Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Choking Hazards

    Posted 01-09-2020 01:09 PM
    ​I would love clarification on accessible items such as crayons and plastic utensils used in dramatic play.  These items fit through the choke tube by length. The crayons could break and be a choking hazard by width as well. I can't seem to find any language that addresses small pieces that can potentially be choking hazards.  I am referring to a 24-36 month classroom.
    Your help is greatly appreciated.
    Debby

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    Debby Settle
    Center Manager
    Parrish Early Care and Education
    Titusville FL
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  • 2.  RE: Choking Hazards

    Posted 01-10-2020 07:52 AM
    In the past when I have worked with this age group I have gotten chucky crayons and simply monitored them and would remove them from the classroom when they break.
    In an effort to reuse some of those crayons they could be melted down in forms and then hardened into different shapes. You could even have children break them apart further with mortar and pestle, which an older classroom could do as well and give them to younger classrooms, building a sense of community in the school.  ​
    I have also used egg shaped crayons for young children as well, here is a link to discount school supply so you know what I mean https://www.discountschoolsupply.com/dummy-type-code/colorations-chubby-crayon-eggs---set-of-8/p/31251
    I hope this helps!

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    Olivia Wendorf
    Lead Infant Teacher
    Michigan State University
    Child Development Labs
    East Lansing, MI
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  • 3.  RE: Choking Hazards

    Posted 01-10-2020 01:29 PM
    We had broken crayons count against us in our last site visit in our 2-year-old classrooms.

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    Nina Burrows
    Preschool Director
    FUMC Preschool
    Fort Worth TX
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  • 4.  RE: Choking Hazards

    Posted 01-10-2020 10:01 PM
    Hi Debbie,
    I am a reliable observer in ECERS and Iters. These items would be considered safety concerns with the majority of the children in your specified age group. As someone else stated, there are more appropriately shaped crayons (egg/chunky). These children still need to have adult supervision arms length away with these materials, especially if broken or smaller.

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    Kelly Clark
    Early Achievers Coach
    Everett WA
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