Chapter 7 Creating High Quality Environments 2015 Cengage Learning. What Determines Program Quality? Researchers have identified three factors that are associated with quality programs: Small group size Low teacher/child ratios Teacher preparation and qualifications Locating High-Quality Programs Resource and referral agencies (R&Rs) are located throughout the country to assist families in locating early childhood programs. Families must determine which program best meets their unique needs. Program Accreditation Several professional organizations recognize exceptional early childhood programs Each organization has established its own standards and review criteria. Participation is usually voluntary and requires a combination of self-study and program review. Early Childhood Program Licensure There are no uniform national standards. Caring for Our Children attempts to address this problem by providing a set of research-based recommendations. Each state establishes and enforces its own child care licensing regulations. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? Some early childhood programs are exempt from state licensing requirements. Licensing Areas that are commonly examined as part of the licensing process include: Teacher qualifications Staffing ratios Group size Curriculum plans Emergency preparation and services (e.g.,plans, policies, protection) Learn More about the Licensing Regulations in Your State Click on the link below to locate state licensing regulations: National Resource Center for Health & Safety in Child Care & Early Education Indoor Safety Teachers have an ethical and professional obligation to protect childrens safety and well-being Young children are especially vulnerable to hazards in their environment Young children have limited ability to recognize unsafe conditions Indoor Safety When creating safe indoor environments, special attention should be given to: Building location and adequate space Room arrangement Building security ( Teacher Checklist 7-2 ) Fire safety and evacuation plans ( Teacher Checklist 7-3 ) Bathroom facilities and sanitation Lighting, ventilation, air quality ( Teacher Checklist 7-4 ) Outdoor Safety When outdoor environments are carefully planned and supervised they provide all children with unique learning opportunities. Safe outdoor play areas reduce the risk of unintentional injury and liability issues. They are also less stressful for teachers to monitor. Outdoor Safety Planning safe outdoor environments requires that special attention be given to: Providing adequate space to accommodate childrens active play Designing play areas so they are easy to supervise Outdoor Safety Selecting play equipment that is developmentally appropriate, safely constructed, properly installed and accessible to all children (Teacher Checklist 7-5, Table 7-4) Eliminating poisonous plants and vegetation Maintaining play equipment and surface materials in safe condition Supervising childrens play at all times Transportation When programs transport children: Childrens safety must always be a major concern. Programs should be aware of insurance and liability issues. Vehicles should be equipped with proper safety seats, seat restraints, and fire extinguisher. Transportation Facts Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death for children under 15 years in the U.S. ( National Center for Health Statistics, 2012 ). In 2011, 1283 children died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes; 207,432 were injured. Thats an average of 3.5 deaths and 568 injuries each day (National Center for Injury Prevention & Control, 2013). Transportation Facts Child safety seats and lap/shoulder seat belts reduced the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years (NHTSA 2012). Transportation The use of privately-owned vehicles should be discouraged to limit a programs liability. If they are used: Drivers should possess the appropriate license and be insured. Vehicles should be inspected for safety. Travel plans should be developed, reviewed, left with the director, and followed precisely.