As the days get longer, it’s finally time to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. Before dashing off to the playground, review these important tips to help you do your job safely and carefully. Remember, if you are on duty, the safety and well-being of the children is your job.

Supervision 

• Whether you are at the park, in the backyard, or in the playroom, stay with the children at all times!   
• If you have a middle-schooler, who is able to walk to and from school or play outside with friends, you still need to know where he/she is and whether an adult is present. Make plans for when he/she will call you, where you can find him/her, and what time you expect him/her home.
• Children should never talk to strangers or go near a stranger’s car. They should not accept money, candy or gifts from strangers and never take a ride from a stranger.

Street Safety

• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Discuss traffic lights – Green means go, Yellow means wait, Red means stop.
• Never chase a ball into the street.
• Streets are for cars – children should play in a yard, not the street.
• Learn street signs and what they mean (STOP sign, CROSSWALK, etc.).
• Never play behind cars that are parked in the driveway.
• Watch carefully when walking behind parked cars.

Click here for more safety tips.