Emergency Contacts for Daycare: What You Need 2026

Emergency contacts are essential safety information for any childcare setting. Understanding what's needed and keeping it current ensures your child's care team can reach you—or someone you trust—when needed.

What Are Emergency Contacts?

Definition

Emergency contacts are:

• People to call in emergencies
• Backup to parents
• May be authorized for pickup
• Important safety information
• Required by programs

Why They're Required

Programs need them:

• When parents can't be reached
• Medical emergencies
• Unexpected closures
• Pickup emergencies
• Safety protocols

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What Programs Need

Parent/Guardian Information

Primary contacts:

• Full names
• Relationship to child
• Phone numbers (multiple)
• Work address/phone
• Email addresses

Emergency Contact List

Additional contacts:

• Typically 2-4 people
• Full name of each
• Relationship to child
• Phone numbers
• Pickup authorization status

Who to List

Good choices:

• Grandparents
• Aunts/uncles
• Close family friends
• Neighbors you trust
• Other parents you know

Requirements for Contacts

Must Be Able To

Contacts should:

• Be available by phone
• Come quickly if needed
• Handle emergencies calmly
• Know your child
• Have transportation

Typical Requirements

Programs may require:

• Over 18 years old
• Photo ID for pickup
• Know emergency info
• Be listed formally
• Be reachable

Pickup Authorization

Separate from Emergency

Distinction:

• Emergency contacts for emergencies
• Authorized pickup for daily use
• May or may not overlap
• Both need to be specified

Authorizing Pickup

For regular or occasional pickup:

• Must be on list
• Photo ID required
• Parent authorization
• Program may verify

One-Time Pickup

When someone new picks up:

• Call ahead
• Provide name
• Describe person
• ID still required
• Written authorization often needed

Keeping Information Current

When to Update

Update contacts:

• Phone numbers change
• People move
• Relationships change
• New people to add
• People to remove

Regular Review

Best practice:

• Review annually at minimum
• Update whenever changes occur
• Confirm contacts still willing
• Verify information accurate

How to Update

Process:

• Contact program office
• Submit in writing
• Use their forms
• Confirm changes made
• Keep your records

Multiple Phone Numbers

Why They Matter

Provide multiple because:

• People aren't always reachable
• Cell and work numbers
• Backup numbers
• Different situations

Types to Provide

Include:

• Cell phone (primary)
• Work phone
• Home phone if applicable
• Spouse/partner numbers

Special Situations

Custody Considerations

If applicable:

• Custody documents on file
• Who can and cannot pick up
• Legal requirements followed
• Clear communication
• Updated court orders

Restraining Orders

If relevant:

• Provide documentation
• Clear photos if available
• Staff awareness
• Safety protocols
• Update as needed

Out-of-Town Contacts

Considerations:

• May not be able to respond quickly
• Still valuable for reaching you
• Have local options too
• Understand limitations

Information to Provide Contacts

What They Should Know

Share with your contacts:

• Program name and address
• Program phone number
• Your child's teacher/room
• Child's schedule
• Any important health info

Emergency Information

They may need to know:

• Allergies
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Pediatrician info
• Your preferences for care

Questions to Ask Contacts

Before Listing Them

Confirm:

• Are you willing to be an emergency contact?
• Can you be reached during the day?
• Can you pick up if needed?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Are you comfortable with this responsibility?

Ongoing

Check in about:

• Any phone number changes?
• Any availability changes?
• Still comfortable being listed?

Creating Your Contact List

Prioritize

Order by:

• Most likely to be reachable
• Closest to program
• Ability to respond quickly
• Familiarity with child

Diversity

Have variety:

• Different locations
• Different schedules
• Multiple options
• Backup to backup

Key Takeaways

Emergency contacts are essential:

• Safety requirement
• Backup to parents
• May authorize pickup
• Keep current

What's needed:

• Full names
• Relationship
• Multiple phone numbers
• Pickup authorization status

Choose wisely:

• Reachable people
• Can respond quickly
• Know your child
• Trustworthy

Keep updated:

• Review regularly
• Update when things change
• Verify information
• Confirm willingness

Communicate:

• Tell your contacts they're listed
• Share program information
• Provide emergency details
• Thank them

Well-maintained emergency contact information ensures your child's safety and gives you peace of mind.

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