Afterschool safety
Safety is an important aspect of any afterschool program. Unfortunately, our experience shows that the majority of sites would not pass a basic safety audit.
1. All furniture and materials are in safe condition
2. At least one fire extinguisher rated 2A-10BC (or 3A-40BC) is at the program site.
3. First aid kit is easily accessible to all staff members and includes:
• A guide to first aid and emergency care
• Scissors
• Thermometer, non-glass
• Tweezers
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Multi-size adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Waterproof, disposable gloves
• At least one staff member is CPR certified on site during program hours
• Safety plan and emergency procedures are posted and easily accessible throughout the program space.
• Emergency escape plan is clearly labeled and posted throughout the program space
4. Program has and carries out a Code of Conduct
5. Program implements and documents monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdown, earthquake and tornado drills
6. Staff checks participants in and out each day and can explain the procedure that makes them aware of coming and going of participants
7. Participants are always supervised by more than one authorized and capable adult
8. State ratios are always kept (1:15 for ages 5 and up)
9. Program has a procedure to ensure that a staff member remains at the program site until every participant has left
10. Staff members and/or security guard monitors external guests
11. All participant records are complete and include at minimum:
• Participant name, date of birth, address, phone number
• Parent/guardian name, address, phone numbers
• Two emergency contact names, two phone numbers, and addresses
• Authorized pick-up list
• If applicable, permission to transport, permission for water activities, permission for field trips, photo release
• Parent/guardian signature
12. All staff are aware and keep a comprehensive list of participants with health concerns and all health/medical forms are complete and include at a minimum:
• Participant allergies
• Participant health concerns/special needs
• Prescription medications participant is currently taking
• Permission to seek treatment in an emergency
• Program has a policy on administering or not administering medication
1. All furniture and materials are in safe condition
2. At least one fire extinguisher rated 2A-10BC (or 3A-40BC) is at the program site.
3. First aid kit is easily accessible to all staff members and includes:
• A guide to first aid and emergency care
• Scissors
• Thermometer, non-glass
• Tweezers
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Multi-size adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Waterproof, disposable gloves
• At least one staff member is CPR certified on site during program hours
• Safety plan and emergency procedures are posted and easily accessible throughout the program space.
• Emergency escape plan is clearly labeled and posted throughout the program space
4. Program has and carries out a Code of Conduct
5. Program implements and documents monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdown, earthquake and tornado drills
6. Staff checks participants in and out each day and can explain the procedure that makes them aware of coming and going of participants
7. Participants are always supervised by more than one authorized and capable adult
8. State ratios are always kept (1:15 for ages 5 and up)
9. Program has a procedure to ensure that a staff member remains at the program site until every participant has left
10. Staff members and/or security guard monitors external guests
11. All participant records are complete and include at minimum:
• Participant name, date of birth, address, phone number
• Parent/guardian name, address, phone numbers
• Two emergency contact names, two phone numbers, and addresses
• Authorized pick-up list
• If applicable, permission to transport, permission for water activities, permission for field trips, photo release
• Parent/guardian signature
12. All staff are aware and keep a comprehensive list of participants with health concerns and all health/medical forms are complete and include at a minimum:
• Participant allergies
• Participant health concerns/special needs
• Prescription medications participant is currently taking
• Permission to seek treatment in an emergency
• Program has a policy on administering or not administering medication
