Ways to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Environment for Children
A healthy and safe environment for children is a universal objective (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2018). Providers and staff are versed with the weighty responsibility of caring for young children. Children face some dangers which are not apparent but may have a significant effect on the well-being of the children. This fact sheet gives a categorical overview of everyday health and safety measures that ensure children’s safety in their environment.
Preparing formula feeds
Formula manufactured for chidren such as meals, drinks, and snacks, should be balanced nutritionally and of the correct ratio. Providers are required to obtain information about any child with a special dietary requirement, food allergies, and preferences before admitting such children to the setting. Clean and fresh drinking water and balance healthy meals necessary for a childs growth and development must be provided and should always be accessible. In the case of a child’s dietary needs, providers must communicate with the parents
Sterilization of feeding equipment
A sterilized area is set aside to prepare children hygienically for food and drink (Pluess & Belsky, 2010). Staff handling food, snacks, and beverages for children should be hygienic, competent, and well trained in food hygiene to manage children’s menu. Feeding tools must be sterilized to maintain cleanliness and keep away bacteria. In case of food poisoning, providers must immediately notify childminder agency with which they are registered. After a meal,all feeding equipment must be cleaned and stored well to avoid contamination.
Preparation and storage of food
In childcare, food safety and proper storage is everyone’s responsibility (del Valle & Bravo, 2013). Children are vulnerable to bacteria that cause food poisoning,therefore their food should be properly cooked and stored. When preparing food, providers must ensure that their hands are clean and that the food is made in a clean environment. Feeding tools should be washed and kept clean at all times to prevent bacterial infection. Both raw and cooked food must be stored in a safe place far away from pets and other bacteria. Storing facilities like fridge are highly recommended, but food stored in the freezer should be eaten within two days.
Safe disposal of waste
In a childcare setup, pets waste can be a significant cause of infection and disease to children, and therefore, a proper and safe waste disposal is necessary. Garbage and trash should be cleared out and taken to disposal centers regularly. Garbage containers should be washed and disinfected periodically to reduce contamination. Metallic and highly durable plastic bins are recommended as they do not leak nor absorb odors. Garbage containers should be enough to ensure no overflow of waste and subsequent contact with children. After waste disposal, containers and liners should be thoroughly washed to keep away pest infestation.
Care of pets
Advantages of having a pet in this setting must be weighed against possible health risks associated with the pets. Children must be warned against playing with animals while eating. Children must also wash their hands after playing with the animals. Animals should be checked regularly by vets and their wastes adequately disposed of. Children must never be part of waste disposal as they are vulnerable to infection and attack by diseases.
Conclusion
Feeding children with formula,sterilizing cooking and feeding tools and safe waste disposal are some of the ways used to achieve a safer and healthier environment for children. Pets should be regularly checked and vaccinated to keep children away from diseases.
References
del Valle, J. F., & Bravo, A. (2013). Current trends, figures and challenges in out of home child care: An international comparative analysis. Psychosocial Intervention, 22(3), 251-257.
Hockenberry, M. J., & Wilson, D. (2018). Wong’s nursing care of infants and children-E-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Pluess, M., & Belsky, J. (2010). Differential susceptibility to parenting and quality child care. Developmental psychology, 46(2), 379.