Facility Features That Protect Children From Abuse and Neglect

Observation

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ACTIVITY ID: 27406

Name

Certifier

Date

Directions: In their coursework, staff members will be expected to tour the facility with you or the Program Manager. They will look for each of the features below, and they will ask you to describe how it works in your facility. Take this opportunity to prepare yourself for this tour. Make sure you can explain all the ways your facility protects children from harm. Make notes in the table below about how the feature protects children from abuse and neglect.

FEATURE(S)	Yes (Y), No (N), or N/A	HOW DOES THIS PROTECT CHILDREN?
There are windows in the doors to all rooms and areas used to care for children (except for adult and school-age toilet rooms), allowing activities in the room to be viewed from outside the room.
Doors on toilet stalls are removed, except for toilets used by children over age 5 and adults; or there are half walls that allow line of sight supervision for children under age 5.
Walls around toilets are half-height (in Child Development Programs).
Storage areas are designed so the hardware on the doors is operable from both sides. Doors on closets can be opened from the inside without a key. This prevents a child from being locked in a closet or storage area. In some Services, vision panels are required in the doors for all storage areas.
Windows are uncovered, without draperies or artwork.
Sinks for handwashing are in activity rooms.
Concave mirrors are installed when needed to improve visibility.
Rooms used for evening care are located near the front door.
Outdoor play areas are constructed so all parts can be viewed from inside the center and from outside the playground fencing. There are windows in the walls between activity rooms and outdoor play areas to permit viewing of both areas.
Sinks for handwashing are in activity rooms.
Doors to storage areas are visible from the main building.
Play structures are built so children can be viewed while at play.
Reception desk is located so reception staff can view the entrance.
Large centers have alarms on all exit doors which do not open onto a play area.
One central entrance serves all wings or modules.
Closed circuit television systems are installed and monitored.