KidCheck Secure Children's Check-in Shares Back-to-School Policy Review Checklist

Back-to-school is a great time to review policies and determine what still works and what needs improvement. Policies to review include health and wellness protocols, the child protection policy, classroom and facility safety, the emergency response plan, volunteer management, technology (including social media and smartphone safety), and your bullying prevention plan.

With multiple policies in place, it can feel overwhelming. To help, here’s a checklist of questions to make sure your review strengthens your organization’s safety efforts.

 

Health & Wellness Protocols

  • Do you have a clear, well-communicated illness policy (do families know when children, volunteers, or staff need to stay home)?
  • Is allergy awareness established and response guidelines in place?
  • Are established hygiene standards (handwashing, cleaning schedules) defined and followed?
  • Has training been conducted on mental health awareness and the outlined response process?

Child Protection Policy

  • Are your secure check-in and check-out procedures with guardian verification established?
  • Have you included a written policy outlining a zero tolerance for abuse and misconduct?
  • Are the Two-Adult Rule and supervision ratios followed, or do they need updating?
  • Has the required screening for all staff and volunteers been completed for the year? This includes those who need a recheck (12-24 months) background check.
  • Has the training schedule been refreshed with updated times and dates sent to all team members?

Classroom & Facility Safety

  • Are the children’s areas arranged for visibility?
  • Have toys and equipment been inspected for safety and age?
  • Are the bathroom procedures clear, and do they provide guidance on transitions between spaces?
  • Are emergency supplies (First-Aid Kits) easily accessible, restocked, and inventoried?

Emergency Response Plan

  • Is your written plan for fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergencies up to date? If not, what parts need adjustment?
  • Are the evacuation routes clearly posted and accessible from all the children’s areas?
  • Are children’s emergency contacts up to date and readily available?
  • Have you added emergency training for staff and volunteers (including their roles and responsibilities) to the schedule?
  • Is the emergency response plan for notifying families established and communicated? Who will be your communication lead for emergencies this year?

Technology & Digital Safety

  • Have you set appropriate communication guidelines for staff and volunteers working with minors? Do they state that no private messaging is allowed without parental consent?
  • Have you communicated all required consent forms for photos and videos of children?
  • What do your device usage guidelines for children and teens include? Have they been communicated to families?
  • Have you considered incorporating any AI or cyber safety education for volunteers and teens?

Bullying Prevention Plan

  • Is your zero-tolerance statement for bullying clear and posted?
  • Is your reporting process easy, simple, and confidential?
  • Are your documentation procedures consistent, communicated, and easily accessible for staff and volunteers?
  • How will you incorporate messaging and activities that promote respect, inclusion, and kindness?

Plan to review each policy annually and after any incident or major program change. These questions are a starting point, and depending on what the future brings, you may have different questions for next year’s review. If you need to space the review out, choose two a week, and by the end of the month all six will be done.

For more safety tips, training information, and how to develop an emergency response plan, subscribe to the KidCheck blog or connect with us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash