All Head Start educators are responsible for making sure that no child is left unsupervised. Active supervision is a strategy that works. It can be used in classrooms, family child care, playgrounds, and buses. It can also be shared with families as a tool to use at home. This fact sheet explains what active supervision is and how to use it in your program. Note: This resource is under review.
Plants are important to our health and well-being, and they can help children understand and respect the natural world. However, some plants and seeds can be harmful when eaten or touched. According to Caring for Our Children Standard 5.2.9.10: Prohibition of Poisonous Plants, poisonous or potentially harmful plants are not allowed in any part of a child care facility. If Head Start management or staff are unsure whether a plant is toxic, they can work with the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) to identify it and determine whether it is safe. Review the list of common household plants to learn which are poisonous. Staff also can share the list with families so they can protect their children and pets from toxic plants at home.
Children learn best when they are in safe, well-supervised environments. Head Start staff can reduce the possibility of a child getting hurt when they closely observe children and respond when needed. When programs think systematically about child supervision they create safe, positive learning environments for all children.
Early childhood programs keep children safe when their facilities, materials, and equipment are hazard-free and all staff use safety practices such as active supervision. Find resources to help staff and families reduce the number and severity of childhood injuries everywhere that children learn and grow. Discover tips for use at home, in cars and buses, on the playground, and in all early childhood settings.
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Watch this webinar from the National Center on Health to explore the six active supervision strategies. Find out how they can transform child supervision in your Head Start or Early Head Start program. This webinar will provide staff with tips that can be used in classrooms, on playgrounds, and in family child care homes.
Mobile infants have more control of their head, torso, arms, and legs. They also begin to coordinate those movements. At this age, they sleep less and are more active during the day, eager to engage in everything around them.
During the first three years, children are constantly growing and acquiring new skills and knowledge. Surveillance systems have shown that injury is the leading threat to the health and well-being of young children.
Head Start staff are encouraged to watch this webinar about the importance of active supervision. It was part of a week of interactive webinars and online discussion around keeping children safe. Discover practical active supervision strategies for use in the classroom and at home.