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This course is designed to support CDA renewal for both Preschool and Infant & Toddler credential types.

At its core, Teaching Preschoolers about Safety is all about our concern for the students and teachers. Our course covers everything you need to know about safety inside the classroom. It will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to confidently support and advocate for the children and families you serve.

Course Information:

• Start Date: On-Demand
• Course Level: Beginner
• Target Audience: All staff/staff renewing their CDA
• Course Requirements/Prerequisites: n/a
• Course Meeting Times: n/a
• Course Timeline/Duration: 30 days

Topics:

• Keeping Children Safe
• Environmental Hazards
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
• Protecting Children from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Poisonous Plants
• Adult-Child Ratio
• Teaching Children About Safety
• Engaging Families in Safe Practices
• First Aid Kits
• Teaching Children About Emergency Procedures
• Engaging Families in Emergency Preparedness
• Active Supervision
• Field Trips
• Choking Hazards

Learning Objectives:

• Create a safe learning environment for the children in your care.
• Understand safe classroom practices.
• Create and communicate emergency plans with students and other staff members.

Head Start Alignment:

This course aligns with the following ELOF goals:

• Goal P-PMP 4. Child demonstrates personal hygiene and self-care skills.
• Goal P-PMP 5. Child develops knowledge and skills that help promote nutritious food choices and eating habits.
• Goal P-PMP 6. Child demonstrates knowledge of personal safety practices and routines.
• Goal P-SE 1. Child engages in and maintains positive relationships and interactions with adults. 
• Goal P-SE 2. Child engages in prosocial and cooperative behavior with adults. 
• Goal P-SE 3. Child engages in and maintains positive interactions and relationships with other children. 
• Goal P-SE 7. Child expresses care and concern toward others.
• Goal P-LC 1. Child attends to communication and language from others. 
• Goal P-LC 3. Child varies the amount of information provided to meet the demands of the situation.
• Goal P-LC 4. Child understands, follows, and uses appropriate social and conversational rules.

Course Author:

Zuly Vazquez

Zuly Vazquez is the Senior Manager of Online Professional Development at the National Head Start Association (NHSA), where she leads leadership courses and both the 5-star review CDA program for Head Start and early childhood educators —a multiple-time Apex Award winner by Training Magazine—and the groundbreaking CDA Pathway to Purpose for High School students. As an innovative educator and professional development expert, she is transforming entry paths into early childhood education. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, trainer, curriculum developer, to Head Start leadership, her expertise in bilingual instruction and curriculum design ensures all programs maintain rigorous, high-quality professional standards while offering flexible online delivery. Through her comprehensive approach to professional development, she strengthens the early childhood workforce pipeline by supporting current educators and creating pathways for high school students to discover their calling while building a more diverse, qualified, and passionate generation of educators committed to shaping the future of our youngest learners.