Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/ask-dr.-sue-going-barefoot-and-having-animals-in-child-care/5009157/
Can children go barefoot in child care?Barefoot experiences are learning opportunities. Shoes protect the feet from contact with sources of injury, but they also inhibit foot movement and contact with the environment. Without shoes, children can feel the tickle of grass and the ooze of mud between their toes. Dark surfaces are warmer and light surfaces cooler to walk on. Painting with your toes and feet is fun. Swimming, wading, and sprinkler play usually call for bare feet.
However, when children go barefoot, many injuries occur. Limit barefoot play to situations where the surfaces are safe. Sharp objects, stinging insects, and excessively hot surfaces can cause foot injury. If you are uncertain about the safety of the surfaces and the environment during water play, consider having the children wear old sneakers that can get wet. Another option is to use water shoes or water socks that you can buy in some sporting goods stores.
What precautions should caregivers follow to have animals in child care?
Pets and young children have several common and incompatible behaviors. Both get excited innew situations, lose self-control when stressed, and protect themselves by hurting others. Some pets also ...