Abstract:

Introduction:
Integrating health, safety, and risk prevention education into educator training is crucial for fostering safe learning environments. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) advocates a comprehensive "Whole School Approach" to embed occupational health and safety across all school activities, promoting a preventive culture. European directives emphasize early health education from childhood through primary stages, aiming to instill foundational knowledge in health, safety, well-being, and social aspects, including occupational health. Teachers play a pivotal role in promoting health and safety, essential for holistic student development and societal progress. Despite advancements in Spain, educational institutions face challenges in fully implementing these standards. This study aims to explore the training needs perceived by future teachers pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Teaching in the University of Zaragoza, as well as practicing professionals, regarding health, safety, and risk prevention. Additionally, it seeks to understand the importance these individuals place on integrating such training into university degree programs.

Objective:
To identify perceived training needs among students pursuing Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Teaching degrees in the University of Zaragoza, as well as practicing professionals, in the areas of health, safety, and risk prevention. Furthermore, the study aims to ascertain the importance these individuals attribute to incorporating training on these topics during their university degree programs.

Materials and Methods:
Qualitative data were collected through two focus groups: one comprising nine educators (permanent and temporary) and another consisting of four final-year students from the University of Zaragoza. Virtual discussions were conducted via Google Meet due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants provided informed consent and confirmation via appropriate forms prior to engaging in the discussions.

Results and Discussion:
Both groups emphasized the critical role of health, safety, and risk prevention education in professional competence and personal well-being within Early Childhood and Primary Education. They advocated for integrating such training into mandatory curricula. Experienced educators identified deficiencies in current training, highlighting the need for enhanced preparation in health, safety, and risk prevention to create safer school environments. Awareness of the "Whole School Approach" was lacking among all participants, indicating gaps in understanding safety frameworks.

Conclusions:
Integrating robust health, safety, and risk prevention education into training for Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Teaching degrees is essential for ensuring personal and professional well-being, fostering safer educational environments conducive to holistic student development.

Keywords:

Health, Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Risk Prevention, Safety, Training.