Safety Procedures & Policies
At Sunny Learning Center, the safety and well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority. We maintain rigorous standards and clear policies to ensure a secure and nurturing environment for all.
Security
The center's main door is locked at all times. Each family is assigned their own code to enter, and every entry is recorded by the computer system. The classroom door is also kept locked at all times; parents must knock for a staff member to let them in. The First Aid kit is located in the classroom and is fully stocked with all Office of Child Care (OCC)-required materials.
Staff Training
Our team undergoes extensive training in safety procedures, emergency response, and child protection. Every staff member is committed to vigilant supervision and proactive measures to prevent incidents. As mandated by licensing rules, criminal background and fingerprint checks are run on all staff. Also, all staff must be actively certified in CPR/First Aid and retrained every two years.
Safe Release/Pick-Up
To keep your child safe, we will release your child only to their parents and to persons listed on their enrollment form. If anyone other than the child's parent or a person listed on their enrollment form is to pick up the child, the director must be notified in advance, in writing, by email, or by phone. The person must be at least 18 years old and must show a photo ID before they are allowed to pick up the child.
Environment
We make every effort to maintain a childproof, safe environment for your child in accordance with OCC licensing regulations. This may include outlet covers, cupboard latches, doorknob covers, baby gates, and safe storage of hazardous materials. In addition, no person whose behavior gives reasonable concern for the safety of the children will be allowed on the premises. To further promote a safe environment and quality care, the use of alcohol is not allowed anywhere inside the Learning Center.
Injuries
Bumps, bruises, scratches, and scrapes, otherwise known as happy accidents, are a normal part of active play. Regardless, your child will be looked after constantly and every step of the way. Each child is checked for signs of injury upon arrival, and any unusual injuries are noted in our medical log.
For minor injuries, such as those mentioned above, we clean the area with soap and water, apply a Band-Aid and/or ice as needed, and provide plenty of comfort and Tender Loving Care (TLC). Every injury treated is recorded in our medical log as well, and parents always have access to the entries concerning their own child and will be informed at pick-up.
In the rare case of a serious injury, we will call 911 immediately and contact parents as soon as possible. If we are unable to reach a parent immediately, we will contact the emergency contact listed on the child's enrollment form.
Child Abuse
Our center is committed to providing the best possible experience for every child. As mandated reporters, all staff are trained to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and, under the law, have both the right and the responsibility to privately interview children and observe their physical condition at any time, without notice or prior consent. Staff are required to report any known or reasonably suspected instance of child abuse or neglect to Social Services.
Substitute and/or additional caregivers are considered mandated reporters as well, and are held to this same responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to Social Services.
Lockdown/Loss of Services
If there is an event where we are told to lock down, the children will be taken to a safe location, and we will stay there until it is safe to leave. Parents will be contacted to pick up their children when it is safe to do so.
If the center loses heat, water, electricity, or telephone service at any time during the day, we will evaluate the situation to determine whether care can be provided without undue loss of quality or compromise of safety. If safe and quality care cannot be provided under the circumstances, we will notify each family to pick up their child as soon as possible, and the center will remain closed until proper care can once again be provided. Full payment is still due for any days the center closes due to these circumstances.
Drills/Evacuation/Relocation
Being prepared for emergencies helps children feel less frightened if one occurs. Our center conducts monthly fire drills, and each drill is recorded in a safety log. In the event of a fire, we will follow the Evacuation/Relocation Policy below:
In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation and/or relocation, staff will take the emergency bag and the director's cell phone, which includes parent phone numbers, with us as we assist the children in exiting through the back door/emergency exit, straight outside the building. If that door is blocked, we will exit through the front door. In either case, we will meet on the playground. Children who cannot walk on their own will be carried, and each staff member must know their own position and duty. Once outside, attendance will be taken using Daily Connect, and the children will then be relocated to a safe location as necessary. All families will be notified to pick up their children if we are unable to safely return to the center.
Severe Weather
Severe weather includes conditions such as heavy snowfall, ice, freezing rain, sleet, and mixed precipitation. Most of the time, we will follow the AA County Public Schools schedule; however, we will send a message to each parent as soon as possible.
If snow, ice, or other severe weather begins, worsens, or is expected to worsen during the day, the center may close early, and parents will be contacted to pick up their children.
Tuition credit is not given for severe weather or power outage closures and/or delays.
Sun Safety
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun causes sunburn and skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. To promote good health, safety, and protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, sunscreen will be used regularly during all outdoor activities. Parents need to bring their child's own sunscreen to the center.