The Preschool will:
- Keep safety first in mind at all times.
- Contact parents/guardians through media access or a rapid call system about the emergency situation.
- Update information through media and rapid call systems periodically, even if there is nothing new to report to confirm current status.
- Follow the process and procedures that will provide safety to students and staff.
- Keep students informed as appropriate per grade level, so they are aware of the situation.
- If releasing students, will set a designated area for you to report for student pick up.
- Will only sign students out with the parent of the person that is on the emergency file with the office.
- Provide directions to offsite location if evacuated off school grounds.
- Provide an appropriate environment and supervision if under a long term/shelter in-place situation.
We ask Parents/Guardians contact persons to:
- Provide emergency contact numbers or update existing contact information to the office.
- Talk to your child and have a plan in place if needed in case of an emergency during school hours.
- If your plan includes giving permission for your child to be able to be picked up by a person other than yourself, this MUST be on file in the school office.
- Have personal identification to verify who you are when requested.
Parent Reminders!!!
- Do not panic.
- Refrain from calling your child; depending on the circumstances you be placing them in danger of being detected by a ringing phone.
- Reinforce with your children that in an emergency, it is important for students to follow the directions of the staff.
- Be aware that students who do not follow the given directions and act independently will have consequences.
- Please - Wait for communication by the school to you about the situation. Do not call 911, or the school or come to the school unless instructed.
LOCKOUT "Secure the Perimeter"
Used when there is an identified threat or hazard outside of the school building.
- Students:
- Return to inside of the building
- Do business as usual
- Teachers:
- Recover students and staff from outside the building
- Take roll, account for all students
- Increase situational awareness
- Do business as usual
LOCKDOWN "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"
Used when there is a threat inside the school building.
- Students:
- Move away from sight
- Maintain silence
- Teachers:
- Lock classroom door
- Lights off
- Move away from sight
- Maintain silence
- Take roll, account of all students
- Wait for first responders to open the door
EVACUATE "Announce type of emergency and location"
Used to move students and staff from one location to another.
- Students:
- Leave belongings behind
- Form a single file line
- Take the hands of person in front and behind in extreme circumstances; ie smoke, earthquake
- Teachers:
- Obtain roll sheet
- Lead students to evacuation location
- Take roll, account for all students
SHELTER "Safe Location, Secured"
Used when the need for personal protection is necessary.
Type: Tornado, Hurricane, Hazmat
Methods: Drop; Cover, Hold; Seal; In silence
Students: Use appropriate methods
Teachers: Take roll, account for all students
Wesley’s Circle of Friends is a sanctuary safe preschool and has implemented additional cautionary processes.
- All staff are CPR, First Aid Trained and have received child abuse and criminal background clearances.
- Doors into the preschool are locked while the school is in operation. Each parent will receive a key fob to enter into the preschool.
- Parents will receive a permission to photograph waiver which can be accepted or declined. Children will not be photographed without a signed waiver.
- All children must be signed in/out of the preschool by an authorized adult. They must also be accompanied by an authorized adult before/after school when on school premisses.
- Security cameras monitor Wesley’s Circle of Friends outside entrance.
- Parking is not allowed along the sidewalk or grass near the entrance. This area must remain clear at all times and can not block the entry of emergency vehicles.
- Fire Drill Procedures are practiced during the school year.
- Lock Down Procedures have been updated, following the Bethlehem Area School District’s Lock Down Procedures. (please see full procedure link below)
- WCOF is a peanut free school.
- Communication to the Director is accessible 24/7 via phone, e-mail, text or the REMIND ap.
Emergency and Safety Protocols
Communication, Cooperation, and Understanding a situation are the keys in any emergency.
Unfortunately, our school and others through the country may be affected either directly or indirectly by a crisis. Therefore, it is our goal to be prepared to handle these unforeseen circumstances. To keep our students safe, we run drills regularly through the school year. All drills are based on 4 Standard Responses. (See below.)
