Ensuring Your Child’s Safety at Preschool
Choosing a preschool for your child is a big decision, and as a parent, ensuring their safety and security is likely a top priority. Given the concerns we hear about, it’s important to be thorough. Here are some important aspects to check:
Child-Friendly Flooring
Opt for schools with safe flooring options like PVC, cushioned, or wooden floors. These surfaces are softer and reduce the risk of injury compared to harder surfaces like marble or tile.
School Transport Safety
Ask if the school buses have female attendants and GPS tracking so you can monitor the bus’s location. This adds an extra layer of safety during your child’s commute.
CCTV Surveillance
Check if the school has CCTV surveillance in the premises. In case of any incidents, find out if the recorded footage is shown to the parents, providing transparency and accountability.
Access Control
Ensure there is a security guard monitoring the school, and inquire about the school’s policy regarding visitor access to areas where children are present. Look for secure building features such as grills to prevent unauthorized intrusion, high rise boundary, non visibility of children from outside.
Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans
Verify the availability of sufficient fire extinguishers, fire hydrant system, emergency exits, and appropriate markings for emergency evacuation.
Pickup & Drop Policy
Understand the school’s pickup and drop policy. While convenience is important, ensure that handing over your child to someone other than an authorized person is done with proper authorization to avoid potential security hazards.
First Aid Preparedness
Check if the school has a readily available first aid kit and inquire about the school’s policy in case of emergencies requiring medical attention. Confirm whether any oral medication is administered to a child without parental communication.
Privacy Concerns
Ask if the school shares any child or family data with third parties and understand the school’s stance on sharing details with other parents, especially for events like birthday celebrations.
Field Trips Safety
Ensure the school seeks consent from parents for field trips. Inquire about safety measures, including whether teachers and staff members travel in the same means of transport during these trips.
Separate Washrooms
Verify if the school has separate, washrooms for staff and children, considering aspects of child-friendliness like low-height urinals, basins, and seats.
Staircase Safety
If there are staircases in the school, assess the height of footsteps, side railings, blockages at entry and exit points, to ensure they are appropriate for children. Inquire about safety policies for children’s movement on stairs.
Conclusion: Key Points for a Safe Preschool & Daycare:
1. Ensure child-safe flooring
2. Check for female attendants and GPS in school transport.
3. Verify comprehensive CCTV surveillance.
4. Confirm access control measures.
5. Assess fire safety.
6. Understand the pickup and drop policy.
7. Ensure availability of first aid and emergency policies.
8. Check the school’s policy on sharing personal information.
9. Confirm safety measures for field trips.
10. Ensure separate, child-friendly washrooms.
11. Check staircase safety measures.
Taking note of these seemingly small aspects can significantly contribute to a hassle-free experience for your child and provide you with peace of mind. Despite all the checks, it’s essential to trust your instincts and listen to your gut feeling.
Cheers to a productive partnership between you and the preschool, dedicated to the best for your child! See how we address to the care and safety in our school. Read more