As parents, we all want the very best for our children – especially when it comes to their safety and wellbeing. We understand the trust you place in us when you enroll your child at Crystals Childcare and Preschool, which is why safety is our number one priority.
At Crystals Childcare, we have implemented rigorous protocols and standards to ensure we provide a secure, nurturing environment where your child can thrive. From our state-of-the-art facility designed with safety in mind to our extensively trained and certified staff, we strive to make Crystals Childcare a “home away from home” for every child
State-of-the-Art Facility Designed for Safety
Our beautifully designed facility utilizes the latest architectural advancements focused on safety and security. We chose our building materials, outdoor playground equipment, and indoor fixtures with your child’s wellbeing as the key factor.
Some of our safety features include:
• Secure access doors that require keycard access
• Video monitoring at all entrances and play areas
• Impact-absorbing rubber flooring to prevent injuries
• Hypoallergenic materials and surfaces throughout
• Childproof latches, covers, and locks everywhere
• Separate pick-up/drop-off lanes to prevent traffic accidents Our classrooms and activity areas also provide plenty of open space and padding to give energetic children room to play safely.
We comply with all state safety regulations and go above and beyond childcare licensing requirements.
Extensive Staff Training and Certification
Our teachers and staff complete a rigorous training, screening, and clearance process before joining the Crystals Childcare team. This includes:
• Comprehensive background checks
• Fingerprinting and criminal history checks
• Verification of credentials and certifications
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Regular safety, security, and emergency response training
• Child development training tailored to each age group
• Adherence to state teacher-child ratios
We often exceed state-mandated teacher-to-child ratios to further promote safety through closer supervision. Our teachers build strong bonds with each child to better understand their needs.
We also maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse or neglect. Teachers understand appropriate and inappropriate forms of touch, discipline, and care according to evidence-based best practices. Any breach results in immediate termination.
Extensive Staff Training and Certification
We know drop-off and pick-up times can create opportunities for security issues, which is why we implemented strict policies. Upon enrollment, parents must:
• Submit an authorized pick-up list with names and valid photo ID
• Escort children to/from their classroom for sign-in/out
• Present photo ID matching the authorized list for child release
We will only release children to authorized individuals after carefully checking their ID. Anyone without proper authorization will be refused – no exceptions.
For children utilizing our bus transportation, they are accounted for multiple times before, during, and after each trip by authorized staff. Our secure building entrance and exit procedures also prevent unauthorized exits.
State-of-the-Art Security Technology
Our facility utilizes advanced technology to bolster safety protocols. Some of these cutting-edge systems include:
Closed Circuit Monitoring – Over 50 digital cameras monitor all classrooms, common areas, playgrounds, and entrance/exit points. Staff can view live footage from anywhere in real-time using tablets and mobile devices. Video is also recorded and stored for incident review if needed.
Entry Access Control – Our secure access doors require approved keycards for entry, automatically logging the time/date/location. This prevents unauthorized entry and strengthens accountability.
Visitor Management – Upon entering, all visitors check in to provide their state-issued ID. It scans into our system and compares against national databases to prevent high-risk individuals from entering. Approved visitors receive a printed badge to wear onsite.
Emergency Alert Buttons – Teachers wear emergency alert badges that immediately send notifications in case of an emergency like a security breach or medical event. Staff can also trigger campus-wide lockdowns or evacuations remotely if needed. We regularly audit these systems and conduct drills to prepare for emergency scenarios. Staff and children practice proper response to various incidents like fires, severe weather events or security issues. This combines prevention, protection, and preparedness to maximize safety.
Expert Collaboration for Best Safety Practices
While our own protocols have safety as the top priority, we also engage with leading safety experts to implement current best practices. This includes collaborating with:
• State agencies and advisory committees specializing in childcare regulations and safety standards • Independent auditors to regularly inspect premises and procedures
• Security consultants to continually upgrade systems and plans
• Child development specialists to train staff on positive reinforcement and trauma-informed care
• Community emergency responders to align emergency protocols
By working closely with these valued partners, we stay on the cutting edge of safety protocols tailored directly to child development centers and preschools.
Emphasizing Safety Through Our Curriculum
Beyond our policies, facility, and expert collaboration, we even incorporate safety education right into children’s daily curriculum. Our safety topics include:
• Stranger danger awareness
• Stop, drop, and roll fire response
• Emergency evacuation drills
• Recognizing safe vs. unsafe touch
• Asking trusted adults for help
• Safe interactions with animals • Cautious behavior outdoors
• Traffic safety as pedestrians and vehicle passengers
• Preventing poisoning accidents
• And more!
These informative safety lessons empower children with the knowledge to build safer habits from a young age while avoiding developmentally inappropriate fear-based messaging. Children also wear name tags and know their parent/guardian’s full names, home addresses, and contact phone numbers.
We hope this overview has showcased the immense emphasis we place on safety at Crystals Childcare and Preschool. It permeates throughout every aspect of our facility, staff, procedures, and curriculum. Please feel free to contact us at (432) 687-5904 or info@crystalschildcare.org if you have any additional safety-related questions we can answer prior to enrollment or visiting our childcare center. We invite all families to tour our premises firsthand to witness our commitment to security.