Physical Fitness

“The early years are critical not only to the development of motor skills but also to the development of a disposition for regular activity. As educators we must realize that physical activity patterns developed during childhood tend to last throughout adulthood” (Goodway,J. & Robinson,L. 2006). Physical fitness is important for the following reasons:

·         It reduces the chance of childhood and adult obesity.

·         It develops important gross motor and locomotor skills.

·         It reduces developmental delays.

·         It reduces other health risk such as childhood diabetes.

·         It promotes a child’s feelings of competency.

Healthy Food and Nutrition

Healthy Food and Nutrition

            You are what you eat! Research has proven that there is a direct correlation between nutrition and it’s effects on growth, health and development. “Adequate nutrition during childhood is necessary to maintain overall health and provide for growth” (Robertson, pg 215). However, fewer than 50 percent of children in early childhood environments are eating the recommended amounts of grains, fruits and dairy products, while less than 30 percent are eating the recommended amounts of vegetables and meat in their diets (Robertson, 2010). The American Dietetic Association noted an increase in children’s consumption of foods high in sugar (like fruit juices and sweetened beverages) and a decrease in the consumption of healthy whole grain foods (like grains and breads), milk and vegetables (Robertson, 2010). With many homes subject to both parents working, and the majority of a child’s time spent in an early childhood environment, the nutritional responsibility has fallen heavily on early childhood programs.

CPR and Choking Emergencies

CPR and Choking Emergencies     

As a childcare professional it is important to know what to do and how to respond in the event of an emergency situation within the preschool environment. Training in disaster preparedness, communicable diseases, CPR and first aid are critical in being able to approach and handle these situations effectively. The following two scenarios are designed as hypothetical emergencies that could arise in the childcare setting.

Emergency Preparedness: Natural & Human Generated Emergencies

Emergency Preparedness

Natural & Human Generated Emergencies

           

As an owner of a licensed family day home and having been a teacher in a child day care setting, I recognize that there are some differences in the types of emergencies that affect each environment. In Virginia we are required to develop and Emergency Preparedness Plan for both evacuation based emergencies (flood, fire etc.) and shelter in place emergencies (tornados, hurricanes etc.). It is very important to have these plans in place because they make you think about all the details of a real emergency.

Safety Practices and Policies

Safety Practices and Policies

           

The preschool age group consist of children between the ages of three years to five years. In this age group children are better developed in the use of their motor and language skills, able to explore their environment in more depth, and sometimes express overconfidence in their abilities. These factors can produce potential for the following hazardous situations: