Safe Environments

Head Start provides safe environments for children at all centers. Each center is monitored on a regular basis and information is reviewed for action to meet performance standards, assuring all children and staff are free from injury and harm.

CPR/First Aid Certified Staff

SETA requires all teaching staff be certified in CPR/First Aid and prepared for unexpected child and adult emergencies. Two administrative staff are Medic Alert certified trainers and offer regularly scheduled on-site CPR/First Aid refresher sessions to ensure staff stay current on certifications.

Disaster Plan

SETA Head Start has a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan. Each center’s plan is custom designed, a “Disaster Plan-Quick Reference” binder is accessible in the classroom, and disaster bins with recommended disaster food and supplies are available in case of disaster. Each staff member has received training on what to do in the event of a disaster, and first aid training. Community based organizations have entered into agreements to provide a temporary staging site for each center for reunification of parents with their children if off-site evacuation occurs. An overview of the plan is provided to parents at enrollment.

Health and Safety Curriculum

Health & Safety education must be provided to children and parents. Children may learn these procedures during classroom activities and at home with parental involvement. SETA’s PAWS for Health & Safety Curriculum resources include multiple activities that support overall safety. Teachers integrate these topics into lesson plans and activities. These activities include:
Pedestrian Safety – monthly
Fire Safety – monthly
Earthquakes – every other month
Disaster Safety – intermittently
Sun Safety – seasonally
Water Safety – seasonally

Pest Management

SETA Head Start strives to have the safest environments and is continually working on pest management to ensure centers are pest free. Information and materials are provided for review, as well as ideas on how to be proactive when it comes to keeping pests out.

Lead Can Hurt!

Though California has addressed lead poisoning for many years through stringent construction and chemical mandates, there still is a threat of lead poisoning among our most vulnerable population, infants and children. SETA Head Start has created the Lead Can Hurt campaign to address the need for early Lead Blood Level assessment in children. All centers are displaying posters and providing important information.

Facilities/Warehouse

SETA staffs a nine-member facilities/maintenance team to make certain all Head Start centers are safe, in good repair, and well-maintained at all times. SETA supports an 8,000 square foot warehouse so that classroom supplies and materials are readily available for staff and routine maintenance/repairs are done on-site, resulting in cost savings to the program.