Competency Goal Essay

Functional Area #1 – Safe: In order to provide a safe environment and teach children safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries I do the following: †¢I always do my classroom counts every 30 minutes, or more often when necessary, to make sure that my head count matches the actual number of children in my classroom. †¢Our centers are set up to reduce open floor space and the opportunity to run freely indoors †¢I check all toys and equipment for broken or missing parts often to ensure they remain safe for use and play. †¢I ensure that all chemicals and cleaning supplies are put away out of the reach of children or stored in locked cabinets to prevent injury or poisoning. †¢I keep my emergency routes posted and easily visible and my emergency contacts are always with me in a binder and easily accessible. †¢I am trained in emergency evacuation procedures and plans to remove all children from the classroom and/or building in the event of a tornado or fire †¢I am certified in First Aid, CPR, and Pediatric First Aid which makes me knowledgeable of caring for accidents or injuries. Functional Area #2 – Healthy: In order to provide an environment that promotes health and prevents illness, and teaches children about good nutrition and practices that promote Wellness, I do the following: †¢Cleaning and sanitizing classroom items, including future & toys, a task done multiple times a day. I sanitize all toys immediately after being put into a child’s mouth, to prevent the spread of germs. †¢ I wash my hands & wear gloves before & after handling food, helping with toileting, cleaning noses to prevent germs from being spread. †¢ I follow the center’s policies for sick children to prevent other illnesses in the classroom. †¢We also serve Healthy Balanced meals breakfast, lunch & snack. Functional Area #3 – Learning Environment: In order to use relationships, the physical space, materials, daily schedule, and routines to create a secure, interesting, and enjoyable environment that promotes engagement, play exploration, and learning of all children including children with disabilities and special needs, I do the following: †¢I have made sure that all Centers are laid out to help Children better benefit in learning. By putting the quite, busy & messy centers together. †¢We also have an ABC carpet that’s just for group time. Limit 10 to 15mins †¢I have put out many different learning activities for each center. Reading has lots of books, writing has name cards & letter strips, Dramatic Play & table toys has theme related items. Blocks have cars, animals, dollhouse & furniture. Science has Theme related items & Art I put out different things weekly to keep the Creativity going. †¢Also during the day we have group time twice, free time, small groups twice, outdoor play twice when weather permits & nap.