Taking preschoolers out into the world can be a delightful outing and also a daunting experience. Whether you’re heading to the playground, Disney World, or a quick trip to the grocery store, keeping up with little people while out and about is no small feat.
Parents, daycare or preschool teachers, or caregivers in any capacity have the duty of keeping their curiosity and energy in check in order to ensure the child’s safety. Awareness of potential dangers and strategies to combat those does not need to illicit fear, but can instead foster strength and courage through preparedness and knowledge. So, lets delve into some research-backed strategies for keeping your little one safe so you both can enjoy your outings together.
Here at Chester Child Development Center we make safety a priority. Schedule a tour today and come see what our security plans and strategies look like to provide your child with a safe and sound environment in which to learn and grow.
Set Expectations Before You Go
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proactive communication helps children understand safety expectations and reduces anxiety in new environments. In line with this research, before heading out with your little one, chat about the plan’s you have for the day. Go over what you intend to do, where you are going and the behavior you expect from your preschooler. Simple expectations like “You need to stay with me” or “hold my hand when we cross the street” can set up a situation of improved obedience—decreasing stress and increasing safety.
Setting expectations is a regular practice within our classrooms here at Chester CDC. Come see our classrooms and chat with our teachers for tips on how we successfully set children up with proper expectations of the day and behavior therein.
Use Visual Identifiers
While neon might seem gaudy, it can be an incredibly helpful marker in large group settings. Dress you and your child (or group) in brightly colored shirts or hats—making you and your children easy to spot in a crowd. You can see them from across a playground and they can see you! Plus, preschoolers often get a kick out of matching with their adults and friends. PBS Parents suggests that visual cues not only help in supervision but also make children feel part of a team, enhancing their sense of security.
Bonus tip: pick swim gear that stands out this summer for the pool and water play. Blue-tinged swimsuits look invisible underwater where red and pink can be seen from the sidelines. Looking to go the extra mile? Consider adding ID bracelets with your contact information to the ensemble.
Wondering how teachers can keep track of so many children? We are happy to share our tactics for keeping children together in large-group settings. Give us a call at Chester CDC and set up a time to come by and pick our brains.
Establish a Meeting Spot
When you arrive at your destination, choose a landmark together that will be an easily found meeting point in case you get separated. This can be anything from a first aid station to your strategically parked stroller at the playground. Teach your preschooler(s) to recognize this spot and make sure they understand that they should meet you there if they get separated—and to wait, because you’ll come look for them there!
Crime Awareness Kids backs that having a designated meeting spot can streamline separation scenarios and decrease panic for all involved.
Monitor for Overstimulation
Have you ever had your child decide they are “all done” and simply sit down –refusing to walk anymore? Public places can be overwhelming and despite a preschoolers seemingly endless stores of energy, they do get tired…especially after a good bit of walking. Parents.com advises that recognizing and addressing overstimulation promptly can prevent meltdowns and help ensure the outing is pleasant for everyone.
Watch for signs like irritability, slowing down, or zoning out. While it can be difficult to go at the pace of their little legs, plan for regular breaks, have snacks, and keep some quiet activities on hand to reign things in if it all gets to be too much for your child.
Overstimulation is real, especially for small children. We like to have fun here at Chester CDC and we also are pros at keeping it cool so we don’t end up with a classroom full of cranky children. Schedule a tour today and see our early childhood education professionals at work!
Implement a Buddy System
Pairing children up fosters responsibility and encourages them to look out for each other—an especially helpful tactic within daycare and early childhood education settings. Repetition is key with remembering anything? Be sure they can identify and stick with their person—even if their person is a sibling.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends buddy systems during field trips to promote safety and social development.
Talk About Safe Strangers
Instead of instilling fear, educate children on identifying safe adults—such as police officers or store employees—that they can approach if they need help. Emphasize the importance of staying put (and finding their meeting spot??) and not leaving with anyone without permission. And that means anyone. The importance of a set meeting spot and pre-set expectations for the day come into play here—if someone they know comes to pick them up when that expectation hasn’t been set, it can be the first red flag to help them stay put and wait for you.
Bonus tip: Everyone has a phone in their pocket these days. Teach your child your name and phone number from a young age so they can tell a stranger if they need help.
We would love to help your children learn their basic information! Ask our Chester CDC teachers if they can help reinforce this teaching so your little one can have it down-pat!
Pack Essential Supplies
You never know when you’ll need a bandage or where the next water fountain might be. Be prepared with a bag of simple necessities like a basic first aid kit, snacks, water, sunscreen and wipes (source). For group outings, include emergency contact lists and any medical information that might be pertinent, as well.
We always have first aid, water, and shelter on hand and at the ready at Chester Child Development Center. We are more than happy to share our emergency safety strategies with you and your family. Schedule a tour and to come check them out!
Be Safe and Have Fun!
Getting out of the house with preschoolers does not need to be an event shrouded in fear, but can be an ample opportunity for enriching experiences that support your bond and their early childhood education. In planning ahead, setting clear expectations and staying attentive you can keep your adventures enjoyable and safe—teaching them safety skills they can master and while keeping it fun.
We would love to show you around Chester Child Development Center. Call today to schedule a visit to meet our teachers and see our classroom, grounds, and lovely outdoor play areas!