[Image: child with cast]News You Can Use For March 2005
There is no doubt that children are born risk takers, and that risk-taking characteristic is one of the most frightening aspects of their growth and development, because as children are allowed to take risks, accidents and incidents increase, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.
"As a caregiver or parent of young children, one of the most important jobs you have is to allow risk-taking in the safest possible of environments," Gioe advises, adding, "Accidents and incidents with injuries can occur at any time. But traditionally, more occur when children are playing in gross motor areas such as outdoors on climbing equipment and swings or indoors with moveable equipment."
Prevention, preparation and organization are the keys to fostering risk taking in children, according to Gioe, who says you should establish and enforce outside and indoor rules that focus on safety issues.
"Rules need to be followed consistently," the LSU AgCenter expert says. "In order tTo encourage appropriate behavior, pay attention and acknowledge appropriate play. Role playing situations that may arise with children also is a very powerful teaching method."
Gioe says to make certain play areas are safe, and she offers these tips:
- Proper placement of outdoor playground equipment or indoor moveable equipment is essential.
- Daily classroom and playground checks are necessary. Check for any broken or dangerous toys and/or hazards in the environment.
- All equipment, whether indoors or outdoors, should have some type of cushion beneath any space where children may or can touch the ground.
- If any unsafe conditions are found to exist, they should be rectified before the children are allowed to play in the area.
"Accidents and injuries can occur at any time, so be prepared," Gioe stresses. "Have a first-aid kit, ice packs and emergency cards readily available at all times."
The LSU AgCenter expert also says to remember that parents like to be notified when their children get injured and that in many cases child-care licensing requirements mandate that parents be notified in such circumstances.
"Prior to enrolling children in a child-care program, parents should provide care providers with an emergency card," Gioe says. "This card should include current phone numbers of someone that may be reached during the day by phone, as well as doctors’ and dentists’ numbers, insurance information and the desired hospital should it be needed."
The LSU AgCenter’s "Be Child Care Aware!" educational program is designed to educate parents and child-care providers about quality child care. It is funded, in part, through a contract with the Louisiana Department of Social Services’ Office of Family Support.