Review the following management practices that will help you, program staff, and families feel confident that children are safe in your program. If you’re unsure about the answer to any of these action steps, circle it and make a point to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Supervising Staff

• I know the schedule for completing formal observations of all staff members & I work together with T&CSs to ensure observations occur regularly.
• I am present in the classrooms and talk with staff members daily.
• I greet families and children when they arrive at the program.
• I am aware of staff members’ training needs and support T&CSs to ensure professional development is offered in a timely manner.
• I build relationships with all members of my team, including educational staff, food services, or custodial personnel, contractors, volunteers, and families.
• Staff members know they can come to me with any concerns or questions. I make myself available for informal conversations as needed.
• I recognize and encourage staff for the positive interactions and efforts.

Supervising Children

• I ensure at least two adults are always present in the center, and 1 of those staff members is in a supervisory role.
• I ensure that children and youth are never left unattended or in the sole supervision of teen volunteers.
• I ensure staff members wear name tags or apparel that visually identifies them to others.
• I help staff understand how to determine the supervision needs of the children in their care based on abilities and activities (younger children need more direct supervision; activities like woodworking require direct supervision for all ages).
• I ensure all staff use sign-in and sign-out systems to know which children are in attendance.

Enforcing an Open-Door Policy

• I make sure my program is aware of and can account for all individuals in the building at all times.
• I confirm the identity of all individuals entering the building.
• I ensure that all guests or visitors are escorted by a staff member at all times.
• I know that all restricted areas are clearly marked with signage.

Managing Admission & Release of Children

• I know and can articulate my program’s policies for the admission and release of children.
• I ensure that program staff confirm anyone picking up a child is authorized to do so and is listed on the child’s records.