Use this checklist to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep children safe.

Protecting Children from Child Abuse at Home or in the Community

  • I know each child and family by name.
  • I talk to families regularly about their lives at home (stressors, jobs, deployment, childcare arrangements, questions about their child’s development, etc.).
  • I know the signs of stress in families.
  • I model positive child guidance techniques.
  • I provide parent education or community resources.
  • I encourage families to spend time at the program.
  • I talk to children regularly about their friends and experiences at home.
  • If I notice a strange bruise, mark, or injury, I ask the child about it.

Protecting Myself from Allegations of Child Abuse

  • I make sure adult-to-child ratios are posted, understood, and followed at all times.
  • I use active supervision strategies; I can see and hear all children at all times.
  • I complete written incident reports whenever an injury or potential injury occurs.
  • I minimize opportunities for adults to be alone with children.
  • If I am alone with children, I welcome or request visits from my administrator.
  • 我知道照相机或其他监测情商uipment is a tool that can protect me from allegations.
  • I do not allow unauthorized visitors in my classroom.
  • All visitors must sign-in at the front desk.
  • I question adults who are not wearing name tags or visitors badges.
  • I conduct a daily health screening when the child arrives.
  • I write down any illnesses, marks, or bruises.
  • If I notice any unusual marks, I ask the child and parent what happened.
  • I make sure that my classroom windows are uncovered, so administrators and others can see in my classroom.
  • I do not allow children to go into closets, sheds, or workrooms (with or without an adult) where they can't be seen.
  • I never use, or threaten to use, corporal punishment like paddling.
  • I never force a child to be touched (hold my hand, hug, be carried, have his/her back rubbed, etc.).
  • I make sure children never leave the facility with a staff member or volunteer without written parental permission.
  • I do not transport children alone in my personal vehicle.
  • I know and use positive guidance techniques.
  • I know strategies to prevent challenging behavior.
  • I know how to respond in a positive way.
  • I have (or my program has) a written policy about discipline, guidance, and appropriate touch.
  • I have read my center's guidance and touch policies and understand them.