Chapter 8 Scenario: Protecting Children’s Safety

Objective and scenario

To develop and evaluate an action plan for children’s safe use of a climbing structure on the playground.

You recently accepted a position as an assistant teacher at a large early childhood program in your local community after completing your degree and certification requirements. The head teacher suggested that you spend your first week as an observer so that you become familiar with the safety policies and procedures that teachers are expected to follow with the children. 
    One day while you are observing during outdoor time, you notice that several children are gathered around a 4-foot-high climbing dome located in one corner of the large playground. Two children have managed to climb up and are standing on top of the structure. Another child is throwing bark chips at the two children. There are no teachers present in the area.

Focus assignment

1. Prepare a one-page outline that identifies the typical developmental characteristics of three-to six-year-olds, safety concerns associated with this age group, and general measures that adults must take to protect children’s safety. Develop a set of safety rules for children to follow when playing on the climbing dome.
2. Be sure to read the REFLECTION section below to guide your thinking. Write your reflection response after you have completed your plan.

Self-evaluation

1. For each item in your action plan:
a. Explain how this item addresses the issues in the scenario.
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2. Describe and justify how your action plan would improve teaching and learning in the scenario.