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Classroom Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Children in Early Childhood Education from ChildCare Education Institute




Anywhere you go, the safety of our toddlers and preschool children is a topic of concern. We need to become vigilante when it comes to the safety of our kids. A recent study shows more than 794 children were killed by vehicles in 2017. Unfortunately, many of these deaths took place at daycare facilities under the supervision of early childhood educators. Back up cameras are not enough. All adults need to know these safety tips for children from ChildCare Education Institute.



Classroom Safety Tips for Children in Early Education

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According to the CDC, Unintentional injuries—such as those caused by burns, drowning, falls, poisoning and road traffic—are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in the United States. Each year, among those 0 to 19 years of age, more than 12,000 people die from unintentional injuries and more than 9.2 million are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries. Read the CDC report on Childhood Injuries.


Safety Prevention in the Classroom

Safety in the classroom doesn’t just happen, teachers must be prepared and plan for it. What can we do to prevent these senseless deaths and keep our youngest family members safe? When child caregivers and other adults equip themselves with the tools needed to protect children in their care, they can reduce unnecessary injuries and accidents. Safety education is key.

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI,) the industry leader for online professional development, offers over 55+ safety courses for ECE teachers. These high-quality and research-based courses provide early childhood educators with operating procedures and best practices for keeping children safe on and off school grounds.  I highly recommend all ECE professionals explore CCEI’s vast online course catalog and enroll to take their safety courses today!




CCEI has over 35+ certificate programs offered in both English and Spanish! They’ve graduated over 15,000 early childhood professionals from its CDA and other certificate programs -- with over 5 million online course hours completed by students. CCEI’s web-based coursework is available 24/7/365. 

Here’s a list of some of the 55+ safety courses offered online with CCEI:












  • CCEI110A: Indoor Safety in the Early Childhood Setting introduces early childhood professionals to indoor safety standards in an early childhood setting. Topics covered include toy safety, poison control, the development of appropriate play space, controlling high traffic areas in the center, and other safety standards.













ChildCare Education Institute offers professionals 150+ online child care training courses (in English and Spanish) to meet licensing, recognition program and Head Start requirements. It’s the perfect online training for busy early childhood teachers. Read our review on CCEI here: Continuing Online Study for Early Childhood Education. I highly recommend you try these safety courses today from CCEI, so you can create a safe environment for your students. The courses are easy to digest and easy to apply to your daily schedules.







Maintaining a healthy and safe environment for children in an early childhood environment is essential. Parents count on caregivers to keep their children safe, healthy, and happy when they're in the classroom. Early childhood professionals need to stay up-to-date on the changes to licensing regulations, best practices, and health and safety standards set forth by governing agencies. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs has been updated. Learn more about the recent safety standard updates.

Have you considered any of these safety tips for the childcare environment?

  • Cots/cribs are placed 3 ft apart or have barrier and assigned to a specific child or cleaned and sanitized after each use
  • Furniture and equipment is in good repair (check for broken toys, accessories, wrinkled/disrepair rugs/carpet.)
  • All chemicals are locked/out of reach of children. 
  • All entrances/exits are kept clear of clutter, snow, ice, etc. 
  • Tables and chairs are not stacked while children are present.


        Your state likely has many resources available to help guide the safety practices and policies in your classrooms. Download this free Childcare Health and Safety Checklist PDF from Indiana.gov.






        CCEI offers many continuing ed courses for ECE staff and caregivers. I encourage anyone working with children to take courses with CCEI. That’s right, anyone! If you’re a homeschooler, you’ll find many of the courses beneficial to your homeschooling learning environment as well.

        ECE teachers in a brick and mortar environment will find that CCEI is convenient and easy to navigate, most classes take about an hour. Preschool teachers and daycare providers alike, will definitely want to take a look at the safety courses and maintain a weekly safety checklist for their program environments. 

        Looking for fun ideas and activities for preschoolers? Check out our Preschool Scavenger Hunt Group on Pinterest.



