Safety Communication Health Education Future
A place for families to explore what it means to be responsible

If you are on this website, you have most likely come across the Responsible Family DVD, Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers .  This program is designed to educate viewers about medical emergencies for children ages 1-12 while increasing awareness about other important information relating to childcare.  

In order to increase the value of this program, we have put together a list of discussion topics and supplied a form that will help send parents and caregivers into an important discussion about effective child safety and care.  Print this page as a PDF and use it as a tool for you and your child’s caregivers.  Similar to the Childcare Checklist , but not the same, so while you're at it, you may as well print that one out too!

Remember to POP:  

Prevent (prevent hazards by childproofing and keeping children safe)
Organize (keep important information and equipment should be easy to access)
Prepare (stay informed about common safety issues and effective solutions)
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SAFETY

**If you are feeling like your home might not be as safe as it could be, ask us about our virtual safety consultations at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

______________________________________________________________________ 

Directions:

1.  While watching the Care for Kids DVD, stop in between each section and discuss any questions or concerns that come up for either parent or caregiver.  The more you are able to communicate, the better!  Don’t forget to take notes!

2.  Parents should go over the following information with all caregivers (even grandparents):

Child’s full name_______________________________________

Birthdate:       /         /

Physician’s Name, Phone and Address:
____________________________________________________
Nearest ER (phone, address and directions):
____________________________________________________Allergies (common symptoms, warning signs, history- any hospitalization?): ________________________________________________________________________
Medical conditions: ________________________________________________________________________
Medications (instructions, dosage, warning signs, doctor info): ________________________________________________________________________
House Rules:

________________________________________________________________________
Favorite Activities: ________________________________________________________________________
Common Behavior Issues: ________________________________________________________________________
Discipline Style:
________________________________________________________________________
Location of Safety Gear (first aid kits, flashlights, key to house, helmets,  etc.)  ________________________________________________________________________

Questions for parents to ask caregivers:

1.  How would you handle a situation where a child had a burn?

2.  What is the first thing you would do if a child ingested a toxic substance?

3.  If your intuition tells you to call 9-1-1, what should you do?

4.  Should you contact the parents for any reason if a child has a fever?

5.  Have you taken a CPR course?  When?  Can you demonstrate the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR for us now?

6.  What is the most effective supervision technique to use while watching a child?  Will you use this?

7.  What are two things that a caregiver can do to help gain composure when feeling overwhelmed during childcare?

8.  What was the most important thing you learned from this program?

Questions for Caregivers to ask Parents:

1.  What is your biggest area of concern regarding your child’s safety?

2.  Does your child have any behaviors that are difficult, unexpected or unique?  How do you want me to react to these?

3.  Is there a particular way you would like me to discipline your child?

4.  As we saw in the video, does your child require a medical plan of attack for any reason?
5.  What is your emergency evacuation plan?

6.  What is your preference in terms of my phone use?  Would you like me to answer the landline in your home?  Will you contact me on my mobile phone or the landline?

7.  Do you have any suggestions for calming techniques if your child is injured or ill?  

8.  Is there anything else that you want to make sure I am aware of to help ensure your child’s safety, health and happiness?


**Parents: Always provide a key to your home (just in case), a signed and dated emergency medical release, a medical plan of attack, the poison control hotline number and all relevant emergency contact information. 

 Don’t forget to check in frequently at www.responsiblefamily.com for the latest tips and news on family health, safety and responsible living.

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