Supervision
What is one of the most important responsibilities of a teacher when children are in their care?
To actively supervise children and be aware of what they are doing.
Does an early learning program need a written emergency preparedness plan?
Yes. The program must have and follow a written emergency preparedness plan.
A child goes missing from care. When should emergency services be contacted?
Immediately — call 911 when staff realize the child is missing. The incident must also be reported to DCYF within 24 hours.
True or False:
Medication management procedures should be included in staff policies.
True. WAC 110-300-0110 specifically includes medication management procedures among required staff policies.
What should a staff member do if they have reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect?
Report it to the proper law enforcement agency or DCYF as required by law.
WAC says teachers should use their eyes and ears to do what?
Scan the environment and look and listen for verbal and nonverbal cues that could indicate a problem.
Name two emergencies that an emergency preparedness plan should address.
Examples include:
A child experiences a medical emergency requiring immediate professional medical care. What should staff do?
Call 911 immediately and report the incident to the department within 24 hours.
True or False:
Every staff member can administer medication simply because a parent asks them to.
False. Medication administration is subject to Washington's training and program requirements. Certain staff, including family-home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors and lead teachers, must complete medication management and administration training before giving medication to an enrolled child.
True or False:
A teacher should investigate the situation themselves before making a required report.
False. Staff should follow mandatory-reporting requirements rather than conducting their own investigation.
True or False:
A teacher can supervise children effectively while standing in a location where some areas of the classroom cannot be seen.
False. Staff should position themselves so they can supervise all areas accessible to children.
What should the emergency plan address if parents cannot reach their children?
It must address what the program will do if parents are unable to get to their children for up to three days.
A child receives too much medication. Is this something that must be reported?
Yes. Emergency services must be contacted immediately, and the department must be notified within 24 hours. Washington Poison Center must also be contacted immediately after calling 911.
What type of plan should staff know about when a child has an individual health or special need?
The child's individual health care or special needs plan. Staff policies must address implementation of these plans.
What training must early learning providers complete regarding child protection?
Training in recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including prevention and mandatory reporting requirements.
Name three factors that may require increased supervision.
Name two items that should be available for emergencies.
How quickly must suspected child abuse or neglect be reported?
At the first opportunity, but no later than 48 hours.
A child accidentally takes another child's medication. What should happen?
Call 911 immediately, contact Washington Poison Center immediately after 911, and report to the department within 24 hours.
Name two areas that WAC requires staff policies to address that relate to child safety
Examples include:
SCENARIO
Question:
Two teachers are outside with 12 preschoolers. One teacher goes inside to get supplies, leaving the other teacher outside. The remaining teacher cannot see a portion of the playground.What is the safety concern?
The children may not be adequately supervised. Staff need to position themselves so they can supervise the areas accessible to children and account for the increased risk when staffing changes.
SCENARIO
Question:
A fire alarm sounds during circle time. What should teachers do?
Follow the program's emergency evacuation procedures, safely evacuate children using the designated route, bring required emergency materials, account for children, and follow the program's emergency preparedness plan.
SCENARIO
Question:
A teacher notices a child has a serious injury while in care. The child does not appear to require 911.
What must the program do regarding documentation?
A serious injury to a child in care requires a written incident report to the department on the required form within 24 hours.
SCENARIO
Question:
A teacher discovers that a medication was left somewhere accessible to children.
What should the teacher do first?
Immediately secure the medication and address the immediate safety risk, then follow the program's medication and incident-reporting procedures.
A child makes a statement to a teacher that causes the teacher to suspect abuse.
What should the teacher do?
Follow mandatory-reporting requirements and immediately notify the appropriate person/agency according to Washington law and the program's reporting procedures. Do not delay reporting while attempting to investigate the situation yourself.