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Emergency Preparedness Guide
The Plan: Guidelines for Developing Policies and Procedures

Preparation             (back to table of contents)

Preparation for emergencies involves having a well thought out disaster plan that is practiced through the conduction of drills.
• We will conduct monthly drills to familiarize staff and children with the emergency procedures.
• We will use different emergency scenarios during each drill to keep staff familiar with their responsibilities during an emergency event. Critique the drill, identify opportunities for improvement and modify plan accordingly. Maintain records of all drills and critiques.
• We will train new staff during their orientation and familiarize them with their role in an emergency or disaster event.
• We will ensure that all staff members have an emergency home plan with contact numbers and personal emergency provisions (in a backpack) at the facility.
• We will teach children evacuation procedures using developmentally appropriate language.

Remember, during an emergency the staff and children will react exactly as they have been trained. Practice gives everyone confidence to know what to do. Teach older children how to call 911.

Note: Monthly fire drills are required by the State of Tennessee Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers. Records are kept of the dates and times required drills are conducted.

Response             (back to table of contents)

Respond to emergency situations as you rehearsed and according to your plan. Follow the advice and guidance of officials in charge of the incident.

Recovery             (back to table of contents)

How quickly recovery and restoration of operations occurs following an emergency or disaster has much to do with pre-emergency planning and establishment of support agreements and mitigation efforts to lessen vulnerability. Consideration will be given to the following areas:
• We will maintain a backup system of our computer files to assist in getting back to business as usual.
• The backup system should be located at a site away from your main information system. (Home of Marlisa Osborne)
• We will identify and maintain a list of key equipment for the safe operation of the facility.
• In the event that our center cannot remain open at the current location immediately after the disaster we will either move to an alternate location until your facility is safe for operation or offer to assist parents in temporary placement of children in other facilities until your facility is able to reopen. If that happens we will inform families of progress and time frame for restoration of operations
• If there is an emergency situation or disaster at the center we will provide anticipatory guidance to staff and families on the effects of traumatic events on children, if so needed. We will seek out connections with mental health professionals who could be called upon to help children and families who are having difficulties coping during the disaster aftermath.
• We will notify insurance carriers, and contact emergency management agencies. Compile damage estimates and a list of damaged goods and equipment.
• We will involve children and families in restoration activities where possible to provide closure to the disruptive event and return to normal activities.*

Roles & Responsibilities              (back to table of contents)

Everyone has a role in Disaster Planning and Response

The Day Care Director
• Conducts a hazard vulnerability analysis of the area and identifies potential disaster situations.
• Coordinates repairs of potential dangers identified with management and facility maintenance personnel.
• Develops (with the help of a planning team) the facility disaster plan in conjunction with local emergency management officials.
• Assures that staff and children are trained.
• Assigns emergency responsibilities to staff members. (Assign a specific person to maintain and transport pertinent files which include children’s names and contact information, medical information, photos as well as employee emergency information in the event of an evacuation.)
• Secures necessary training for staff members (CPR and First Aid)
• Conducts drills and initiates plan revisions based on drill evaluations.
• Keeps parents and staff members informed of emergency plan revisions.
• Conducts periodic safety checks of the physical facility, equipment and vehicles.

The Facility Staff
• Participates in developing the emergency plan.
• Knows and understands their role and responsibilities during an emergency situation.
• Participates in emergency preparedness training and drills.
• Assumes responsibility for taking emergency supplies packs with them in the event of an evacuation.
• Helps children develop confidence in their ability to care for themselves.
• Knows locations of the main shut off valve for water, main utility box for electricity and main gas valve.

Facility Maintenance Personnel or a designated person (as applicable)
• Conducts periodic safety inspections of the facility according to policy.
• Identifies shut off valves and switches for gas, oil, water and electricity.
• Shuts-off ventilating system in an emergency.
• Practices Lock Down procedures

Facility Food Service Personnel (if applicable)
• Maintains seventy-two hours of supplies of non perishable food and water for emergency use.
• Labels stockpiled food/water with date stored. Replenish stocked supplies every six months.

Parents
• Become familiar with the emergency plan and procedures they need to follow.
• Assist facility manager in developing the plan.
• Provide facility with emergency phone numbers and information regarding time required to pick up child in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Emergency Plan Policy              (back to table of contents)

Unfortunately disasters can occur at any time. Therefore to protect and render safe the children of our facility this emergency policy/plan has been developed.

The director and staff of All About Kids are considered responsible for the safety of children and will coordinate actions with the community’s public safety officials, landlords, and with families of the children in their center. We recognize that the safety and well being of children and staff shall always take first priority over all other considerations.

In the event of an emergency situation this Emergency Plan will be activated.

1) Causes for evacuation include but are not limited to: fire, bomb threat, explosion, flood, severe thunderstorm, severe winter storm, hurricane, tornado, toxic fumes, electrical, heat, water and structural failure.
2) In the event of Weapons of Mass Destruction event (WMD), evacuation to a predetermined location may be called by the local fire, and/or police authorities. In an emergency, evacuation of the facility should proceed as rapidly and safely as possible.
3) Possible evacuation scenarios include: Shelter-in-place, on-site evacuation, and off-site evacuation.
4) Evacuation routes are posted in each area and in public view showing exits and directional paths for traffic flow.
5) In the event of a major environmental hazard that necessitates a large evacuation such as several
neighborhoods, a city/town or geographical area, due to a large non-confined hazard, the local government agency will determine the mass shelter location. All employees are to accompany their assigned children to the shelter and remain with them while family/guardian/emergency contacts are notified and arrangements are made for their pick up.
6) When handicapped children or children with special needs are in the facility, employees will be assigned to individual children for evacuation.
7) All personnel will receive orientation and training in his or her responsibilities within the plan annually. In addition, all personnel should carry or know the location of “Quick Reference Guides” for emergency procedures.
8) Each child will receive training concerning emergency evacuation procedures.
9) Monthly drills are to be conducted and all possible emergency scenarios covered on a rotating basis. Written reviews of the drills are kept with the plan for reference and updating of plan. (See Appendix H for Procedures for conducting a Fire Drill).
10) An employee will be designated to process parents/guardians as they pick up their children. No child is to be left alone.
11) In the event parents are unable to pick up their children, the child care center will remain open and the children will be cared for until picked up by their parent /legal guardian or designated person (with proper identification) .
12) All personnel will have home emergency management plans in place. Copies of family plans with designated meeting areas and contact phone numbers are to be included in pertinent information files which are taken to shelter and/or off-site in the event of an evacuation.
13) The plan will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.


Note: The Tennessee’s State Licensing Standards for Child Care Centers requires that “the caregiver shall refuse to release a child to any person whether related or unrelated who has not been authorized, in writing, by parents or guardian to receive the child. Persons not know to the caregiver shall be required to provide a driver’s license (with photo) or photo identification card issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State to establish their identity prior to a child’s release to them”. The facility “shall maintain a record of the person to whom the child was released, the date and time that the child was release.

Staff Responsibilities during Emergency Procedures              (back to table of contents)

The director and staff of All About Kids are considered responsible for the safety of children and will coordinate actions with the community’s public safety officials, landlords, and families of the children in their center. Emergency instructions and direction will be taken from the local emergency agency in charge of the event. The Director of the Child Care Center will oversee the situation at the facility and will follow all requests from emergency personnel on scene. In Director’s absence, the Assistant Director or designee will oversee.

The following is a list of staff responsibilities:

Person responsible for making the call to 911.
Primary: Director or Assistant Director
Back Up: Assistant Director or staff placed in charge temporarily

Person responsible for keeping the building attendance list accurate and up-to-date and bringing the list when evacuating or sheltering in place.
Primary: Teacher of each class
Back Up: Floater for each class

Person responsible for carrying off-site the Emergency Supply Pack(s) including First Aid Kits.
Primary: Teacher of each class
Back Up: Floater for each class

Person responsible for providing first aid if needed.
Primary: Teacher of each class
Back Up: Any staff that has been trained in CPR and/or First Aid Training.

Person responsible for dispensing medications to child care attendees and staff.
Primary: Director
Back Up: Assistant Director

Person to organize and lead evacuation lines.
Primary: Teacher of each class
Back Up: Floater for each class

Person responsible for ensuring all child care attendees, staff, and guests are accounted for.
Primary: Director
Back Up: Assistant Director

Person acting as searcher to ensure that everyone has left the building. Responsible for checking restrooms, vacant rooms, storage areas, and other spaces children may be hiding.
Primary: Assistant Director
Back Up: Appointed staff by the director

Person responsible for closing windows and doors before evacuating.
Primary: Assistant Director
Back Up: Appointed staff by the director

Person responsible for organizing and documenting information at the designated pick-up point.
Primary: Director
Back Up: Assistant Director

The preceding information should be discussed with every facility staff member to help reduce confusion during an emergency. This information should be kept with the plan and/or in a location that is easily accessed (See Appendix B).


Emergency Evacuation and Locations              (back to table of contents)

Depending on the nature of the emergency, there are four types of evacuation procedures.

1. Sheltering- in-place and “Lock Down”:
Keeping children and staff in place inside the building, and securing the facility for the immediate emergency. Example of sheltering-in-place would be a tornado emergency or unwelcomed intruder.

Shelter In Place for Main Building (Tornado or Lockdown): Back Gross Motor Room
Shelter In Place for Infant/Toddler Building (Tornado or Lockdown): Back Storage Room


2. Evacuation of facility:
Movement of children and staff out of buildings that are affected by the emergency and relocating them to other areas usually outside on the playground.

On-Site Evacuation (On premises) for Main Building: Infant/Toddler Building
On-Site Evacuation (On premises) for Infant/Toddler Building: Main Building
On-Site Evacuation (On facility grounds): Each Playground or other center’s Playground


3. Off-site evacuation:
Movement of children and staff out of the entire facility to a designated shelter. ( The “safe
haven” facility should be alerted of your arrival)

Close Off-Site Evacuation (Site #1): Charity Baptist Church
Phone Numbers: (423) 323-
Transportation arrangements: Children and Staff will walk.

Further Off-Site Evacuation (Site #2): Meadowview Presbyterian Church
Contact Person: Bobby Meadows
Phone Numbers: (423) 646-5991
Transportation arrangements: Center Vans and Staff Vehicles


4. Evacuation away from the facility.
Directed to off-site facility by a government agency in the event of a threat (natural or WMD) to the children and facility. (Arrange for transportation; obtain contact person’s phone number and any other pertinent information regarding the nature of the threat.)


General Evacuation Procedures              (back to table of contents)

In the event of a fire, inclement weather, facility emergency, bomb threat, or any other situation that results in the facility needing to be evacuated, all staff should adhere to the following.

• The facility director or designee will call 911 and indicate the need for assistance.
• Evacuate all child care attendees and staff members to a designated safe area away from the building as quickly as possible.
• Before leaving the facility, confirm attendance by conducting a Roll Call to ensure all children and staff members are accounted for. Bring attendance list along to evacuation site. If possible, a staff member (Assistant Director) should bring along children’s and staff’s records.
• During the evacuation, child care attendees and staff should adhere to predetermined evacuation routes as much as possible. However, staff should not hesitate to alter the designated route if it is unsafe.
• The staff will evacuate children as follows:
INFANTS: Put up to four non-mobile babies in an evacuation crib or one staff member can carry two infants to evacuate.
TODDLERS, PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE: Gather children in a group and supervise an orderly evacuation to the designated assembly area.
• Emergency disaster packs/backpacks are carried out by designated staff.
• Once child care attendees and staff report to the designated safe area, a second Roll Call should be made to ensure that everyone has exited the building safely.
• No person should return into the facility until it is deemed safe by the proper authorities.
• The facility director or designee will carry the facility cordless phone or other communication device (cell phone) to notify children’s parents of the situation and the pick-up point for the children.

Note: Under no circumstances is staff to stop for any of their own or children’s personal belongings, including, jackets, shoes, etc. (See Appendix C for Evacuation Quick Reference Sheet)

Emergency Lock-Down Procedures              (back to table of contents)

Lock-Down procedures will be used in situations that may result in harm to persons inside the Day Care facility, such as a shooting, hostage incident, intruder, trespassing, disturbance, or at the discretion of the building director, designee or public safety personnel.

• The building director or designee will announce the ”Lock-Down” over the public address system or other designated system. The alert may be made using a pre-selected code word (see appendix E for quick reference sheet and code word).
• In a “Lock-Down situation all children are kept in classrooms or other designated locations that are away from the danger.
• Staff members are responsible for accounting for children and ensuring that no one leaves the classroom or safe area.
• Facility maintenance personnel secure building entrances, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals leave or enter the building.
• Staff and children remain in the class room locking the classroom door, if possible, turning off the lights, covering the windows, encourage children to get under desks, behind cabinets, etc and (if possible) engage in quiet story time activities with the children until “all clear” is announced.

NOTE: There may be an opportunity to evacuate some of the children. The administrator or staff designee will notify the classroom(s) to evacuate and specify the route take out of the building and the designated area for assembly outside. The importance of staff and children remaining calm cannot be over emphasized. Quick, silent evacuation is the goal. (See appendix E for Lock Down Quick Reference Sheet)

Emergency Procedures

(See Appendix A for the Child care Facilities Incident Response Guide)

Building Fire              (back to table of contents)

In case of a fire:
1) The area should be evacuated immediately
2) Fire alarm should be pulled
3) 911 should be notified of fire location.

Evaluate the situation:
1) Where the fire is located
2) The location of the fire within the facility
3) The size of the fire
4) The nature of the fire

The nature of the fire is key in determining a course of action. Smoke color may indicate the potential danger of the situation as follows:

1) Yellow smoke may indicate the presence of toxic gases. Evacuation should proceed immediately and no effort should be made to extinguish the flame.
2) Gray smoke with brown wisps is indicative of any electrical fire. Again, the area should be evacuated immediately, and all should stay clear of the area.
3) Gray-black smoke is indicative of a primary fire. The first priority remains evacuation of the immediate area, call 911 and then decide whether or not to try to extinguish the fire. This should only take place if there is no imminent danger of smoke inhalation to the staff

Life safety is our first priority. No matter how small or large the fire is, 911 should be called and an evacuation should begin.

If the fire is small and is not located in a room where child care attendees are present, a fire extinguisher may be used to put out the fire. This should only be done if the staff responding to the fire has received the proper training. In additions, the staff should not fight the fire if there is any imminent threat to their safety.

• The center’s fire extinguishers are located in the following areas.
􀀹 Main Building: Beside Entrance Door, Furnace Room, Playground Exit Door
􀀹Infant/Toddler Building: Beside Entrance Door, Kitchen

• A ROLL CALL of all the child care attendees and staff should be taken to ensure that everyone is out of the building. If there is any threat to the children and staff at the designated evacuation site, an immediate evacuation to a different location is necessary.
• The facility director or a designated person should go to a visible location to help direct the fire department to the facility. Once the fire department arrives on scene, the facility director or designee should establish contact with the fire department official to discuss what information is needed by the fire department.
• When possible all windows and doors in the facility should be shut, and all electrical switches should be in the off position. This should be done while keeping in mind that both the children and staff need to be evacuated in the shortest time possible.
• The facility director or designee should make sure no child or staff member attempts to reenter the facility until cleared by the fire department.

Bomb Threats              (back to table of contents)

Any bomb threat should be taken seriously and treated as a real situation until proven otherwise.
• Any suspicious packages or letters should be reported to authorities.
• Evacuation should be out of the facility and to another location as far from the facility as possible. The area that is being evacuated should be searched quickly for information that may be important for the responding law enforcement.
• Upon arrival of the law enforcement response team, the facility director or designee will assist with any questions that the law enforcement response team may have.
• No person should enter the facility until the law enforcement response team has been consulted and the situation has been resolved.


Telephone Threat              (back to table of contents)

The staff member taking the call should notify another staff member that a bomb threat is in progress so that:
• The building may be evacuated immediately.
• The facility director or designee will contact local law enforcement via 911.
• The staff talking to the caller should keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Information should be recorded as quickly and accurately as possible. The following information should be noted.
1. The time the call was received
2. The caller’s exact words
3. A description of the caller’s voice
4. If possible, the staff member should also ask the following questions:
5. Where is the bomb located?
6. When is the bomb set to go off?


Written Threat              (back to table of contents)
• The staff member that receives the written threat should handle the letter as little as possible, and should save all materials that were contained in the letter. All materials involved in the threat should be turned over to local law enforcement authorities.
• Local law enforcement should be contacted by calling 911.
• The facility director or designee should be notified of the letter.
• The building should be evacuated until it is determined that there is no longer any danger.


