Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.38003/sv.75.1.4
The safety of kindergarten environment - a prerequisite or a limitation to the well-being of children in early and preschool age
Linda Podrug Krstulović
; Marjan Kindergarten, Split
Ivana Visković
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Split
Abstract
The safety of children in early and preschool education and care institutions is one of the prerequisites for the holistic development and well-being of children. Such safety includes daily supervision of the entire space, timely response to risks, encouragement of children to self-protective behaviours, and cooperation with parents. It is legitimate to question the extent to which safety measures (in terms of restrictions on movement and motor activities, supervision of children, and prohibition of certain materials and tools) act as a limitation on children’s play activities, learning opportunities, and the development of independence and agency. This paper analyses the legal provisions for the protection of children in the early and preschool education and care system, risk assessment, preventive measures, and protocols. The opinion of educators (N=358) who assessed the safety of kindergarten spaces as extremely important. They single out the visibility of the space (86.03%), hygienic conditions (84.08%), the removal of dangerous objects within reach of children (80.73%), and ensuring materials within children’s reach to prevent climbing (80.17%) as important dimensions. No statistically significant correlation was found between safety assessment and educators’ age and level of education.
Keywords
child protection, children’s rights, prevention program, risky play, safe environment
Hrčak ID:
351671
URI
Publication date:
25.6.2026.
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