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        More Safety Tips for Kids from Kids Creative Chaos


        How to Save for a Rainy Day Fund

        Emergency Cash Sources Every Mom Should Know About


        Everyone needs a rainy day fund. Don't get me wrong, being a full-time mom is great, but raising children is very expensive. Especially, when you're a single mother. Whether you've raised many children from birth to adulthood or you're taking care of your first child, there are always extra expenses that don't fit into your weekly budget. With the price of childcare rising, along with all of the other unexpected expenses you'll experience as a parent, you need to know about available emergency cash sources. Here are some tips on how to save for a rainy day fund and ensure that you have access to extra money for your family should the need ever arise... And, you know it will.

        This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
        How to Save for a Rainy Day Fund
        Get this Rainy Day Fund Bank on Amazon.


        Credit Cards and Mattress Money 

        If you try to save on every purchase that you make, you might be able to store away a little extra money for a rainy day fund. For example, utilizing coupons is a great way to see your weekly grocery bill go down. With the money that you don’t spend on household expenditures, you can start your own ‘mattress money’ fund. Of course, you don’t actually need to keep your savings under the mattress, but keeping tangible funds somewhere in your home will come in handy during an emergency. Alternatively, using a credit card when you are in a pickle isn’t a bad idea so long as it is for an absolute emergency. In fact, having a couple of credit cards with large available balances is great for when you have an unexpected, last minute child related expense.


        Short-Term Personal Loans

        A lot of people still think that the only types of personal loans available are the ones that are offered by local banks. The truth of the matter is that there are all sorts of lenders who regularly make short term personal loans. At loanpig.co.uk, for example, small to mid-sized personal loans are often approved online in minutes. So, if you have a big expense that you only have a few days to come up with the money to pay, a short-term loan can save the day. These types of loans also come with manageable repayment terms, so you don’t have to worry about your debt skyrocketing. While you may not want to take out a short-term personal loan to pay for a child’s birthday party, it's certainly reasonable to take advantage of a small loan to help deal with emergencies or to help bridge the financial gap between pay periods.


        Charities and Fundraising

        There isn’t anything wrong with accepting or even asking for a little financial help whether you're a busy mom or anyone else. There are charities that help moms furnish their nurseries, aid them in rebuilding after tragedies, and just give a hand where needed. A friend might start a fundraiser for a working mom who has always been frugal and yet still is barely managing to make ends meet. There are charities that help moms get toys and clothes for their children during the winter holiday season as well as fundraising efforts that have given working class families the ability to go on amazing international holidays. Find what funds might be available to your family for emergencies and more. 

        It is often very difficult for moms to think clearly when facing a financial emergency. You may go whizzing about looking for ways to pay an expense when the solution is right below your nose. Take a breath, relax, and think back to all of the ways you have prepared yourself and your family for the future when seeking a solution. These days, there are all kinds of ways to earn money online. Got stuff to sell? Give Facebook Marketplace a try!

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        Keep Household Safe. Remember, Safety First!

        How to Create a Safe Family Home


        Your home should be a safe environment where you and your family can relax, unwind, and spend quality time together. Unfortunately, break-ins and accidents in the house do occur, which can leave families feeling anxious or unsafe. However, there are many simple things you can do to improve the security of your home. Here are some top tips to help you create a safe living environment for you and your family. 


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        New Parent Home Safety Tips for Kids


        Advancements in technology mean that there are plenty of ways to upgrade your home security. For instance, there is now the option to wireless home alarm systems that offer automated updates, enhanced security, smart home integration, and Wi-Fi communication options that can deliver updates directly to your mobile phone or another device. Many studies have found that a home alarm system is one of the most effective deterrents to burglars and other criminals. Upgrading your home security system is, therefore, an excellent way to improve your security and create a safer family home. You can make your home even more secure by installing security cameras on your property. Security cameras have been shown to be another effective way to deter criminals from targeting your home, thus reducing your chances of having a break-in. Home security cameras also now come with several high-tech safety features, including night vision and motion detection.

