While running a daycare center, you are shouldering a significant and very crucial responsibility. The safety of the children entrusted to your care must be the top priority in every single plan, program and policy you will have in your daycare center. Here are the most common safety issues your daycare center must guard against.
Common safety issues to avoid
Lack of supervision
Leaving a group of kids without adult supervision is a sure sign of trouble. It is necessary that the toddlers are under supervision all the time. Ensure that your center maintains the ideal caregiver-to-child ratio. You must personally monitor how the teachers and caregivers manage the children. If any lacunas are noted, they must be guided in the right way to rectify the mistakes.
Under-trained staff
Implementing sound safety and health policies at the daycare center is the best way to avoid injuries and enhance safety. When it comes to ensuring safety, training your staff has a big role to play. Have clear cut policies regarding staff training. Keep a watch on how the different safety standards and policies are implemented. It is highly necessary that all your staff must be trained in first aid and pediatric CPR. Someone with first-aid and CPR certification must be on duty all the time.
Improper administration of medicines
Improper administration of medicines can lead to serious consequences. If any child under your care needs to be given medicines, make sure that you get parental authorization and instructions in writing for the same. Train your staff in the proper storing, handling and administering practices when it comes to medicine. It is also necessary to review them periodically. Ensure that the dosage recommended by the parent matches with the dosage printed on the container.
Presence of toxic or poisonous substances
Accidental poisoning is found to be among the leading causes for death and injury among children. It is important to lock the nits where the cleaning products and medicines are stored. Ensure that the medicines do have labels on them. Ensure all such items including cleaning products are inside childproof cabinets. It is never advisable to store cleaning supplies and food together.
Inadequate Food safety
Food-borne illnesses are common occurrences in children. Ensure to refrigerate all perishable foods. If some kids are allergenic to some foods, find out the measures to be taken in the event of any unexpected situation causing those allergies.
Benefits of childcare management software
As a childcare administrator, you will have a lot of things to take care on a daily basis. On top of it, it is essential to ensure you create a professional image of your center among the parents and public. In streamlining the various administrative functions and to reduce the manual tasks you will have to do at your daycare center, investing in good childcare management software is highly essential. If you have not done it so far, it is time to think on this topic seriously lest you will be left behind the popular trend in the childcare domain.
