Week 1 Assignment

 I chose the age group of 3 to 4 year olds. Using an in-home care situation.

1. Using scissors unsupervised.

2. Playing outside unsupervised.

3. Hazardous materials/poison control.

4. Interpersonal safety.

5. Stairs.

All of these need supervision or locks. Children need to be supervised while using scissors because they could cut themselves, others, hair, stab something or someone, and animal even. The scissors should be child scissors, blunt but still able to use and cut so they can gain confidence and sensory motor skills. (hand/eye coordination too)

For playing outside it is important for children to have an eye on the at all times. Even in the front or back yard. They could get stuck in a spot, fall, get kidnapped, or possibly try to jump the fence and get hurt. If we have an eye on them at all times these situations are less likely to happen.

Either to have hazardous materials like glue, or cleaning sanitation products locked up or have those push locks on the cabinets so they can't open the doors that they can reach. There needs to be a list of departments to call in a visible place for everyone to see, Police, poison control, 911, names, numbers and address of each child in a reachable place also, with their information on it, etc.

Interpersonal safety is a good one I feel because it lets the children know what they can and cannot to to themselves, others or animals. You can't hit the next door neighbor with a baseball bat, or ball because you're angry. This is wrong, it hurts, and you could seriously injure the person or animal.

In this case, the stairs are maneuverable, but we still have falls that accure. I had the 4 year old I watch fall down the stairs because she wouldn't pick up her blanket, and another time because she was running up the stairs, fell and hit her head.

•Indicate what families can do to ensure the safety of the child at home.

I would make sure the parents know that the child is knowledgeable in this area and to watch them. Never to leave the child alone with the scissors. When playing outside, the parents need to keep a watchful eye on the child. It’s not like it used to be when I was growing up where we could play for hours down the street with no supervision and be fine. Now we need extra eyes on children at all times. Another thing that would come into play with being outside is eating something off the ground. Being aware of the child and what they are doing is very important. The same goes for being inside the house. There are more chemicals inside the house like cleaning supplies. Make sure they’re out of reach from the children or you have a cabinet that has some sort of lock or lever you push down that the child can’t get in to. Having the parents talk to the child about knowing their own boundaries is important. Not just with scissors or stairs, but with other people. Not going up to strangers just because they can, but also not to be scared of other people. Help teach the child a sense of self and awareness of the things around them. The stairs are always something to be careful around. Making sure the parents let the children know that is a good start to keeping them safe inside the house.