3.17.11: In the event of a missing child
- Page ID
- 41690
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Emergency Procedure: Missing Child
Purpose
This procedure outlines the steps to respond swiftly and effectively in the event a child goes missing while under the care of the program. The goal is to ensure the safety of the missing child, locate them promptly, and maintain the safety of the other children.
Procedure
1. Immediate Response
- Alert Staff and Conduct a Headcount:
- As soon as a child is suspected to be missing, notify all staff immediately.
- Conduct a headcount and verify attendance using the sign-in sheet or attendance log to confirm the missing child’s identity.
- Search the Premises:
- Assign staff members to search specific areas of the facility, including:
- Classrooms.
- Restrooms.
- Playgrounds.
- Common areas.
- Search areas where the child was last seen, and check hiding spots such as under tables or in closets.
- Assign staff members to search specific areas of the facility, including:
2. Notify the Director
- Escalate the Situation:
- Inform the center director or designated supervisor immediately if the child is not located within 5 minutes.
- The director will coordinate further actions, including contacting emergency services and parents/guardians.
- Secure the Facility:
- Prevent unauthorized access or exit from the building by locking doors and monitoring all entry/exit points.
- Ensure all other children remain supervised and calm.
3. Contact Authorities and Parents/Guardians
- Call 911:
- Provide the following information:
- Child’s name, age, and description (e.g., height, weight, clothing, distinguishing features).
- Last known location and time.
- Any additional relevant details (e.g., if the child has special needs or medical conditions).
- Follow instructions from law enforcement.
- Provide the following information:
- Notify Parents/Guardians:
- Call the child’s parents/guardians to inform them of the situation.
- Provide reassurance that the center is working with authorities to locate the child.
4. Search Beyond the Premises
- If the child is not found on the premises, staff may coordinate with law enforcement to expand the search area.
- Provide law enforcement with updated attendance records and the child’s emergency contact information.
5. Document the Incident
- Complete an Incident Report Form:
- Include detailed information such as:
- The child’s name and time of disappearance.
- Actions taken by staff.
- Locations searched.
- Communication with authorities and parents/guardians.
- File the report in the center’s emergency records.
- Include detailed information such as:
6. Follow-Up
- Debrief with Staff:
- Conduct a staff meeting to review the incident and identify any areas for improvement.
- Update policies or procedures as needed to prevent future occurrences.
- Support for Children and Families:
- Provide reassurance to the other children and families about the steps taken to ensure safety.
- Offer support to the missing child’s family during and after the incident.
Prevention Measures
- Conduct regular headcounts during transitions, outdoor play, and field trips.
- Ensure all children are supervised at all times.
- Maintain updated attendance logs and sign-in/sign-out sheets.
- Secure all doors, gates, and fences to prevent unauthorized exits.
Responsibilities
Staff
- Conduct immediate headcounts and search the premises.
- Supervise other children and ensure their safety.
- Report the missing child to the director promptly.
Director
- Coordinate the response, including contacting authorities and parents/guardians.
- Lead post-incident reviews and update safety procedures as needed.
By following this procedure, the program ensures a swift, coordinated, and effective response to locate the missing child while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all children.