Hazardous Chemical Spill              (back to table of contents)

The following section is a general response to a hazardous chemical spill in the Child Care facility. In general, the most dangerous chemicals located on the premises will be locked in a secure location. When handling chemicals, be sure to follow the instructions written on the product. Never mix products together.
• Evacuate the area immediately if a hazardous chemical is spilled.
• Do not turn any electrical switches on or off when exiting the room. Eliminate all open flames.
• Evacuate to an area upwind and uphill from the location of the spill if possible.
• The facility director or designee will contact 911 and notify them that there has been a “hazardous materials spill”.
• No person should try to contain, touch, or identify the hazardous material.
• Staff should not attempt to rescue anyone who has passed out due to fumes given off by the hazardous materials spill.
• If any child or staff has come into contact with a hazardous material, the chemical should be washed off immediately with water.
• No person should enter the facility until authorized by Fire Department Hazmat team.

Physical and Verbal Threats              (back to table of contents)

The following information is a general response to physical threats that may present itself in a Child Care facility. This includes threats that come from outside the facility, as well as inside of the facility. In every situation, the facility director and facility staff members should evaluate the situation, and only address the situation when their safety is not compromised. If any person in the facility does not feel safe in the situation 911 should be contacted, if it can be done in a safe manner.

• All physical threats made inside or outside the child care facility should be taken seriously.
• Report any physical threats directed towards the children or staff members to the facility director and document the threat.
• If the physical threat comes from within the facility, the facility director notifies the police of the incident and communicates with the staff members who were involved in the incident.
• Staff members involved in the altercation should be separated. Appropriate administrative actions should be taken to insure the safety and well-being of the children.
• Children should be removed from the area in which the altercation is taking place, and should return only after the situation has been resolved, if it can be done in a safe manner.
• If the physical threat comes from outside the facility, the facility director is notified of the incident. The facility director will notify the police of the incident.
• Child care attendees should be removed from the area in which the altercation is taking place, and should return only after the situation has been resolved, if it can be done in a safe manner.
• All verbal threats will be treated the same way as physical threats.


Inclement Weather              (back to table of contents)

If, in the judgment of the administration, conditions justify a decision to close or to operate on a late schedule, the radio and TV stations listed will be notified as early as possible.

• Consider pre-storm closing (night before) or early closing depending on conditions. Release non-essential staff in accordance with center closing procedures.
• Arrange for snow and ice removal as well as possible debris removal such as fallen trees and utility lines.
• Facility staff should follow these general rules during weather emergencies.
1. The facility director has designated as the safe place for the children and staff. (Shelter-in-Place)
2. Staff should keep voice contact at all times, and all staff members should have flashlights and emergency packs/backpacks available.
3. Take a ROLL CALL before moving to the safe place, after arriving at the safe place, and finally, after leaving the designated safe place.
4. Once the storm has passed and there is no more danger to the children and staff, the following steps should be taken.
o If any medical attention is required, first aid should be administered. If the situation warrants it, contact 911 for medical assistance.
o The staff should once again do a ROLL CALL to ensure that all child care attendees and fellow staff members are safe.
o Staff needs to walk through the facility looking for any damage created by the inclement weather, such as fire, water, or structural damage. Report any damage according to the Emergency Preparedness Plan for Recovery.
o Utilities of the facility should be tested to ensure that the operations of the facility have not been compromised.
o Any vendors that provide services should be contacted if problems occur as a result of the inclement weather.

Following are directions for specific inclement weather emergencies.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch              (back to table of contents)
• The facility director or designee will advise all staff of the weather conditions that are approaching.
• The facility director or designee will monitor radio or internet for weather updates.
• Outdoor activities should be modified to ensure that quick access to shelter is available.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning—In addition to the above:
• All outdoor activities should be terminated and shelter should be taken.
• The facility director or designee will monitor sky conditions as best and safely as possible. If a dark/funnel-shaped cloud is seen, seek shelter immediately. If possible, call 911 to report it.

Tornado Watch              (back to table of contents)
• The director or designee will advise all staff of the weather conditions that are approaching.
• The director or designee will monitor radio, television, or internet for weather updates.
• Outdoor activities should be modified to ensure that quick access to shelter is available.
• Upon the approach of thunderstorms, cease all outdoor activities that may delay seeking shelter.
• The director or designee will monitor sky conditions as best and safely as possible. If a dark/funnel-shaped cloud is seen, seek shelter immediately. If possible, call 911 to report it.

