• 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 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.
• I understand that cameras or other surveillance equipment is a tool that can protect children and me.
• 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 visitor badges.
• I conduct a daily health screening when children arrive. I write down any illnesses, marks, or bruises. If I notice anything unusual, I ask the child and the parent what happened.
• I make sure the windows to my classroom are uncovered so administrators and others can see in.
• I do not allow children to go into closets, sheds, or workrooms where they cannot 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 back rubbed, etc.)
• I make sure children never leave the facility with a staff member or volunteer without written permission from parents and management.
• I do not transport children in my personal vehicle without permission.
• I know and use positive guidance strategies.
• I have read my program’s written Guidance and Discipline policy. I understand them and follow them.

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, routines, jobs, deployment, child care arrangements, etc.).
• I build trusting positive relationships with each child and family.
• I know the signs of stress in families.
• I model positive 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.
• I provide information to families about child development and parenting.
• I help build connections between the families in our program by promoting social events and making introductions.
• I know how to help families find resources they need like food, shelter, financial support, etc.