Eyes on the Prize
What does 'scan and count' mean in active supervision?
Continuously looking around the environment and counting children to ensure everyone is accounted for.
What does 'effective positioning' mean in a classroom?
Placing yourself where all children and areas can be seen and reached quickly.
Why do we anticipating children’s behavior?
We anticipate children’s behavior so we can prevent problems and keep them safe.
Why is it important to interact with children while supervising?
It keeps them engaged, builds relationships, and helps monitor their play.
Why is classroom setup important for supervision?
It ensures teachers can see and reach all children at all times.
How often should you count children during activities?
Frequently—especially during transitions, outdoor play, and whenever the group changes location.
Name one good spot to stand during outdoor play.
Stand near the climbing area or a spot where you can see the whole playground.
True or false: Noticing a child climbing on furniture and redirecting them before they fall is an example of preventing a potential safety risk.
True
Join children’s play and guide them toward safe, positive choices. Which strategy is this?
Engage and Redirect
Name one way to arrange furniture for better sightlines.
Keep shelves low and avoid tall barriers that block views.
Why is scanning important even during calm activities?
Because children can move quickly, and accidents can happen at any time.
Why should teachers avoid sitting with their backs to children?
Because it blocks their view and breaks supervision.
Why is knowing each child’s personality helpful in preventing incidents?
It helps predict which children may need extra guidance or redirection.
How can asking open-ended questions keep kids safe?
It keeps them engaged in conversation and less likely to engage in unsafe behavior.
What should always be removed from children’s reach to keep them safe?
Choking hazards, cleaning supplies, and unsafe objects.
Give one way technology can interfere with scanning. (Teacher)
They distract staff and take eyes off the children.
How can co-teachers split zones to maximize supervision?
They create a structured environment that keeps things orderly and lowers the chance of risky behavior.
How can routines help prevent unsafe situations?
They provide structure, which reduces chaos and risky behavior.
Scan and count
Why are clear pathways important in the classroom?
They reduce tripping hazards and allow teachers to move quickly if needed.
In a group of 8 children, you only see 7. What’s your first step?
Immediately stop, scan the environment, and locate the missing child right away.
You notice a blind spot in the classroom. What can you do to fix it?
Rearrange furniture or change your position to see all areas.
A child is running toward the block area carrying a toy—what do you do?
Redirect them and remind them that running with toys can be unsafe.
Which of the six active supervision strategies helps staff predict and stop unsafe situations before they happen?
Anticipating children’s behavior.
How can labeling and organization help with supervision?
It helps children find materials easily and reduces chaos that distracts from supervision.