Who's That in the Mirror? Autism and the Developing Sense of Self EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A small, exploratory British study of preschoolers with either autism or Down syndrome and typically developing toddlers looked at how each group of children acted toward their reflections in a mirror. They looked for trends, both group trends (i.e., how do autistic children differ from their non-autistic developmental peers, represented in different ways by the Down syndrome group and the younger typically developing group, whose chronological age matched the developmental ages found for both developmentally-disabled groups), and within-group trends relating mirror behavior to performance on a test of mirror self-recognition (i.e., do they know that the person in the mirror is their own reflection). They found that although the autistic children did not differ from the younger, typically developing children in the amount of time spent looking at their own faces, but that they did spend...

A sensory garden stimulating the senses. This stimulation occurs courtesy of plants and the use of materials that engage one’s senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. These types of gardens are popular with and beneficial to both children and adults, especially those who have sensory processing issues, including autism and other disabilities. When planning a sensory garden, it is important to feature elements that appeal to all five senses. For visual stimulation, or sight, colour is an important consideration.  Touch Chose plants that are durable enough to withstand frequent brushing or handling. Look for textures in soft flowers, fuzzy leaves, springy moss, rough bark, succulent leaves, prickly seed pods. Enjoy the textures of sage, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, both types of parsley, mint. Accessories can include rocks and sculptures in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Use sculpted handrails for safety and added textures. Smell Rosemary, sage, tarragon,...

Centre car park – ensure family members are aware of pedestrian safety rules such as holding their child’s hand and alighting children from the safety door. Encourage families to always supervise their children in the car park to prevent accidents and injuries which could occur as a result of reversing vehicles There a a wide range of car park safety weatherproof signs available at www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au #safety #crossing

What is sanitising? Sanitising is killing harmful microorganisms that can be on a surface even if it looks clean.  When to sanitise - Before and after preparing food, always clean and sanitise: • Countertops. • Sinks. • Highchair trays. • Tables used for eating. • Place mats. • Bibs. And don't forget toys. Vinyl sticker from www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au #workplacehealthandsafety #sanitising #clean  

It is vital that all medicine is stored away from children in a locked cabinet. This vinyl sticker will indicate where it is stored and also show that you have followed the correct procedures.  www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au

Back Care Policy  - The centre will minimise the risk of back injury in child care staff and other staff members by applying principles of back care and correct lifting and carrying technique. To assist PDF Education Supplies have made this vinyl sticker to attach to items that require 2 people to lift. www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au Tips for better back care: Have shelving, filing cabinets, and storage cupboards at suitable height to avoid stretching to reach them Where possible, kneel rather than bend down, to avoid neck and back problems Carry children only when necessary, in the correct way - with one arm under the child’s buttocks and your other arm supporting the child’s back. At the same time, hold the child facing you, as close to your body as possible, try to avoid carrying a child on your hip because this may strain your back Lift or move furniture using at least...

Evacuation may be required in the event of a fire, chemical spill, bomb scare, earthquake, gas leak, flood, bush fire. Planning for and responding effectively to fire and emergency evacuations is important to ensure safety in children’s centres. Weather proof sign to show where your emergency assembly point/gate is www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au

Food borne illness commonly occurs in settings where food is prepared or served to a large number of people, and types of illness include bacterial and viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning from toxin producing bacterial contamination, and potentially serious infections such as hepatitis A, salmonella, shigella, and shiga-like toxin producing Escherichia coli It is vital that services have a designated area for food preparation and storage, which is safe and hygienic.  

Have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket readily accessible near areas where fires are likely to start, such as the kitchen. Ensure extinguisher is tested annually and is in good working order, clear fire exits, (all doors in centre should be easily opened in an emergency), install smoke detectors, test regularly, replace batteries when required. Develop, keep up to date, prominently display (in each playroom and at each main exit of the centre), fire and emergency evacuation plan which includes: - emergency warning alert regularly practiced and with which all centre staff are familiar - pre-planned evacuation procedure with which all centre staff are familiar - pre-planned designated meeting area which is accessible at all times - safe, quick, and calm evacuation of all children and staff - account for all centre children and staff - comfort any children in distress and treat any injuries - dial 000 for the...

In accordance with the NEW No Smoking laws in Queensland from 1 September 2016, PDF Education Supplies have created 2 new products (1 x corflute weatherproof outdoor sign for the fence and 1 vinyl sticker for the windows and doors) www.pdfeducationsupplies.com.au no-smoking at or near under-age organised sporting events and skate parks no-smoking in and around approved early childhood education and care facilities, including kindergartens and places offering after school hour care no-smoking at public swimming pools no-smoking at outdoor pedestrian malls no-smoking at public transport waiting points such as bus stops, taxi ranks and ferry wharves no-smoking at prescribed national parks or parts of parks no-smoking at prescribed State Government precincts the no-smoking area at non-residential building entrances increases from 4 to 5 metres no sales of tobacco products from temporary retail outlets local governments may ban smoking at any other outdoor public place not already covered by state laws....