9.2.4.9: Policy on Actions to Be Followed When No Authorized Person Arrives to Pick Up a Child

Early care and education programs should have a written policy identifying actions to be taken when no authorized person arrives to pick up a child. The plan should be developed in consultation with the child care health consultant, local law enforcement, and child protective services. The plan should also be shared with each child’s parent or guardian during the enrollment process, so that these individuals understand what to expect in this type of situation.

In the event that no authorized person arrives to pick up a child, the early care and education program should attempt to reach each authorized contact listed in the child’s record. If these efforts fail, the program should immediately implement the written policy on actions to be followed when no authorized person arrives to pick up a child.

RATIONALE

Early care and education programs are responsible for all the children in their care. If an authorized person does not come to pick up a child, and one cannot be reached, caregivers/teachers must know what authority to call and to whom they can legally and safely release the child. This is to ensure the safety of the child and to protect the early care and education program from legal action.

COMMENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Model Child Care Health Polices. Aronson SS, ed. 5th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2014

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

9.2.4.8 Authorized Persons to Pick Up Child

NOTES

Content in the STANDARD was modified on 08/27/2020.