Competency Goal #1To establish and maintain a safe, healthy, learning environment. Functional Area #1 – Safe – In order to help provide an environment which is safe for the children in my care, I do the following to prevent and reduce injuries: • I keep all cleaning supplies and chemicals locked up and out of the children’s reach at all times to avoid any poisoning or other injuries. I am certified in First Aid, CPR and AED use which gives me the knowledge to handle any injuries or accidents. • I place all children under the age of one on their backs when sleeping to avoid a SIDS death. • I am familiar with the classroom and center emergency evacuation procedures in case of a fire or tornado. • I inspect all toys and equipment frequently throughout the day to ensure that they are safe for the children to play with and use.
Functional Area #2 – Healthy – In order to promote good health and nutrition and create an environment which contributes to the prevention of illness in the children in my care, I do the following: • I wash my hands and put on gloves before handling any food, wash hands after assisting with toileting and diaper changing and after wiping noses to ensure germs are not spread. • I am trained in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. • I sanitize all toys daily; more frequently if they have been mouthed by a child to prevent germs from spreading. I follow the center’s sick child guidelines when children are ill to prevent more illnesses in the classroom. • I plan nutritionally activities for the week that are age appropriate for the children to promote health and wellness. Functional Area #3 – Learning Environment – In order use space, relationships, materials, and routines as resources for constructing an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment that facilitates play, exploration, interaction and learning, I do the following: • I provide a daily classroom schedule so that the children can explore the room through play, stories, puppet and finger plays. I play and sing songs throughout the day so the children can learn through repetition. • I plan sensory activities weekly so the children can experience the activities by doing them on their own with my supervision. • I plan age appropriate activities weekly for each child geared towards their own individual goals.
