How to Supervise Preschoolers in the Classroom & on the Playground
Supervision is an important part of raising or teaching preschoolers. Preschoolers are active and don't always know their own limitations. They constantly challenge themselves and authority as they discover the world around them. Preschoolers always need to be under a watchful eye, even when they are resting or working quietly. This keeps them safe and comfortable. Be diligent when watching preschoolers in the classroom and on the playground; they watch you, too, to see if you are paying attention.
Instructions
Follow a proper student-to-teacher ratio. Each state has its own guidelines but generally, a ratio between one teacher for every four to six students is necessary. The younger the children, the more teachers are required. Pay attention to what the children are doing and avoid distractions from other tasks while you are supervising. For example, if one child has an accident on the playground, call in another supervisor to watch the other child while you attend the injured one. Inside, if the sink floods, have another supervisor help you with the children before fixing the sink. Know the limits of each child. Preschoolers have different capabilities and may try something beyond their own limitations. Knowing this can prevent an accident. For example, if a young preschooler tries to climb the monkey bars on his own for the first time, you may need to step in to assist him, catch him or take him down. Play with the children while supervising only when the environment is controlled. Sit with the children and do a group activity when they are indoors or if the weather is nice outdoors. If they are running free playing outside on the equipment, be diligent in watching them to ensure they don't get hurt or break the rules. For example, do not stop and build a fort with one or two children if you are watching six. It's hard to watch the other four if you are concentrating on the two you are playing with. However, if you are sitting at a table doing crafts, you can focus on one or two children at a time because the others are still in your control. Replace a teacher with another supervisor if the teacher is called to another task. Don't remove a teacher to another room or area and assume they can still supervise. Keep the children within sight and hearing range at all times, even when they are napping or resting. Hire a specialty training supervisor to work with special needs students if you have one enrolled in the school. These students require more attention and will take attention from the other students. These teachers should have a minimum of an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma with a focus on special needs.