Tornado Warning—In addition to the above:        
• The director or designee will monitor sky conditions as best and safely as possible. If a dark/funnel-shaped cloud is seen, seek shelter immediately. If possible, call 911 to report it.
• The director or designee will turn off all utilities if time permits and it can be done safely.
• The director or designee will have all staff and children move to their designated safe locations.
• The designated location for tornado safety is:

Flash Flood              (back to table of contents)
• The director or designee will advise all staff of the weather conditions that are approaching.
• The director or designee will monitor radio, television, or internet for weather updates.
• The director or designee will move records and valuable equipment to higher floors.
• Chemicals that are in the facility should be stored in locations where floodwaters will not come into contact with them.
• The director or designee will make transportation preparations to move children and staff in the event that an evacuation is needed.
• The safe area to be evacuated to is:
• The safe route to take to this location is
• If evacuation is necessary and time permits, staff members or employees will unplug all electrical appliances. If time permits, all loose outdoor equipment will be moved indoors.

Blizzard/Snow              (back to table of contents)

• The director or designee will advise all staff of the weather conditions that are approaching.
• The director or designee will monitor radio, television, or internet for weather updates.
• Outdoor activities should be modified to ensure that quick access to shelter is available in the case of hazardous conditions.
• Closing of the center is the best option. Instead of evacuation; limit staff as possible and monitor children until parents arrive.

Illness or Injury              (back to table of contents)

Note: The Tennessee State Licensing Standards for Child Care Centers requires that a person trained in CPR and First Aid be on site whenever children are present.

The following information is a general response to injuries or illness that may present itself in the Child Care facility. In every situation, staff members should evaluate the situation, and only address the situation when their safety is not compromised.

The facilities first aid kits are located in the following locations:
A. Full Kit: On wall between School Age and Preschool Hallway
B. Minor Kit: In each classroom

• The staff responsible for the child will employ first aid techniques as trained. This should only be done if the staff can do so safely. The facility director should also be notified of any major illness or injury and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be activated by calling 911.
• If the staff is not trained in the proper first aid techniques, the staff member should contact the facility director or designated staff that has been trained in the proper first aid techniques.
• If the child has fallen from a high place, do not move the child unless there is a life-threatening situation.
• If the child has consumed some type of poison, the staff responsible for the particular child will contact Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 (24 hours).
• If medical attention is required immediately, the staff responsible for the child will have a fellow staff member contact 911.
• The facility director or designated staff member (preferably the staff member who is responsible for the child) will accompany the child.
• If the illness or injury does not require immediate medical attention but requires a doctor’s care, the facility director or designated staff member will arrange for transportation to the emergency room, pediatric clinic, or hospital. This will be done per the instructions of the parent or guardian.
• The facility director or designee will notify the parent or guardian of the situation and what is being done.
• The staff responsible for the child will document treatments and any action that took place due to the injury or illness.
• The staff responsible for the child will document treatments and any action that took place before the child’s passing.

Hostage Situations              (back to table of contents)

Although considered improbable, the child care facility may be subject to hostage situations either from disgruntled employees, parents/guardians, or terrorists.
• Remain calm and polite.
• Follow the hostage takers instructions.
• Any available staff should call 911.
• Do not resist or try a rescue.
• Pay attention to the captor(s) try to get details of what they want and accommodate them.
• Provide as much information as possible to the police when they arrive.
• DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER
• Alerted staff members will close the doors of their areas of responsibility or lead them to Shelter In Place.
• Lock classroom doors, pull down shades, turn off lights, and have children secured under desks, behind cabinets, etc. Try to conduct quiet activities which keep the children engaged until the situation is resolved.
Missing or Abducted Child

A missing or abducted child is one of the few disasters that can be prevented. It is each teacher’s responsibility to make sure each child in their class is accounted for at all times.

The following are a few times of the day that teachers need to be OVERLY AWARE of the actions or whereabouts of their children.

• Staff will be aware each and every time the door bell sounds as parents, visitors, staff and others arrive.
• Each teacher will be aware as each child is dropped off, making sure they haven’t run after their parent and add them to their classroom total.
• As children arrive & depart; each teacher will know at ALL TIMES the amount of children in their class.
• Teachers will be extra careful when ANY visitor is in the building. The Director or Assistant Director will interact with the visitor. If the visitor happens to make it near children; each teacher will make sure that their children keep their distance.
• While on the playground; teachers must make sure that all gates stay closed.
• Whenever a class changes locations (i.e. goes outside, comes inside, or goes to another classroom or bathroom) the teacher will need to do a head count to make sure all children are present.
• Teachers will schedule numerous bathroom breaks where all children can go at one time. This is to help limit children having to leave the classroom without their teacher.
• If a child has to go to the restroom during the class time; below is the order that should be followed:
o If a floater is present it would be their responsibility to take the child.
o If no floater; the Preschool Teacher will ensure that the School Age Teacher is aware that the preschooler needs to go to the restroom.
o If no floater or School Age Teacher; the Preschool Teacher will make sure that office staff is aware so they can monitor.
o If no floater, School Age Staff, or Office Staff; the Preschool Teacher will stand at the beginning of the classroom so they can have sight on their class and the child in the restroom.