        Have work completed by professionals  

        When your home requires repairs or work to be carried out, it is always best to hire professionals who have received enough training to do a safe and quality job. Doing things like installations and repairs yourself may save money, but you risk causing more damage or leaving your home in an unsafe condition during and after you have carried out the work. It is therefore always worth seeking the advice and skills of a trained professional, especially with risky or complex home jobs. Fortunately, you can easily find local professionals to complete tasks, such as expert washer and dryer installation by checking comparison websites online. These sites also give you the opportunity to find the best rates and read reviews from other customers. 

        Install outdoor lighting 

        Outdoor lighting is another effective burglar deterrent that will help you and your family feel safe when returning home after dark. Having sufficient lighting outside with also minimize the risk of people tripping or having other accidents when passing through poorly-lit outdoor spaces at night. You can also install motion detector lights in your front and back yard to make your home more secure. These will notify you if anyone enters your yard and will help deter criminals from targeting your home. 

        Teach children how to stay safe 

        It is crucial that you teach your children how to stay safe at home, and you should also test whether they understand the importance of this advice. According to childhood101.com - “Regularly role-playing different scenarios is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your child will act safely should the unexpected actually happen.” 


        Here are some of the critical things you should teach your children to help them remain safe at home: 

        • Explain to your children that they should never answer the door to strangers. 
        • Make sure that your children know their full address, home telephone number, and parents names. 
        • Teach your children when and how to get help in an emergency - make sure they know how to call emergency services in your area. 

        Check your front door 

        Your front door is the main entrance and exit of your home, so it is extremely important. Burglars often target the front door and use this to access a property. For that reason, you should regularly check your front door for any weaknesses and ensure that it is secure at all times. You can easily enhance the security of your front door by installing a deadbolt strike plate. Or, you can improve any weak spots by using a doorway reinforcement kit.

        Keep items stored away 

        Having toys and other items left out around the house can cause accidents like trips and falls. Keeping your house clean and clutter-free will help reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring. What’s more, having expensive items visible through windows or left in the yard, could attract burglars and encourage criminals to target your home. You should, therefore, encourage your children to put their toys away when they are finished with them. Make sure that you also keep any valuable items out of sight and locked away where possible. 


        Creating a safe family home is crucial, which is why keeping the tips above in mind is key. By creating a haven to relax and rest in, you can sleep easy at night, knowing no harm will come to your family. 

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        What are Good Outdoor Games to Play?

        10 Great Outdoor Games for Kids


        The days of simple parties where balloons, music, and a cake with candles were enough are long gone. In 2019, fun birthday ideas are at a whole new level. You need these 10 great outdoor games for kids to get moving and enjoy their special day.
        Kim and Kanye set the bar high with a "kidchella" themed party, featuring bouncy houses, a Ferris wheel, and several music stages. While you won't have the same budget as the Kardashians, take inspiration from their intuitive ideas and create a party with good outdoor games to play.
        If you're arranging a summer party for your kid's birthday bash, what outdoor games can you play? Read on for the 411 on which outside games your kids will actually love!

        This post contain Amazon Affiliate Links.


        What are Good Outdoor Games to Play?


        Outdoor Games Kids Will Love


        We all know the math. Kids + Birthday parties = Chaos!
        Instead of expecting kids to sit around, drink tea, and chat like adults, prepare some cool games that will burn all their pent-up party energy. We've chosen 10 outdoor games that will have your guests giggling from beginning to end. Are you ready? Let's get this party started!

        1. Hop Your Way to Victory
        Try a traditional sack-race to get the kids moving. Give each child a good quality burlap bag or king-size pillowcase. Line them up in a grassy area and have them hop their way to victory down a marked path.
        To mix it up a little, decorate the plain sacks. Make it more challenging and make the marked path curvy. Even if you just do it the old-fashioned way, it'll get a lot of laughs on the way, Scout's honor!


