Early education children are typically between the ages of one and four and have specific health, safety and nutritional needs that differ from older children. If you work with or have children in this age range, it is essential to educate yourself about how to keep them safe and healthy. Keep these things in mind when you are with the children you care for to give them the best start possible.
Safety
Keeping children safe can be an overwhelming responsibility, but there are some essential things you must pay attention to in order to provide as much safety as possible. Always use an approved car seat, Healthy Children recommends, because it can prevent serious injury in case of an accident. Apply sunscreen if the children are going to be outside in direct sunlight for any amount of time to help prevent sunburn and sun damage. If you have young children in your care, cover electrical outlets, keep stove handles turned in and check to make sure any plants are not poisonous. Keep medications, chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach and install baby gates and locked doors to keep children in child-proofed areas.
Health
Keeping your children healthy is likely one of your top concerns, and the number one way to help prevent the spread the illness-causing germs is to teach proper hand washing technique. KidsHealth reports that children must use warm water and soap, and scrub fronts, backs and between the fingers for at least 20 seconds. Rinse and dry with a clean towel. You should also teach children to cough and sneeze into their elbow, as well as to toss used tissues into the trashcan to keep germs from being spread around. Making sure that children see a pediatrician regularly is also an important part of keeping them healthy.
Nutrition
Feeding children nutrient-dense foods is another essential way to protect their health and encourage proper growth and development. Offer young children a variety of healthy foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and low-fat milk. Healthy eating can be established by serving many different foods, which will help children grow and have the energy they need for learning and playing. Make sure children have access to nutrient-dense foods each and everyday so they get exactly what they need for good health.
Suggested Activities
Getting young children involved during the early education years will help establish healthy habits that can last for a lifetime. Teach children how to be safe, such as holding hands to cross the street and buckling up in the car. Talk about how to be safe on the playground, as well. Have a hand washing contest to see who can create the most bubbles or who can wash the longest. Teach children a song to sing that lasts for about 20 seconds as another fun way to make sure they scrub long enough. Ask children to help you prepare meals and snacks or to pick new foods to try to teach important nutrition concepts.
