DC TRUST Guide 1023 - Children & Youth Investment Trust ...

f. Program actively partners with other organizations to achieve goals, secure funds and
raise consciousness about youth programming.
g. Program attempts to coordinate staff development activities with those of school and
community partners.
h. Program documents and archives the “how-to” of activities and projects (e.g. resources,
contacts, outcomes).
i. Program offers topics and materials that are relevant enough to engage and sustain the
interest of its customers.
Field Guide to OST Best Practices / Organizational Infrastructure / 40
◆
SAFETY, HEALTH AND NUTRITION
There is little argument that safety must always be a high priority for all out-of-school time
programs. It can make or break everything else good that happens during the program
day and it is one of the prime developmental needs of young people. Safety, however, takes
thought and planning. Systems need to be in place and followed in order to create an
environment where learning, exploring and youth development can thrive. Attention to
details that as adults we often take for granted can ensure healthy conditions, adequate
nutrition, and a feeling of security for young people, their families and program staff.
1. Program protects the safety and security of young people at and around its site.
a. All program site entrances are either continually monitored or locked with a buzzer
system that requires voice identification for admittance.
b. Systems are in place to protect young people from harm when using site areas where
supervision is more challenging (e.g. hallways, playgrounds, rest-rooms, etc.).
c. Program monitors arrival and dismissal of young people and does not allow them to leave
with anyone who does not have approval to pick them up.
d. Parental sign-off is required for students who will leave on their own from the program.
e. Programs can identify where their young people are throughout the program day.
f. A consistently enforced code of conduct is publicly displayed and used to prevent accidents
or violent conflict.
g. Program provides young people with confidential avenues for informing the appropriate
adults if they don’t feel safe.
h. Program encourages young people walking or taking public transit home to travel together.
i. When possible, program has designated security personnel.
2. Program provides a safe physical environment for on-site activities.
a. There are no observable safety hazards in the program space, either indoor or outdoor.
b. There is a procedure in place for regularly checking the adequacy, safety and
maintenance of the indoor and outdoor program environment.