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Read each of the following descriptions of behavior. Decide whether it is developmentally expected, concerning, or unsafe. Then write one idea for how you would respond. Discuss your answers with a coach, trainer, or administrator.

1. An 8-year-old pulls the fire alarm at the after-school program

    

   Unsafe

   Ensure safety during evacuation. Work with fire safety officials on reporting procedures.

2. A pre-toddler bites another child on the face and breaks the skin

    

   Unsafe

   Attend to the victim and separate the children. Follow procedures for incident reporting.

3. A toddler screams any time her hands touch cold, wet, or messy materials. She pulls away and cries.

    

   Concerning

   Gradually introduce new materials. Use a First/Then board to encourage her to try a new activity before doing something she really likes. Provide sensory experiences that she enjoys.

4. A 4-year-old plays with his food at lunch and makes his friends laugh

    

   Developmentally expected

   Sit with the children and start a conversation.

5. A 12-year-old tells a peer he should not go to school tomorrow if he knows what’s good for him

    

   Unsafe

   Follow procedures for reporting to authorities, school, and families.

6. A 7-year-old teases others on the playground

    

   Concerning

   Actively supervise. Consider developing scripted story about name calling and its effects.

7. A 3-year-old leaps out of his families’ mini-van and runs across the child development center parking lot

    

   Unsafe

   Take action to ensure child safety. Work with management on immediate safety concerns and discussion with family.

8. A toddler refuses to participate in clean-up and continues dumping toys

    

   Developmentally expected

   Get near the child and model cleaning up. Make it fun by adding a song or making it a game (I’ll pick up blue, you pick up red!)