Child Safety

Rising Starz Childcare Confer, Inc. operates in an atmosphere that is physically and environmentally safe and enforces the following safety guidelines: Rising Starz Childcare, Inc. is licensed to operate childcare centers by the state of Ohio. Due to this fact, there are state laws that must be strictly adhered to at all times for the health and safety of all children and staff members. The following information is included in the Parent Handbook.

1.   Rising Starz Childcare Center, Inc. is responsible for the safety of their children. All children will be supervised at all times.

2.   Rising Starz Childcare Center, Inc. is responsible for charting the arrival and departures of the child(ren) from Rising Starz. Each child must be signed in and out upon arrival and departure by the parent or guardian in their individual classrooms. A staff member must be made aware when a child is signed in or out. Attendance is taken upon arrival and departure of each child.

3.   Anyone not previously authorized to pick up the child by the parent/guardian will not be permitted to take the child from the premises. The parent/guardian must contact the Provider if a child is to be picked by anyone other than those previously authorized. Persons unfamiliar to the Provider staff must show identification and will be checked for prior authorization. To prevent unpleasant situations, the parent/guardian is responsible for listing all possibilities of persons to pick up a child on the enrollment form.

4.   In case of emergency, Rising Starz Childcare Center, Inc. classrooms have individual telephones.

5.   The Director will have monthly fire drills at varying times. A record of drills is maintained. Attendance is taken after each drill.

6.   Tornado drills will be scheduled in conjunction with tornado season In case of a tornado or severe weather, children are taken to and seated in the hallway and the multipurpose room. Staff members remain with the children at all times. Infants are placed in the evacuation crib and moved to the multipurpose area.

7.   An Emergency Medical Plan is posted in the office, on the main white board and in each room, explaining what to do in case of fire or weather alerts. Diagrams showing evacuation routes are also posted.

8.   Routine outings, such as walks around the block, are scheduled periodically. When children are transported for planned field trips, the following guidelines apply:

• The first-aid kit will be taken, and at least one staff member trained in first-aid shall accompany the children.
• Each child shall have identification containing the center's name, address, and phone number attached.
• Emergency transportation authorization forms, signed by the parent/guardian, shall accompany each child on every scheduled outing.
• Each child's health record shall be taken on every scheduled outing.
• Each child must wear a seat belt (only one child per belt) or be secured in a car seat.
• The number of children in a vehicle is limited to the appropriate amount for that vehicle.
• Children are assigned to specific staff members for all trips.
• Vehicles are exited and boarded at curbside.
• At no time are children left unattended in vehicles. Drivers will check vehicles at each destination to make certain all children are out of the vehicles.
• All children will be accounted for at departure time before the trip, at the arrival of the trip and throughout the trip.
• No smoking is permitted in vehicles.
• Drivers are at least 25 years of age.
• Annual safety checks are completed on all vehicles. Documentation is filed.

9.   If a child is to participate in any water play activities, a signed authorization granting permission must be obtained from the parent/guardian.

10.   Provider staff will complete an incident report anytime an accident or incident occurs. Parents must sign this report on the day of the injury and will then receive a copy within hours of an incident, and the Provider will keep a copy on file.

11.   Provider staff will immediately notify the local child protection service agency when child abuse or neglect is suspected.

12.   All outlets in the center are covered with safety caps.

13.   The center shall provide outdoor play each day in suitable weather for toddlers, preschool, and school age children in attendance for four or more consecutive daylight hours. When children cannot play outside because of weather or safety large motor activities take place during the same scheduled time in the classroom or hallway. Decisions to go outdoors are based on various weather conditions (cold, wind chill, smog advisory, rain, snow, heat) and safety conditions. The age of the child is also taken into consideration. Children enjoy playing outside in the snow and will be given this opportunity during the winter. Please dress your child in clothing appropriate for the weather such as hats, mittens, boots, warm coats and jackets. Outside time is often shortened to 5 or 10 minutes in length on cold or hot days when extreme temperatures persist. On smog advisory days the classes only go outside early in the morning.

14.   No aerosols are used at the center.

15.   No latex balloons