Module 2: Child Safety, Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Child Safety, Supervision & Emergency Procedures

The safety of every child in our care is our first, second, and third priority. Nothing supersedes it. Not convenience. Not efficiency. Not any other consideration.

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The Golden Rule of Supervision

"Active supervision means your eyes are on the children at all times. Not on your phone. Not on a conversation with a colleague. On the children."

Supervision Standards

• Visual contact with all children in your care at all times

• Physical proximity appropriate to age group and activity

• Anticipate hazards before they become incidents

• Never leave a child unattended — even for 30 seconds

• Conduct head counts every 15 minutes and during all transitions

Emergency Procedures

Every staff member must know and be able to execute the following emergency procedures without hesitation:

• Fire Evacuation: Grab attendance roster, lead children to designated assembly point, account for all children, call 911

• Medical Emergency: Call 911 immediately, administer first aid if certified, notify Director, contact parents

• Lockdown: Lock doors, cover windows, move children away from doors, silence phones, await all-clear

• Missing Child: Immediately notify Director, search facility, call 911 if not found within 5 minutes, notify parents

• Severe Weather: Move children to interior rooms away from windows, follow shelter-in-place protocol

Incident Reporting

Every incident — no matter how minor — must be documented in Brightwheel within 2 hours of occurrence. This includes falls, bites, scratches, allergic reactions, and behavioral incidents. Parents must be notified of any injury before pickup.

Safe Sleep Standards (Infant Rooms)

• Always place infants on their backs to sleep

• Use only approved cribs with firm, flat mattresses

• No loose bedding, pillows, bumpers, or toys in sleep area

• Check sleeping infants every 15 minutes — document in Brightwheel

• Never allow infants to sleep in car seats, bouncers, or swings unsupervised