Running head: Classroom and Playground Safety Checklist

Alyssa L Brand
ECED 101
Ivy Tech Community College

Classroom and Playground Safety

While observing Albany Elementary special needs classroom and playground I found things to be
a lot different. While I was looking around I saw cleaning wipes on top of the shelf. Children could not
reach then but they were not locked up in a cabinet. I asked Mrs. Parker why they were not in a cabinet
or put away in a safer place. Mrs. Parker then told me that it is a part of their life learning skills. They
learn to wipe tables, sweep, dust and more daily chores. Needless to say their classroom is spotless! I
think that this would be a great learning activity for all children! There is an emergency exit route posted
on the left side of the exit/entrance door of the classroom. There is also a smoke detector and fire
extinguisher by the door as well, along with a pull alarm by the teachers desk window. The teacher has
a first aid kit in her desk drawer. All furniture is safe and smooth with no sharp edges. In this classroom
there is a head teacher, Mrs.Parker and then two teacher helpers so with three teachers in the
classroom student are heard and seen at all times. The Teachers items were laying on their desk but the
student know not to go around their desk. In my opinion I believe it should still be placed away and out
of sight just so you know nothing will happen to it and to make sure children do not get into it. Also the
children use the computers on a daily basis so the children know not to touch the cords. The surge
protectors and cords are not accessible to the children; they are under the desk/tables and mounted out
of reach.
As for the playground all the equipment is new, so there were no sharp edges, free of attached
ropes, clean, free of trash, and the fall zone had ground tire/rubber. There were a few bad things that I
found as well was that the playground was not fenced in and it was not accessible to all of the children.
The teachers have requested a fence for the past six years, but the school says that it is too much
money. Also the teachers do not carry a student list or first aid kit with them to the playground, but
they have a walkie talkie that goes straight to the main office and the nurse. The playground overall was
in great condition, there was shade available and all children were in sight and sound of a teacher.

Classroom and Playground Safety

In my opinion I believe that the playground and classroom were in very good condition and safe
for the age groups that it provided for. My only request would be to have a fenced in playground.
Because of their location it would make it a safer place for everyone. I enjoyed doing this observation
and cannot wait to observe here again! It was a great experience.

Classroom and Playground Safety

Playground Safety checklist
You will select 10 items to assess. You are looking for a 'yes' to the following items.
1. Is the equipment free of attached ropes? Yes, all of the equipment is new and up to
regulations.
2. Is the equipment free of sharp edges? Yes, New equipment.
3. Does the teacher(s) have a class list and first aid kit on the playground? No, but they do
have a walkie-talkie that goes to the nurses office.
4. Is the area fenced in? No, they have asked for one for six years.
5. Does the fall zone prevent injury? (No concrete, hard surfaces) Yes, they have ground
tire/rubber.
6.

Are platforms grated and allow for proper drainage? Yes, holes on platforms.

7.

Is the area free of trash? Yes, there are two trash cans.

8.

Is the equipment clean? Yes

9.

Is the playground accessible to all children? Not wheelchair accessible, but they have a

swing that they take out to recess that is capable to hold the student. They are also writing a grant for
more accessible equipment.
10.

Are the children in sight and sound of the teacher? Yes, there are multiple teachers out

there.
Classroom Safety Checklist

Classroom and Playground Safety

You will pick 10 of these items. You are looking for a yes
1.

Is the emergency exit route posted? Yes, on the left side of the entrance/exit door

2.

Is there a first aid kit in the classroom? Is it out of reach? Yes, in the teachers desk.

3.

Is the furniture safe? Yes, Smooth and no sharp edges.

4.

Are cleaning supplies locked and out of reach? Yes, out of reach and in cabinet.

5.

Is the classroom clean? Yes, Very clean.

6.

Does the classroom have smoke detectors? Yes, by the door.

7.

Is there a fire extinguisher in the classroom? Yes, by the door plus a pull alarm by the

window.
8.

Can children be seen/heard at all times? Yes, there is the main teacher plus two

teachers aids.
9.

Are staff items put away? Yes, in teachers desk drawer. Students know not to go in

teachers area.
10.

Are surge protectors and cords mounted out of the reach of the children?

They are not accessible to the children. They are under desk/ tables and mounted out of reach.
11.

Is shade available?

Yes, there are trees all around playground