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First, choose one of the videos to watch: A Range of Materials for Infants and Toddlers, A Range of Preschool Toys and Materials, or A Range of School-Age Materials. Then choose one staff member featured in that video. Think about how you would support that staff member’s professional development around safe materials. Answer the questions below and share your responses with a colleague.

1. What safety concerns do you have about what you saw in the video?
    

   Infants and Toddlers: Unsafe Toys: The expandable ball has small pieces and has a pinching risk. Eli got something in his mouth.

    

   Preschool: Ice Play: Ice chips fly off into eyes. Real Tools: Children use real hammer and tools.

    

   School-Age: Tools for the Job: Safety scissors force the children to use more force than they usually would and could be less safe than real scissors. Sewing Arrangement: The electrical cords are in the middle of a walkway and could be a tripping hazard.
2. What suggestions would you make to the staff member?
    

   Infants and Toddlers: Unsafe Toys: Replace the ball with other cloth or plastic balls without small parts. Safe and Engaging Materials and Interactions: Continue interacting with the babies and providing stimulating materials. Makes sure to keep bottles off of the floor.

    

   Preschool: Ice Play: Make sure necessary tools are available before children start an activity. Provide goggles any time children use hammers. Real Tools: Continue providing activities that challenge children, but ensure that the activity is properly supervised with the necessary safety equipment.

    

   School-Age: Tools for the Job: Make sure children have access to appropriate tools and the supervision to use them safely. Sewing Arrangement: Consider taping down electrical cords in walkways or repositioning tables. Continue offering activities that challenge the children. Being Aware: Continue providing opportunities to develop functional skills, and continue having discussions about safety. Using Tools Safely: Continue reinforcing rules, but make sure you also emphasize what children can do (instead of only what not to do).