Health, Safety and Nutrition Competencies #2 Follow governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety

and nutrition.

The primary purpose of licensing a child day care center is to safeguard the well-being of the children served. Granting a license means there is clear evidence that the building and grounds are safe; that staff are appropriately trained and responsible; and that the program shall, in practice, reflect an understanding of the healthy growth and development of children. Further, the license is meant to be an assurance to parents and the community that the children are being cared for in a safe, healthy environment where appropriate activities, time schedules, food, materials, equipment and staff are consistently available and are used for encouraging and supporting the children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The health and safety of children is of prime importance. In addition to ensuring that children are safe from injury and infection, child care providers must demonstrate, model, and promote sound health practices. Children learn by example and we, as adults and professionals who work with young children, have an obligation to help them develop in the healthiest way possible. Professionals working with young children must be knowledgeable of and meet all requirements dictated by laws and regulations regarding health, safety, and nutrition. These include regular maintenance of the physical environment and all materials and equipment accessible to children; familiarity with signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and of domestic violence, as well as the course of action to take whenever necessary as mandated reporters; understanding of the importance of good nutrition to support healthy growth and physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development; and recognition of their role as advocates for policies and procedures that ensure the welfare of children and families. Professional working with young children should have current, valid documentation of training in topics essential to childrens health, safety, and nutrition, maintains organized, accessible, and up-to-date records related to the health, safety, and nutrition of the children in their care, take precautions that protect childrens health and maintains a healthy learning environment, apply practices that encourage positive health behaviors and support the physical and mental well-being of children and families, take appropriate precautions and follows applicable procedures to ensure a safe learning environment, takes appropriate food safety precautions and create a safe, healthy, and enjoyable feeding and mealtime experiences for children.