CHAPTER TEN
MANAGING HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
KEY CONCEPTS
NAEYC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all child care facilities
have a child-care health consultant to review policies and practices, provide
information on nutrition, feeding and communicable disease, train staff, develop plans for
children with special health needs, and create connections with community resources.
The term medical home refers to a concept of providing health-care services that are
Child care programs are in a unique position to help prevent child abuse and neglect by
parenting and child development, and access to support in times of need.
Child care providers are mandatory reporters of child abuse, i.e. legally required to
report to appropriate authorities any evidence of abuse.
Managers can reduce the likelihood of child abuse in centers by screening employees,
providing adequate training and supervision, and insuring that staff are not left alone with
children.
Staff who have practiced carefully planned emergency procedures are more likely to
remain calm and respond appropriately in the event of medical emergencies, fire, or other
crisis.
ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS FOR STUDENTS
2. Using a doll or child-sized mannequin, have students take turns demonstrating appropriate
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3. Invite a public health nurse or other health specialist to visit your class and review proper
hand washing procedures and other health precautions.
10.2 with those used at child care facilities in your community and discuss their findings.
5. Direct students to go to NAEYC Radio at http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/NAEYCradio
and select the segmen