Daycare Security Best Practices: What Parents Should Know 2026

When you drop your child at daycare, you trust they'll be safe until pickup. Beyond the basics of supervision and facility safety, modern daycares implement security measures to protect children from unauthorized access and other threats. Understanding what security should look like helps you evaluate programs and ensure your child is well-protected.

This guide covers daycare security best practices every parent should know.

Daycare security

Essential Security Measures

Access Control

What to look for:

Locked exterior doors
Keypad or card entry
Doorbell/intercom systems
Staff control of entry
Visitor sign-in procedures

How it should work:

No one enters without authorization
Staff verify before admitting
Doors remain locked during operation
Multiple barriers to classrooms

Drop-Off and Pickup Systems

Secure systems include:

Photo ID verification
Authorized pickup list
Password or code systems
Staff recognition of regular adults
Sign-in/sign-out logs

Best practices:

Check ID for unfamiliar pickups
Never release to unauthorized persons
Call parent if any uncertainty
Document every release

Visitor Policies

Secure centers:

Log all visitors
Require ID
Provide visitor badges
Escort visitors
Limit access to child areas
Clear policies on who can visit

Access control

Staff Security Measures

Background Checks

Required screening:

Criminal background checks
Sex offender registry checks
Child abuse registry checks
Reference verification
Fingerprinting (in many states)

Ongoing:

Periodic re-checks
Monitoring for new issues
Clear reporting policies
Immediate response to concerns

Staff Identification

What you should see:

Staff wearing ID badges
Names visible
Consistency in staff
Introduction of new staff to parents

Supervision Protocols

Security-minded:

Two-adult rule when possible
Open-door policies
Bathroom supervision appropriate
No isolated child-adult situations
Clear sightlines in facility

Physical Security Features

Building Security

Look for:

Secure perimeter
Fenced outdoor areas
Locked gates
Controlled access points
Window security
Alarm systems

Classroom Security

Features:

Internal doors with locks
Visibility windows
Secure storage for hazards
Child-height appropriate
Emergency exits accessible

Outdoor Play Areas

Secure playgrounds:

Fenced completely
Gates locked
Not accessible from outside
Supervised at all times
Visible from inside

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Plans

Centers should have:

Written emergency procedures
Fire evacuation plan
Shelter-in-place protocol
Lockdown procedures
Medical emergency plan
Natural disaster plan

Drills and Practice

Regular drills for:

Fire evacuation (monthly often required)
Lockdown/intruder
Shelter-in-place
Earthquake (in applicable areas)
Severe weather

Communication During Emergencies

Systems for:

Parent notification
Emergency contacts
Reunification procedures
All-clear communication
Post-event updates

Custody and Legal Concerns

Custody Documentation

Centers should:

Have custody documents on file
Understand who has authority
Follow court orders exactly
Update when situations change
Know what to do if disputed

Restricted Individuals

If someone is restricted:

Photo on file
Clear instructions
Staff trained
Protocol for approach
Police called if necessary

Documentation Practices

Good centers:

Keep current custody papers
Document all pickups
Record any incidents
Maintain pickup logs
Follow legal requirements

Legal security

Technology and Security

Cameras and Monitoring

Video systems:

Cameras in common areas
Not in bathrooms/changing areas
Recording maintained
Access limited to authorized staff
May offer parent streaming

Digital Check-In Systems

Modern systems:

Electronic sign in/out
Photo verification
Time stamping
Digital records
Authorized list management

Parent Communication Apps

Security features:

Secure messaging
Real-time updates
Emergency notifications
Photo sharing (secure)
Pickup coordination

What to Ask About Security

Key Questions

About access:

How do visitors enter?
Who can pick up my child?
How do you verify pickup authorization?
What's your process for unfamiliar adults?

About staff:

What background checks are done?
How often are they repeated?
What's your policy on staff-child ratios?

About emergencies:

What emergency plans are in place?
How often are drills conducted?
How would I be notified?
What's the reunification plan?

About security systems:

Do you have cameras?
How is the building secured?
What's the visitor policy?

Red Flags

Security Concerns

Warning signs:

Doors propped open
Strangers admitted without verification
No sign-in requirements
Casual pickup procedures
No ID checks
Outdoor areas unsecured
No visible security measures

Inadequate Responses

Concerning if:

Evasive about security questions
No written policies
Staff untrained on procedures
No emergency plan
Irregular drill practice

Your Role in Security

Following Protocols

Parents should:

Carry ID always
Update authorized pickup list
Follow sign-in procedures
Not hold doors for others
Report concerns immediately

Keeping Information Current

Update daycare on:

Custody changes
New emergency contacts
Address or phone changes
New authorized pickups
Removal of authorization

Reporting Concerns

Report if you see:

Security lapses
Unauthorized persons
Doors unsecured
Procedures not followed
Anything suspicious

Special Security Situations

High-Profile Families

If applicable:

Discuss additional measures
Media protection
Enhanced verification
Security personnel
Discrete procedures

Protective Orders

If you have:

Provide court documents
Include photos of restricted person
Clear emergency procedures
Multiple emergency contacts
Regular updates

Key Takeaways

Evaluate carefully:

Access control present
Visitor policies clear
Staff vetted thoroughly
Physical security adequate
Emergency plans exist

Ask questions:

About all security measures
How staff are screened
Emergency procedures
Pickup verification
Custody handling

Do your part:

Follow all protocols
Keep info current
Report concerns
Update authorizations
Carry ID

Watch for red flags:

Lax access control
No verification
Inadequate supervision
Missing documentation
Poor emergency prep

Trust but verify:

Observe practices
Ask to see policies
Note consistency
Periodic check-ins
Express concerns

Security at daycare protects your child from unauthorized access and prepares for emergencies. By understanding best practices and asking the right questions, you can evaluate centers effectively and ensure your child is in a safe environment.

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