Infants and Toddlers: Your Child's Safety--The First Priority

Safety should be your number one concern. No matter what services the program provides, if it does not keep your child safe, it is not doing its job. And you won't have the peace of mind to do yours.

At each stage of your child's development, high-quality child care programs take special steps to keep your child safe.

Preventing Accidents

Prevention is always the best approach to safety. Every day, high quality child care programs use a detailed checklist to make sure that the program has no "accidents waiting to happen." Caregivers regularly:

• Check smoke detectors to be sure they are in working order
• Make sure outdoor play equipment is secure and cushioned
• Keep poisonous items and sharp tools in locked cabinets
• Use safety straps on changing tables, strollers, swings, and car seats
• Supervise children closely at all times

It's a good idea to ask to see your program's list of safety precautions.

While prevention goes a long way, emergencies can happen. Programs prepare for these situations by getting trained in pediatric first aid, maintaining a fully stocked first aid kit, and having up-to-date emergency plans on hand. Please take a few minutes to review your program's procedures so you know what to expect.

Helping Children Become Aware of Safety

Although adults are responsible for the safety of young children in their care, even infants and toddlers can begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. Because young children are great imitators, caregivers model safe practices. They talk about what they are doing and why, and explain rules so children become increasingly aware of safety.