The following information is a general response to a missing or abducted child.   (back to table of contents)

• If a child is not accounted for at any time, the staff member responsible for the child should search the premises for them. Each area that a child could potentially hide should be searched, as well as the outdoor areas of the facility.
• If the child is not located after all potential hiding spots and immediate outdoor areas have been searched, the facility director should be notified that the child is missing.
• The staff member should also double-check to confirm the location of the child such as the pick up of the child by their parent or guardian.
• Begin Lock Down procedure. All exits monitored by employees letting no one in or out of the facility.
• The staff member responsible for the child will call 911, since he/she will have the best knowledge of what the child was wearing that day, along with other distinctive features. The following information should be written down.
o Child’s name, age, height, weight, date of birth, and hair color
o Child’s clothing that he/she was wearing that day, along with any other identifying features
o The time at which the child was noticed missing
o If child abduction is suspected, were there any suspicious vehicles or persons located around the Child Care facility? If so, what was the appearance of the person or vehicle?
o The facility director will notify the guardians of the child that the child is missing from the facility.
o While the police are en route to the facility, the staff of the Child Care facility will continue to search the facility for the missing child. The staff should look in every cabinet, closet, cubby, and every other location where a child may hide.
o The facility director will stay on the facility premises at all times to be the contact person for the police department, as well as the missing child’s guardians.
o Make sure the police Amber Alert.

Potentially Violent Situations               (back to table of contents)

A potentially violent situation such as a hostage situation, disgruntled person, and unstable custody may be
cause for a selective evacuation procedure. The premise behind a selective evacuation is that it enables large
numbers of children and staff to stay out of harms way when an individual is on-site who is potentially violent.

If a potentially violent individual gains access to your facility and leaves:
• Immediately call 911/Police.
• Indicate to security and another center administrator that you may have a condition for selective evacuation (this may be within the building if the potentially violent person does not leave the area).
• If the individual cannot be isolated and chooses to leave the premises, allow them the freedom to exit making sure to note their car make and model, license plate, and the directions of their travel. Communicate this immediately to the 911 dispatcher.

Note: If the individual is leaving and taking a child or staff member, it is still often better to let the individual leave rather than prompt a confrontation that would increase the risk of injury.

If a potentially violent individual gains access to your facility and remains:
• Immediately call 911 and seek advice on how to handle the situation.
• Indicate to any staff available that you may have a condition for a selective evacuation. If you have any reason to believe the individual has a weapon, order a selective evacuation, if possible.
• Try to isolate the potential aggressor from as many adults and children as possible. Seek to draw the individual(s) to the office, break room, conference room, or other less populated area.
• If the individual has entered a classroom, seek to draw him into the least utilized portion of the room.
• Remain calm and be polite.
• Do not physically restrain or block their movement.
• While you are engaging the potentially violent individual, other available persons should direct unaffected classrooms to move to locations around the facility that are farthest from the incident point. This selective evacuation should precede room-by-room and as orderly and quietly as possible, being careful to use routes not visible to the incident point.
• Once the police arrive they will take over the situation, negotiate and dictate further movements.

Utilities and Maintenance Emergency

The following section is a general response to problems that may present themselves in the center.

Electrical Power Failure              (back to table of contents)

In the event of a power failure and if ‘the building has a back-up generator the buildings emergency generator should turn on automatically.
If a there is no backup generator:
• Contact the electric company
• If there is danger of fire, evacuate the facility.
• If an electrical short is suspected, turn off power at the main control point.

Water Main Break              (back to table of contents)

• Call facility maintenance personnel
• Shut off the valve at the primary control point.

The decision to close the facility or delay its opening will be based on the following factors:
• The amount of natural light in the facility
• The temperature in the facility.
• The ability and necessity of heating food and formula
• The risk to the health and well being of children and staff