Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/rethinking-the-risk-factor/5011170/
As a director and in my early years of consulting with child care programs, risk management was high on the list of regular staff discussions and annual in-service training. It goes without saying that keeping children safe is our highest priority. Today, this includes not only background checks on our staff, regular inspection of our playgrounds and classrooms, and implementing the latest public health guidelines, but also staying alert to potential violence and abuse in the neighborhoods and homes of children in our care. These concerns, especially in our litigation-minded culture, are paramount to us.Recently, my discussions about risks in child care programs have expanded to include other issues. What happens to children whose identity is primarily shaped by television and commercial interests? How about those who rarely spend much time out of doors, caring for plants or animals, growing or eating healthy food? Can a love of learning be shaped by meaningless dittos, repeat-after-me, and endless reminders to keep one's body still? What is the risk of letting racism and white privilege shape yet another generation?
If you follow the work of the Children's Defense Fund or attended the Stand for Children rally, you're ...