Whether you’re sending your child to preschool for the first time or whether they’re returning for another year, preschool safety is of paramount importance. In this year’s changing circumstances, keeping preschools safe has become even more essential. Here are some key aspects to consider as a parent when assessing a potential preschool for your child to attend this fall.
A Safe Preschool: What It Means
Proper development and early education can only happen in good environments. Teachers strive to make sure that they’re providing a safe preschool experience for all children so that they can learn and develop in comfort and safety. But what does this mean in a practical situation? There are a lot of questions that parents need the answers to when they take a tour of a preschool, all of which play a vital role in creating a safe environment.
- What happens if a child is sick?
- What are the discipline policies?
- How does the preschool monitor visitor access?
- Are all staff members licensed, accredited, and cleared to work with children?
- What are their policies for medication and first aid?
Keeping Preschool Safe In An Outbreak
In recent months, this has become a key area of focus when considering preschool safety. While every preschool may run things slightly differently, there are some major points to keep in mind when working to make preschool a safe place during a pandemic.
Keeping classes small and assigning set teachers to small groups reduces contact opportunities in the school environment. This is a big step in combating the spread of any virus, and it can be done with as little disruption as possible to the daily school schedule. Your child can get comfortable with the class teacher and their friends in class, and they can continue to get the wonderful developmental benefits that preschool offers.
Good sanitization and hygiene are essential in creating a safe preschool environment, whether or not there’s a pandemic. By promoting handwashing and making sure that the classroom is kept clean and is disinfected regularly, preschools can instill good habits and help protect against the spread of colds and the flu.
Safe Preschool Policies
Having a clean and sanitized preschool can do much more than just prevent the spread of a virus. In order for a preschool to be safe, the kitchen and diaper areas must be spotless and cleaned often. This goes the same for sleeping and eating areas— children need to be kept away from any hazardous substances at all times.
Monitoring visitor access is essential in creating a safe preschool environment. By allowing access only to children, staff, and parents, preschools can work to make sure that strangers can’t enter unless they have an appointment booked. Properly enclosed grounds also make sure that your child can explore outdoor play areas without needing to worry about safety.
At the end of the day, teachers contribute the most towards instilling a safe preschool environment. Properly trained teachers are equipped with age-appropriate first aid training, and they’re used to keeping the classroom toxin-free and safe to be in. They can facilitate play between children while being mindful of age differences, making sure that safety always comes first.
Safety At Parkland Children’s Academy
No matter where you choose to send your child, it’s vital to speak to the staff at the options you have and learn how they create a safe environment for your child’s development. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at (954) 688 5877 to arrange a tour of our facility, so you can see firsthand how we keep preschoolers safe.