Rene R. Gratz

Adult health in child care: Health status, behaviors, and concerns of teachers, directors, and family child care providers☆

Abstract This article reports the results of a statewide survey of health status, behaviors, and concerns of 446 randomly selected early childhood professionals (78 group child care center directors, 236 teachers, and 132 family child care providers). More than 85% of each professional group rated their health as either good or excellent; 87% have worked when ill. Twenty-five percent of the sample (33% directors, 15% staff, 36% family providers) have become pregnant since working in child care. Respondents reported being “overweight” at levels more than twice state adult frequencies. Dramatic changes were reported in perceived frequency of various symptoms and becoming ill since working in child care. Significant differences between the groups were found for number of absences due to illness, nutrition, stressfulness of working in child care, and ergonomics and physical demands of the job.

School injuries: What we know, what we need

Schools are the site of a substantial number of unintentional injuries each year. Current knowledge regarding the study of causes and implications of school injury is summarized in a review of the research literature. A discussion of future investigations and better management of school injuries focuses on research issues, practical management, and nursing concerns. Operational definitions and reporting mechanisms are emphasized as research needs. Practical management and nursing concerns include routine reporting, student supervision, treatment of injuries, communication with parents, and legal (liability) responsibilities.

The ergonomics of child care: conducting worksite analyses

This paper examined the ergonomics of child care at a large metropolitan, university-based child care center. A case study approach was used to describe the job analysis process and results. Center staff were involved in the identification of health risk factors by completing an ergonomics survey and responding to questions posed during the job analysis (n=36). Two occupational therapists analyzed six different rooms, accommodating different age groups of children. Specific activities were identified as stressors and/or health risk factors inherent in the jobs according to the age of the children cared for. A list of ergonomic health risk factors and recommendations was generated.

Health considerations for pregnant child care staff

Child care is a profession comprised predominantly of young women of child-bearing age. Yet the pregnancy of child care staff has been discussed only incidentally in the health literature on early childhood. Because nursing professionals serve in a number of roles in child care centers, this is an important topic to include for health in-services and consultations. This article reviews what is currently known and recommended for pregnant child care staff regarding illnesses, stress, and the ergonomics of the job. The occupational health research that included women employed in child care is examined. Guidelines and recommendations for staying healthy and managing classroom activities during pregnancy are suggested.

It's Hard Going to Two Schools: Helping Children Adjust to Before- and After-School Care.

The need to provide adult supervision during out‐of‐school hours has increased as greater numbers of women have entered the workforce over the past 20 years. Children who attend before‐ and/or after‐school programs face the challenge of adapting to different expectations in two or more settings each day. This paper discusses issues in dual attendance: structural differences between school and child care, transitioning between two programs, recognizing children with adjustment difficulties, easing the adjustment process, the importance of communication, and implications for the curriculum and daily schedule of before‐ and after‐school programs. ∗Dr. Rene Gratz, Dept of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. Fax: 414229‐5100; e‐mail: gratz@csd.uwm.edu

Managing the biting child

The purpose of this article is to provide parents and professionals with a greater understanding of the childs point of view and aspects of child development as they relate to biting behavior. Presented is a discussion of the management of biting within a framework which considers the developmental level and needs of the child, the influence of the childs environment(s), and the role of the adults in the childs life. Also discussed are the skills needed to manage and lessen assertive behaviors in a group setting, focusing on the need to nurture every childs self‐concept, including the biting child.

Environmental hazards in the child care center

This paper presents research findings regarding the susceptibility of young children to various indoor environmental pollutants including e.g. cigarette smoke, heating and cooking equipment, art su...

Epidemiology in early childhood education

Early childhood educators are keen observers of young children, and as such are important sources of information about the health and safety of young children. This paper discusses the importance to quality early childhood programs of an epidemiological approach to those observations. Surveillance is described using examples from the literature on preschoolers’ unintentional injuries. Basic epidemiological measurements (count, rate, incidence, prevalence) as well as the constructs of descriptive epidemiological studies (e.g., prospective, retrospective) are also presented using examples from early childhood health and safety studies. A five step plan to conduct an epidemiological study (define the problem, literature review, protocol, data collection, data analysis) is outlined. The importance of teachers providing first‐hand documentation of health, safety and development of young children is stressed.

Respiratory tract illness in young children

The transmission of many diseases occurs via respiratory spread. Recent studies have documented a high incidence rate for respiratory tract infections in young children, particularly those attending child care centers. This article reviews the current research on upper and lower respiratory tract illness. The most common respiratory conditions in young children (i.e. asthma, allergies, colds, influenza) are discussed as to signs, symptoms and treatment. Child care personnel can diminish or prevent these infections through personal hygiene, e.g. handwash‐ing, and environmental sanitation practices, i.e. disposal of contaminated materials, cleaning/sanitizing.