Creating Safe Environments for Young Children: Promoting Awareness and Professional Competence in Early Learning Settings

May 30, 2025

The month of June is rich with purpose and powerful reminders for those of us who support young children and their families. We celebrate National Safety Month, Family Health and Fitness Day, World Environment Day, and Children’s Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to reflect on the vital role early childhood educators play in shaping safe, nurturing environments.

📅 National Safety Month was established by the National Safety Council in 1996 for the purpose of promoting awareness and prevention of leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths at work, on the road, and in homes and communities. Every year, the recognition of National Safety Month reminds us that safety isn’t passive; safety is proactive.

🧒 Children’s Awareness Month focuses on the well-being and rights of children, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their potential. Observing Children’s Awareness Month prompts us to elevate the voices, rights, and needs of children by advocating for safe environments where every child feels seen, heard, and protected.

🌍 World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th and was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972 to encourage worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Safety isn’t confined to the classroom; it extends to the planet.

🏃 Family Health & Fitness Day is recognized on the second Saturday in June. This annual nationwide celebration demonstrates the importance of parks and recreation in keeping individuals, families, and communities healthy and active. 

The Importance of Training Educators in Safety

In the earliest years of life, children are naturally curious, active, and eager to explore. A well-organized, intentional learning environment that prioritizes safety doesn’t just prevent accidents, it empowers development. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program emphasizes creating environments where children can explore, learn, and grow without unnecessary risks, primarily in center-based infant/toddler, preschool classrooms and family child care learning homes. Competency Goal I of the CDA® Competency Standards requires early education practitioners “to establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.” A safe learning environment supports:

  • Physical safety: preventing injuries through childproofing, active supervision, and appropriate equipment.
  • Emotional security: creating predictability, trust, and respectful relationships.
  • Developmental encouragement: giving children the freedom to explore confidently.

In accordance with the CDA® Competency Standards, early educators must be skilled in designing spaces that are free of hazards, properly supervised, and developmentally appropriate. The responsibility of safeguarding young children cannot be overstated. Proper training in organizing safe learning environments helps educators:

  • Identify potential hazards before they cause harm.
  • Create inclusive spaces that support diverse developmental needs.
  • Build trust with families by demonstrating a strong commitment to child safety.
  • Integrate health, wellness, and environmental care into everyday routines. 

Resources Promoting Safety in Child Care Settings

Consider these trusted resources with checklists designed for practitioners who work in early education programs aiming to create and maintain safe learning environments.

🌟 Caring for Our Children (CFOC) Standards: A set of national health and safety performance standards for early care and education settings, provided by Head Start.

🏫 Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education: Guidelines to help ensure child care programs are located in safe environments and away from environmental hazards.

During the month of June, as we acknowledge special observances dedicated to promoting safety, let us reaffirm our dedication to establishing safe, healthy, and secure environments in which every child can flourish.

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