Daycare Security: Safety Protocols Every Parent Should Know 2026

When you leave your child at daycare, you trust that they'll be safe. Beyond basic supervision and care, quality childcare programs implement security protocols to protect children from unauthorized access, emergencies, and other threats. Understanding these measures helps you evaluate programs and feel confident in your choice.

This guide covers the security protocols you should look for in daycare and questions to ask.

Why Daycare Security Matters

Protecting Against Threats

Security addresses:

• Unauthorized persons entering
• Non-custodial parent situations
• Stranger danger
• Emergency situations
• Child wandering off
• Internal threats

Security Is Multi-Layered

Comprehensive security includes:

• Physical building security
• Access control systems
• Staff procedures
• Background checks
• Emergency protocols
• Communication systems

Physical Security Measures

Building Access

What to look for:

• Locked exterior doors
• Single monitored entry point
• Secure fencing (playgrounds)
• Windows secured appropriately
• Gates that children can't open

Advanced measures:

• Keypad or card entry
• Video doorbells
• Buzzer entry systems
• Visitor management systems

Classroom Security

Interior security:

• Main door visible from classroom
• Classroom doors lockable
• Windows with appropriate covering
• Clear sightlines for supervision

Playground Security

Outdoor safety:

• Fully fenced areas
• Gates with child-proof latches
• No gaps children could squeeze through
• Supervision maintained
• Controlled access points

Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

Sign-In Requirements

Standard procedures:

• Parent signs child in daily
• Time recorded
• Staff verifies identity
• Electronic or paper log
• Tracks attendance

Authorized Pickup

Critical controls:

• Written list of authorized people
• Photo ID required for pickup
• No releases to unlisted persons
• Process for adding/removing names
• Verbal authorization protocols

What should happen:

• Staff verifies ID matches authorization
• Child not released if any question
• Parents called if unclear
• Documented procedures followed

Electronic Systems

Modern options:

• Digital check-in (tablets, apps)
• PIN codes for parents
• Fingerprint or facial recognition
• Photo verification
• Automatic attendance records

| System Type | Pros | Cons | |-------------|------|------| | Paper sign-in | Simple, no tech issues | Forgeable, no verification | | PIN codes | Fast, trackable | Can be shared | | Photo ID scan | Verified identity | More time-consuming | | Biometric | Highly secure | Privacy concerns, cost |

Background Checks and Staff Screening

Required Checks

At minimum, staff should have:

• Criminal background check
• Sex offender registry check
• Child abuse registry check
• Reference verification
• Identity verification

Additional checks may include:

• FBI fingerprint check
• Drug screening
• Driving record (if transporting)
• Credit check (some states)

Ongoing Screening

Quality programs:

• Re-check periodically
• Monitor staff behavior
• Multiple adults with children
• Clear reporting procedures
• Zero tolerance policies

Questions to Ask

About staff screening:

• What background checks do you conduct?
• How often are they repeated?
• What disqualifies someone?
• Do you check volunteers?
• What's your policy on new staff with children?

Emergency Procedures

Fire Safety

Programs should have:

• Working smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Posted evacuation routes
• Regular fire drills
• Assembly points
• Accountability procedures

Ask about:

• How often are drills conducted?
• Where do children go?
• How are parents notified?
• What if you can't return to building?

Lockdown Procedures

For external threats:

• Lockdown protocol established
• Staff trained
• Children practice age-appropriately
• Communication plan
• Law enforcement coordination

Severe Weather

Protocols for:

• Tornado warnings
• Flooding
• Severe storms
• Extreme heat/cold
• Shelter locations identified

Medical Emergencies

Should include:

• First aid trained staff
• First aid supplies accessible
• Emergency contact information
• Procedure for calling 911
• Parent notification process
• Medical permission forms

Communication During Emergencies

Alert Systems

How parents are notified:

• Phone calls
• Text alerts
• App notifications
• Email
• All-call systems

Information provided:

• What's happening
• If children are safe
• Where to get child
• When to come
• Updates as available

Reunification Plans

After major emergency:

