Safety In Childcare

Safety in Childcare

2.1 Why is safety a foundational aspect in early learning environments?

 Safety is a foundational aspect of early learning environments because it allows children to explore, play, and learn without unnecessary risk of injury or harm. When children feel safe, they are more confident, curious, and engaged in activities, which supports their overall development—physically, socially, and emotionally. Ensuring a safe environment also protects staff and families, creating a predictable and secure space where everyone knows expectations and routines (Pimento & Kernested, 2025).In early childhood settings, safety is not just about preventing accidents; it also includes planning environments, materials, and routines that reduce hazards and support healthy interactions. By prioritizing safety, educators can focus on fostering children’s learning and development while minimizing stress and disruptions caused by injuries or unsafe situations (Pimento & Kernested, 2025).

 The Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) helps keep toddlers safe in childcare. For children aged 18 months to 2.5 years, it makes sure there are enough staff to supervise them, safe furniture and toys, and secure indoor and outdoor spaces.

 Toddlers are curious and love to explore, so the CCEYA also requires staff to follow hygiene rules, watch children closely, and have emergency plans ready. These safety rules let toddlers play, learn, and grow while staying safe and healthy (Pimento & Kernested, 2025).

Daily Safety Checklist:

 A Daily Safety Checklist is a form that staff use to make sure the childcare environment is safe for toddlers every day.

 Requirements for completion:
Staff check items such as:

 Indoor and outdoor play areas are free of hazards.  Toys and equipment are clean and in good condition.  Gates, doors, and cabinets are secure. Emergency exits and first aid kits are accessible. They mark each item as “checked” or “fixed” and sign the form.

 Purpose:
This form helps staff make sure toddlers have a safe space to explore and play. It also creates a record that safety checks are done consistently.

CCEYA relevance:
The CCEYA requires childcare centers to maintain safe indoor and outdoor environments. Using a Daily Safety Checklist ensures staff follow these regulations and protect children from injuries (Government of Ontario, 2014). 

Medication/Administration  Form:
A Medication Administration Form is a document used when a toddler needs to receive medication while at the childcare center. Because toddlers are still very young, it is very important that medication is given safely and only with written permission from the parent or guardian.

 Requirements for completion:
This form must be filled out by the parent/guardian and educator. It includes:

 Child’s full name and age. Name of the medication. Reason for medication. Dosage amount and time to be given.
Start and end dates for the medication. Parent/guardian signature giving permission. Educator’s signature and time when medication is given each day. All medication must be stored safely (locked or out of children’s reach) and clearly labelled with the child’s name.

 Purpose:
The purpose of this form is to make sure medication is given properly, safely, and only when authorized. It helps avoid mistakes, allergic reactions, or overmedication. For toddlers, who cannot explain how they feel clearly, proper documentation ensures their safety and health are carefully monitored.

CCEYA Connection:
Under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and Ontario Regulation 137/15, licensed programs must have written policies and records for the administration of any medication to children (Section 37). This ensures that only authorized staff administer medication and that all records are properly maintained to protect children’s health and safety (Government of Ontario, 2014).