food component, so they receive all 5 components to lunch and 2 for breakfast and snack when applicable and otherwise a home lunch is requested when we cannot. Our daycare is consistent with promoting healthy food options and we minimize that option for unhealthy options by only allowing a home lunch that does not include soda or candy, and we do not allow outside food or drinks otherwise. (arriving with donuts or other snacks at drop off to ease transitions or to not upset the child)

“Disinfecting and sanitizing solutions are present and stored appropriately” (Washington 2017)

We use soap/water and bleach/water solutions to ensure that proper cleaning is done for surfaces that are for eating and changing diapers. These solution spray bottles are stored on our shelf directly above the changing table, so it is out of reach for our children and are made daily at the beginning of the day. After washing dishes, we are submerging them in a bleach/water bucket to ensure they are sanitized before putting them to air dry and the bucket is dumped and redone the next time dishes are done.

3 Important Elements of Safety Practices

“Ensures that children are attended by authorized adults at all times” (Washington 2017)

Keeping children supervised at all times to ensure that injuries are limited, kids feel safer and children are exhibiting appropriate behaviors. Checking with emergency contact sheet and ID to confirm children are being released to the right people. First aid kit is hung in sight and out of reach of the children and brought every time we leave the classroom as a whole unit (walks and fire drills). Our first aid kit also includes any child’s Epi pen, IHP and Benadryl if needed with prescription labels on everything individually. Also, any child’s inhaler and chamber with prescription labels and action plan.

“Teaches children appropriate safety practices” (Washington 2017)

We work on showing children appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Explaining where running and climbing are acceptable and model what expectations we follow in the classroom. Verbalizing cause and effect scenarios for misuse of inside rules; making sure the understand the importance of rules put into place for their safety. Prior to going on a walk, we have a few reminders that we go over for “being safe and aware” holding on to the rope, identifying stranger danger and walking instead of running or any other movements that may result in injury.

“Makes sure foods that are known choking hazards are not served” (Washington 2017)