Early Childhood Standards of Quality for ... - State of Michigan

ELE: Physical Development and Health• Books about common childhood diseases and illness are in the libraryand are read to and discussed with children.• Adults model the kind of behaviors they would expect and value in youngchildren.• Adults organize the environment for optimum safety and encouragechildren to participate in keeping the environment safe and beautiful.• Adults ask children open-ended questions about safety practices to betterknow children’s understanding and misconceptions about certain issues.• Adults respond with support when children need help andencouragement.• Adults draw attention and provide positive comments to children whocomment or make healthy and safe choices; e.g., “You really got thoseback teeth clean today.”• Adults model the process of health and safety practices during regularactivities; e.g., meals, snacks, handwashing.Questions for Reflection1. In what ways are children encouraged and supported to try new foodsand activities?2. How do adults restate children’s concerns and questions to betterunderstand their thinking about health and safety?3. How do adults observe and interact daily with children to support theirsafety and learning both inside and outside?4. In what ways do adults prepare and plan for children to cope with newand unexpected events?5. How are child health and safety tips shared with families?6. Are there adequate health policies and protocols, staff training andmonitoring and supplies and equipment to perform necessary healthprocedures using instructions from parents and health care providers?7. Has staff helped to connect families to providers so that all children haveaccess to primary medical and dental homes or medical and dental care?104 Michigan Department of Education