Clinical Field Experience

Before I conducted an inspection on Jefferson Elementary School in Sterling, Illinois, I had some initial feelings and thoughts related to maintaining a safe environment for young children. These included the need for the children to feel comfortable with the situation the school has created for them, the need to have a commendable speed when shifting from one lesson to another, one that is neither too fast nor too slow, among other considerations. Some of the things I noted were how the children could easy become disengaged in class and stare outside at the cows and horses from the surrounding ranches. The children were also not really allowed to work for themselves more often, adding to my pre-inspection question on whether they are comfortable with the created environment. Ms. Karen Harris, the class teacher, was also not confirming if the kids like working on their own in certain activities or whether they felt more comfortable breaking down into teams. I realized that Ms. Harris needs work on herself more as an educator (Lyons and Pritchard). It might be essential to create a learning environment the kids feel comfortable with through leading by example. Some of the legal and most commendable practice safety features the elementary school needs to observe include of course licensing, legal support of new child care facility issues, proper supervision of children, as well as rations between the staff and the children.

Assignment 2: Safety Considerations Table and Checklist

The importance of creating a safe learning environment for the children is an issue that cannot in any way be overstated. While it has been noted that every child learns a little bit differently from the other, the created environment itself plays an essential role in childhood development. Creating a leaning environment that is safe will in turn translate to a learning environment the children find comfortable It brings to an elementary school setting where the children feel as if they are home. Some of the ways I plan to maintain a safe environment for young children in my future professional practice includes understanding that in a situation where the children are willing to open their minds and listen to the instructor has to say, as the instructor, I can empower them towards achieving their highest potential (Marotz). The main objective of achieving this goal lies in keeping some few essential things in mind. These include remembering that it’s all about the children, working on oneself as the educator, celebrating achievements, and creating a judgment free environment.

Works Cited

Lyons, Raymond E and Mervyn W. Pritchard. “Primary school inspection: a supporting service for education.” International Institute for Educational Planning (2020): 9-125. Web.

Marotz, Lynn R. Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child. Australia ; United States: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Web.