        2. Make Your Birthday Party Pop
        Balloon stomping is one of the best group games for parties. What's a party without balloons popping?
        Before the party starts, prepare by blowing up at least one balloon per guest and a few extras just in case. Tie a long string or ribbon around the end of the balloon so that it is long enough to tie around the children's ankles.
        When the party gets started, tie a balloon around the ankle of each child. The aim of the game is to pop everyone else's balloon while protecting your own. The last kid with an intact balloon wins.

        3. Jump to It
        Let the kids blow off a little steam before you sit down to open presents. One of the best outdoor games for kids, is an outdoor bouncy house. Hiring a bouncy house is an exciting treat for the kids! It really is fun for all ages (even big kids!)
        From bouncy houses and inflatable water slides to blow-up climbing walls and bouncy bungee runs, knowing which one to choose boggles the mind. Do your research to find out more about the options and you'll find the perfect match for your big outdoor birthday bash.

        4. Treasure Hunt
        Treasure hunts have been around a long time, but they're still one of the most interesting outside games for kids to play. Adapt the hunt depending on the ages of the guests and the style of the party. Be sure to offer prizes and other birthday party favors for the winning team.
        For instance, create a list of items in nature they have to find in a certain time limit. Give each guest some magnifying glasses, binoculars, and a treasure bag for their adventure. They can search for various bugs, pinecones, daisies, leaves, and more on a nature scavenger hunt or you can hide items throughout the yard and give them a list of riddles to solve to find the next treasure. As an alternative, hide pieces of treasure and candy for the kids to find. Give them a bucket and send them on their scavenger hunt,

        5. Cool Pool Party
        Fun birthday ideas for the summer usually involve water. Wet and wild games give kids the chance to get soaked and cool off. A pool prize search is one of the most fun outside games for a kid's party.
        Use an inflatable pool filled with water. Hide weighted treasures at the bottom of the pool. Then, fill the rest of the pool with floating toys and balls, so that it's hard to see what's at the bottom. Give the kids a time limit and tell them to find the treasures at the bottom of the pool.
        If kids are a bit older and it seems too easy, try blindfolding them. Their teammates can shout out directions to help them find the treasure.

        6. Use Your Noodle
        One of the cheapest outside games for kids is Pool Noodle Croquet. It's budget-friendly but takes a little bit of time to set up.
        Create several pool noodle arches in your back yard and stake them into the ground. Give each child a pool noodle and an inflated beach ball. The idea is to be the first to get the ball through the course of arches.

        7. Make a Splash
        Another variation of a classic game is water balloon baseball. It's one of the easiest outdoor games for kids and parents because it's so easy to set up.
        All you need is a baseball bat and some pre-filled water balloons. Make sure the guests are ready to get soaked!

        8. A Tasty Mess
        Fun birthday ideas have got to include cakes and treats, right? So why not turn your dessert into a game? When played outside, this donut game is lots of fun.
        Tie dangling donuts from a high place, such as a tree or doorway. Then have a donut eating race, without using hands. Chocolate donuts make the most mess, so be ready with a cleanup team when the game is over.

        9. Water Shoot
        Here's another outdoor water game for you. Divide the party into two teams. For each team, string a plastic sand pails onto one end of a clothesline.
        The concept of this game is for each team to work together to move their bucket along the clothesline, using only the spray water guns. Of course, if you don't have enough squirt guns for the party, you could fill up plastic bottles instead. Be sure the squirt guns are powerful enough to make the pails move!

        10. An In-Tents Party
        Another awesome outside party activity is camping. If camping somewhere remote is too much of a task, just set up a camp ground in your backyard.

        Set up tents and a supervised fire-pit. Play some camping-themed games during the day. And when it gets dark, roast some s'mores on the campfire and tell scary stories.

        Keep Calm and Party On!
        We hoe you like this list of outdoor games with a twist for parties. Pick one, two, or as many outside games as you want, to make your birthday bash super fun!
        What if it turns out to be a rainy day and you can't have fun in the sun? For some more games inspiration, both inside and out, check out the "Games" section of our blog.


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