Attention Daycare and Pre-School Workers?

Question

Hello! I am a occupational therapy student at a local university and I am in currently enrolled in a class where I need to implement a community program and my group has come up with the idea of implementing a proper body mechanics class for daycare workers this class would focus on properly lifting not only children but objects on the floor and above your head. If there are any daycare workers out there I was just wanting your feedback on this idea.

Answer 1

good idea

Answer 2

Dont sit in the mini chairs? Working with small children isn't very 'ergonomic' haha.. In my school division we have to take a 'safety' course, which focus's on posture, and lifting correctly, but they even say its very hard to be more posture conscious, and to lift correctly when working with such little people heh..

Maybe you could suggest some stretches, or movement that staff could do to loosen muscles?

Answer 3

I think that is a great idea. It is very difficult especially as I get older and although I enjoy the children and their activities it hurts to sit on the small chairs and to lean over the tables. I believe in the children being very self sufficient and I work with the older ones but if I worked with threes and younger I don't think I could handle the bending, standing and kneeling any more. Part of it is I have arthritis and it is taking a toll. I want to teach as long as I can but not sure how long that will be now. Maybe if when I was younger I would have had better direction in this area I wouldn't hurt so much now. So I am happy that there are people thinking of this for our future and present teachers.

Answer 4

and don't forget bending down that is the worst thing that we do every day since you need to be at the child level when you talk to them. i think that hurts my back more than picking up things.

Answer 5

sounds good -my back is always aching from leaning over those tiny little tables - how about something for that?

Answer 6

What a great idea!  As a preschool teacher, I am constantly "making myself smaller" to work with the kids.  Sitting at mini chairs, tables, being on my knees getting up and down off the floor, etc.  There are so many things you do during the day that you don't pay attention to, that can actually be putting a strain on your physical health.  Thanks for taking the time to help people in this field become more aware of this situation.