TRAINING IS NO LONGER AN OPTION!
The dirty secret of various child care programs that buy into turning a blind eye, to the importance of relevant training for their employees…is not a secret. Unfortunately, it’s become more of a familiar and often tragic news headline. Alarming reports where child care center staff are neglectful or abusive in their child care duties. Deficient in compliance to provide a safe care set-up for children. In several cases reported indicated that staff members either had not participated in formal training, or were undertrained in critical areas. These essential training areas support children’s physical and mental well-being. Areas such as basic safety orientation and opportunities where caregivers/teachers can equip themselves with informative research based safety techniques. The type of techniques that will reflect an adult’s understanding, and interest in what children require; That is… a safe space where all children can develop and practice their skills. Whereby…trust is placed in adults other then parents. Trusted adults who are employed at children’s expected SAFE place, AND where parents have reassured their child it’s OK!
It never becomes any less disturbing each time I read about, or hear a news report that alerts the public of a caregiver(s), lax unsafe practices. Team leadership at a non-compliance center shares even a greater accountability. The leadership team answerability to the stakeholders who with good will invested their trust, the leadership is charged to ensure all employees act in a responsible, safe manner. The agreement is incumbent primarily on that trust! Again, a hurtful and sad epitaph that indirectly blemishes the child care industry. Whereas, to dull the already hard pressed, but deserved shine of so many wonderful and committed caregivers & teachers. Individuals and programs that readily submit to training…demonstrating excellence in safe care practices. Often overlooked are those who take protective steps, and follow through on a systematic approach to minimize potential harm to children in institutionalized care settings. To devalue following proper rules outlined be State Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, not only creates greater chance to fuel a dangerous situation, but also create the possibility of a center losing it’s licensed status. At that point, children can become misplaced, center staff without employment, and parents imposed upon - stressed-out due to having to find other care arrangement. When careless safety practices at a center becomes norm, then the consequences are great, which impact especially the children..
Center directors, administrators, leadership team, owners must get onboard and raise the flag - of SAFETY consciousness in environments supposedly set-up for children. There’s an immediate need for refreshing or change of mind-set for all caregiving personnel, as well as others who come in contact with children while in care. It entails being astute adults, whereas to get in the habit of double checking when monitoring children. To slack on professional care duties imperative as proper supervision, creates situations where children endure injuries.. Metaphorically, “fall through not attended to cracks” where harm awaits. In so many cases accidents in child care could have been prevented. It’s true, If only the adults would have cared MORE - had they taken a proactive role in building safety nets. Yes, to have incorporated MORE training! At the least, simply paying better attention. Leadership staff must work harder to compel staff members to embrace an intentional safe care thinking approach. Thus, abandoning the status quo, casual and less effective approach as …”it will all work out in the wash”. More than likely, It will not! Participating and accepting not safe practices as norm, always has a way of playing out “not good”. Teachers should have safe action plans to account for the whereabouts of children in their care. Whether it is in the classroom - on the playground, field trip or demonstrating due diligence by properly checking the center’s transportation vehicle. Check to establish all children have exited transportation vehicles… It’s obligatory, simply what you must do. The “not good” mentioned earlier when not acting intentional in providing safe routines and care techniques, includes serious injuries - even fatality. Moreover, from a business stand-point a center’s brand is tarnished, and their good reputation start to decay.
SAFE CHILD CARE is EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!!! Parents, teachers, center visitors, and the community. That is… anyone and everyone who has a genuine interest for all children’s safety and overall well-being. You then become an advocate for children - a preverbal safety net and protector. As the familiar saying go…”if you see something…say something”. Especially as it applies to adults taking a defensive position of thought and action to safeguard youngsters. Speak-up if you observe neglect, abuse and/or inappropriate child care supervision. Moreover, reasonable suspicions of the same is worth further investigation, and should be reported to authorities. At a different point, that’s timely the report can be followed up where it is then substantiated or not.
Directors and owners of early learning child care centers are charged with keeping their human assets motivated and in expectation of professional training. Forego the attitude of providing training only if it’s absolutely a state requirement. Also, human resource screening and selection activities of employees should outreach more to attract the best qualified talent. Often recruiters report hearing from potential candidates seeking to be hired say…”I just love kids”. Ideally, the expectation is that you love kids. What’s noteworthy is… outreach must include individuals who love children PLUS possess skills that can be learned through formal early learning education coursework and training. Furthermore, developed and nurtured by participating in practicum hands-on experiences, i.e. mentoring. By doing so, caregivers, teachers are more likely to be better equipped to keep children safe! In addition, better equipped to address children’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional and literary needs.
In conjunction with acting in intentional safety mode, directors and program leadership should rev-up not only staff development training, but observation, assessment and reviews. Here are (10) ten additional safety routines to help safeguard children from neglect and injuries.
Do regular child number count in care situations
Do Point check/Double check: Transportation vehicles for children hiding, sleeping or not in readily visible sight. LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND
Do have an indoor/outdoor/hallways & equipment safety checklist
Have Safety procedures posted; i.e. injuries/accidents, various type threats, fire, inclement weather
Intentional Proper Supervision & Appropriate Adult to Child Ratios
Check bathrooms throughout the day & prior to children’s arrival and at departures.
Position to Protect (PTP) - on playgrounds avoid standing in one spot - move around frequently. By doing so, positioning allows adults to better view children’s whereabouts and safe play.
Avoid distractions, i.e. text messaging, talking on the cell phone, or engaged in-depth conversation with co-workers.
Do have accessible child information cards - use binder, large ring, clip board. The trick is to have pertinent child info convenient and readily retrievable. Additionally, remember to take along a walkie-talkie, correct door key especially for outdoor play and venture activities.
Do keep an eye on particular location points i.e. entrances such as classroom doors leading to the outside or hallways in building. Also, playground fence entrances/exits where children can not be safely supervised.
A child care center…staff member(s) who becomes a topic of shame and blame, and reported as a news headline is certainly not a welcomed situation. It can be quite disheartening, as well present embarrassment. Especially for programs that are considered “quality” multi-star rated. Keeping that in mind, abandon any lax safety practices such as drifting into a state of distraction, or becoming too comfortable in program operation. To not keep safety first has a gigantic price tag attached. Say NO!
Blog by - Eartha L. DeYampert, Senior Consultant, Deyampert Child Care Brand Consulting, LLC
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