• Designated reunification site
• Parent identification required
• Child release procedure
• Accounting for all children
• Documentation

Visitor Management

Visitor Policies

Should include:

• All visitors sign in
• ID checked and recorded
• Visitor badges issued
• Escort required
• Sign out when leaving

Restricted Areas

Visitors typically:

• Cannot access classrooms alone
• May observe through windows
• Are accompanied by staff
• Have limited access

Vendor and Contractor Protocols

For non-parent visitors:

• Background check requirements
• Supervision requirements
• Limited access
• Scheduled visits
• ID verification

Child Supervision Ratios

Why Ratios Matter for Security

Proper supervision:

• Prevents children wandering
• Ensures constant oversight
• Enables quick response
• Maintains accountability

State Requirements

Ratios vary but typically:

• Infants: 1:3 or 1:4
• Toddlers: 1:4 to 1:6
• Preschool: 1:8 to 1:10

Quality programs often exceed minimums.

Technology and Security

Security Cameras

Uses:

• Monitoring common areas
• Recording for review
• Deterrent effect
• Parent peace of mind (some offer viewing)

Considerations:

• Privacy (not in bathrooms)
• Recording retention
• Who has access
• Parent viewing policies

Parent Communication Apps

Security features may include:

• Secure messaging
• Photo sharing (private)
• Real-time updates
• Check-in notifications
• Emergency alerts

Tracking and Accountability

How programs track children:

• Attendance systems
• Transition tracking
• Sleep monitoring
• Outdoor play counts
• Field trip headcounts

Custody and Legal Situations

Custody Disputes

Programs should:

• Have custody documents on file
• Follow court orders
• Not release to unauthorized parent
• Call police if necessary
• Protect the child's safety

Restraining Orders

If applicable:

• Documentation on file
• Photos of restricted persons
• All staff aware
• Clear procedure if person appears
• Law enforcement involvement

What You Need to Provide

Documentation:

• Court orders
• Custody agreements
• Restraining orders
• Photos of restricted persons
• Emergency contacts update

Evaluating Daycare Security

During Your Tour

Observe:

• How you entered (was it controlled?)
• Were you verified before entering?
• Did you sign in?
• Were classrooms secure?
• Was playground fenced?
• How did staff handle your presence?

Questions to Ask

Essential security questions:

1. How do you control building access?
2. What's your check-in/out procedure?
3. Who can pick up my child?
4. What background checks do you conduct?
5. What are your emergency procedures?
6. How will you notify me in emergencies?
7. How do you handle custody situations?
8. Do you have security cameras?

Red Flags

Be concerned if:

• Doors propped open
• Anyone can walk in
• No sign-in procedure
• Staff don't verify identity at pickup
• Vague about background checks
• No emergency plans
• Uncomfortable discussing security

Your Role in Security

Following Procedures

Your responsibilities:

• Sign in and out properly
• Don't prop doors open
• Update authorized pickup list
• Provide custody documentation
• Keep contact info current
• Report concerns

Teaching Your Child

Age-appropriate lessons:

• Staying with caregivers
• Not leaving with strangers
• What to do if lost
• Knowing their information
• Recognizing safe adults

Key Takeaways

Physical security:

• Controlled access
• Locked doors
• Fenced playgrounds
• Secure entry points

Procedural security:

• Check-in/out systems
• ID verification
• Authorized pickup lists
• Visitor management

Staff screening:

• Background checks
• Ongoing monitoring
• Training
• Clear policies

Emergency preparedness:

• Plans in place
• Staff trained
• Drills conducted
• Communication systems

Your involvement:

• Ask questions
• Follow procedures
• Provide documentation
• Stay informed

Security in childcare requires multiple layers of protection. By understanding what to look for and asking the right questions, you can ensure your child is in a program that takes safety seriously.

---

Related guides you may find helpful:

• Daycare Safety Checklist: Red Flags Every Paren...
• 25 Daycare Red Flags Every Parent Must Know: Wa...
• Daycare Accidents and Injuries: What Parents Ne...
• 12 Childcare Mistakes Parents Make (And How to ...