PARENTS SELF-REPORTED BEHAVIORS RELATED TO HEALTH AND SAFETY OF VERY YOUNG-CHILDREN

This survey documented self-reported health and safety behaviors of pa rents of children enrolled in Head Start programs. The sample consiste d of eight preschool programs (n=1,143) from different geographical ar eas of the country. This survey obtained baseline data on parent self- reported behavior as it relates to priority issues in child health and safety. A 25-item questionnaire assessed parents' behavior related to injury prevention, fire and electrical safety, firearm storage, poiso n prevention, automobile safety, and child supervision. More than 90% of parents reported they use car seats, teach handwashing and pedestri an safety, and keep medicine and alcohol out of children's reach. Fewe r than 60% however, reported they keep guns and bullets stored separat ely and locked, possess a working fire extinguisher, or have the poiso n control telephone number available. Findings provide direction for e mphasis for those developing or implementing a comprehensive family he alth education program.