While security is a checklist item when investigating a new preschool, the truth is that parents also play a role in ensuring their kid’s safety. The parent’s role is quite important and you should know what to do and what not to do when it comes to safety. Your preschool has its own list of safety rules, so make sure that you understand all of them. But here are a few general things that preschools have in common.
Code Words
Code words are one of the elements of security. They are used so that a preschooler recognizes that the adult is supposed to pick them up. The problem with code words is that they can be guessed fairly easily. Some very common ones are butterflies, cars, flowers, crayons, rainbows, and other things that are part of something that your child likes. Thus, you need to be a little more creative in picking out a code word. Choose something that only the two of you know and that is unusual. Remember to practice using it every couple of weeks so that your child remembers, and get them into the habit of asking for the code word first.
Authorized Adults
If you do have some people that you trust to pick up your preschooler, then make sure their names are on the school list for pick-up. Then please inform them that they need their identification with them when they go to pick up your preschooler. Remember, this applies to bus stop drop-offs as well. If you forget, then the school won’t release your child. In the case of buses, this means a trip back to the school. Security rules like this should be respected. Yes, it can be frustrating when you have to take off work to go pick up your preschooler, but it is part of your responsibility of security.
Visits
Don’t skip signing in at the front office and head directly to your preschooler’s classroom. It may seem like an inconvenience, but your preschool does need to know who is on campus. Sure, some individuals might know you by sight but you still need to follow the log-in and out rules. Additionally, some preschools get volunteer credits for the time you spend on campus in your preschooler’s classroom. So, make sure you know the process and bring your identification, especially if this is your first time visiting.
You have a role in your preschool’s security. It is important that you understand your responsibilities regarding security for your preschool. You need to be involved in the process.