OCDEL Announces Update on Children Being Picked Up and Dropped Off at School
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released an announcement to update certified child care providers on rules regarding care and supervision when children are picked up and dropped off at school.
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Under state law, children on facility premises are to be supervised by a staff person at all times. Supervision during pick-up and drop-off times for children must be clearly defined to ensure the safety and accountability of children and child care providers.
OCDEL’s announcement includes updates on transfers from child care to school and school to child care:
Child care to school: Unless otherwise stated in a written agreement signed by a caregiver, care and supervision are the responsibility of the child care facility until the child gets on a school bus or enters the school building. The transfer of child care processes or policy must be documented in the child care agreement or handbook.
School to child care: Supervision by the child care facility begins when the child exits the school bus, once the child enters the child care bus or van, or when a staff member arrives to walk the child to the child care facility.
To avoid gaps in supervision, all transportation arrangements that allow for unsupervised travel must be clearly stated, approved, and signed off by the caregiver.
If, for example, a child is permitted to walk independently to school or the bus stop, this must be clearly stated in the child care agreement or handbook. Transfer of care processes or policy must be accompanied by a signed receipt from the caregiver documenting that they have received and read the handbook.
For more information, read OCDEL’s announcement.